Teen dramas are often a source of contention and controversy, and 13 Reasons Why is no exception; in fact, it might just be one of the most divisive series on Netflix. Throughout the four seasons, its many characters grow and change a lot, revealing how intelligent - or not - they really are.
The series deals with some heavy topics, leaving its characters reeling in tragedy without much reprieve. The adults who are supposed to support them seem oblivious and these teenagers are too young to fully comprehend what is happening in their world. Trauma forces them to age rapidly, but that doesn't mean their intellect has time to catch up.
Zach Dempsey
Like most of the characters, Zach makes his fair share of mistakes. However, one thing that sets him apart is that he never seems to learn from his mistakes, or from his friends' mistakes. Throughout the series, he's seen slipping back to his old ways.
He repeatedly bails on his friends, hurts them in their moments of need, appears to be completely insensitive, and ruins any prospects for himself in the future. Of course, he takes care of Alex and sort of befriends Clay, but his behavior in season 4 especially is irresponsible. He puts others in danger at the rally, shows no common sense or prudence, and almost assaults an unconscious woman.
Justin Foley
Of all the characters on the show, Justin probably evolves the most. By the end of season 4, he has taken responsibility for himself as a person and claimed accountability for his actions. However, he does some questionable things over the episodes.
First of all, he's obsessed with pleasing Bryce and will do anything to prove he's one of the boys, even if it means hurting other people or committing crimes. He sabotages his life on several occasions and thinks it's a good idea to be with Jess when she's grieving and dealing with trauma. Even though he changes, Justin is definitely not the smartest character on the show.
Alex Standall
Alex may be the son of a police officer, but he doesn't always show the same meticulous thought process as his father does. One of Alex's biggest mistakes - if it can be called that - is killing Bryce.
Just as bad is his decision to cover it up, even from his friends, and to let someone else take the blame for his actions. Alex may be acting on emotion when he pushes Bryce into the river, but after everything that he's gone through, shouldn't he be more aware of the consequences of his actions? The same could be said of how rude he continues to be to other characters, even after Hannah.
Bryce Walker
Bryce is a terrible person, but unfortunately, he's not dumb. He manipulates other people very efficiently and has everyone where he needs them to be. He also seems like he has a plan for his future, between his wealthy family and his commitment to sports.
However, Bryce's biggest flaw is choosing to use his intelligence to harm others and improve his own situation, instead of using his knowledge for good. Still, Bryce is naïve to think that he can get away with his actions.
Tyler Down
Tyler must be one of the most nuanced characters in the show. He starts out as a stalker and just not a nice person, probably because he feels alone. Nobody is really nice to him, so he thinks it's fair to treat others the way he's been treated.
Not only does this notion lack common sense, but it lands him in a lot of trouble. Tyler could have been a photographer if he'd only asked his models for consent, but instead, he is almost driven to the point of self-destruction.
Clay Jensen
Clay is a highly moral person who, after gaining enough confidence - and anger - is quick to step into action. At first, he prefers the comfort of the shadows, but when he realizes he's responsible for the pain he caused Hannah, he knows he has to do something about it.
Without Clay, Hannah may never have gotten justice and Bryce would never have been exposed. However, Clay's methods are not always the smartest. He says things without considering people's reactions to them, and he puts himself into awkward, dangerous, and discrediting situations.
Hannah Baker
Hannah's actions in the flashbacks shown throughout the show prove that she's an intelligent young person. She's into arts, literature, and music, and even tries her hand at writing poetry.
She understands things about certain social situations, and she's good at reading people's emotions. Unfortunately, she's just not as good at processing her own, and the lack of support around her drives her to a downward spiral.
Tony Padilla
Tony seems to be the all-knowing, omnipresent deity that watches over Clay and the other kids of Liberty High. He understands when he should keep his distance, and when it's time to step forward and intervene.
He sticks firmly by Clay's side in fighting for justice, though he does get into a few fights along the way. Tony definitely should have come forward about Hannah, but he's only a teenager and doesn't understand what's going on. He's very hard on himself, but he knows a lot about the way the world works.
Jessica Davis
Jessica doesn't leave much of an impression when viewers first meet her, but they soon discover that there's more to her than meets the eye. She takes the time to educate herself on relevant issues that affect her and her classmates, especially her female peers.
Using the knowledge that she has purposefully gained, she forms a strategy to enact change. As Jess grows, it's clear that she's educated, wisened, mature, and sensitive. Her emotional intelligence is also one of her strong points, which becomes clear in her romantic relationships, where she clearly asserts herself.
Ani Achola
Ani is almost an ethereal presence at Liberty High. She sneaks her way into the lives of the main characters and comes to learn a lot about them. However, what's really unique about Ani is her ability to empathize with characters and understand their inner struggles.
It's only thanks to her that everyone is able to get away with what they've done in season 3, even if her arrival on the show does come as a shock. In season 4, Ani states her needs to Clay and rightly ends their relationship, asserting her independence and emotional needs. She becomes a great friend to Jess and treats her sensitively, which can be hard, given her relationship with Bryce.