The Perfect Escape

Nate is one of the protagonists of the novel. He is a 17-year-old Korean American high school student who aspires to become a CEO like Robbie Anderson-Steele. At home, his parents call him Jae-Woo, and although he cannot speak Korean fluently, he understands the Korean that his parents speak to him and his five-year-old sister, Lucy. Nate is outgoing, ambitious, and extremely dedicated to his schoolwork and numerous extracurricular activities. At times, he feels awkward around girls his age, but he comes across as funny and charming, especially when the author portrays him from Kate’s point of view. Nate attends a prestigious private academy on a scholarship because his working-class immigrant parents cannot afford to pay the expensive tuition. Nate resents his socioeconomic status, which has earned him the nickname “skid” at school. He and his friends Jaxon and Zach hold the privileged students in contempt for not having to constantly worry about money like they do. Nate’s job at the zombie escape room is so important to him because he needs the money to fund his lifestyle and save for his college and career plans. Nate’s money troubles also motivate him to join the Zombiegeddon competition and chase the promise of its cash prize.