In the book Eleanor and park both of the characters are put through extremely difficult situations which lead to character development for both of the characters.
In this book Eleanor has to face many tough situations be at her school where she is constantly bullied or at home were she lives in complete fear of her stepfather. At Eleanor school she is constantly picked on for being different because of the way she dresses, her figure and her crazy red hair. Which is shown when she walked into the locker room and sees “Tina and her friends—and the black girls, too, everybody wanted a piece of this—were standing at the end of Eleanor’s row, waiting for her to walk to her locker. It was covered with Kotex pads. A whole box, it looked like." (Rainbow Rowell 93) This moment was a turning point for Eleanor because out of this experience she made her two best friends that helped her not only at school but also comforted her when her stepdad would get out of hand. Also in this scene Rainbow Rowell lets the reader see into Eleanor's head and which is where we see how even though she is scared to face Tina, she continues to move forward because she will not let these people continue to belittle her.
In this book park also goes to many different situations where his character develops new qualities. Such as when Park decides to where eyeliner, even though his father disapproves and refuses to speak to him afterwards. “'Plenty of guys wear makeup,' Park said.
'What? What are you even talking about?'
'David Bowie,' Park said.'Marc Bolan.'
'I’m not listening to this. Wash your face.'
'Why?” Park pressed his fists into the table.
'Because I said so. Because you look like a girl.'
'So what else is new.'" This quote shows how Park's character is transforming into someone that is not afraid to be themselves even if it breaks the social norm or goes against his parents wishes. Parker begins to develop this newfound confidence because he sees how Eleanor doesn't let other people's opinions affect her, and he sees how comfortable she is in her own skin.
In this book Eleanor and park both go through many different character changes, not only because it's a book and that's what they're supposed to do, but because in their friendship/relationship they find a new found confidence, which allows them to express themselves and make decisions without worry of judgment.