The controversial Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why started an extremely relevant discourse on bullying and harassment in school, and went on to tackle serious issues such as sexual violence, suicide, drug abuse, mental health, and HIV.
Although the series somehow seemed to lose its way after its first two seasons, it still stayed relevant and crucial to an entire generation of teens. Most of the characters on the show were survivors in their own way, dealing with the difficulties of high school life and striving to get past them. Here are the first and last lines of the ten most important characters.
Ani
“My name is Amorowat Anysia Achola. You can call me Ani.”/“Yeah, me too.”
Ani or Amorowat joined the gang as a senior at Liberty High from the series' third season. Ani brought a neutral perspective to the story that had until then clearly portrayed Bryce Walker as a remorseless villain. The entire third season is narrated by Ani, and in her first line, she introduces herself.
In the final season, Ani is completely a part of the group at Liberty High, and has even helped them beat the odds against being found out for everything that happened with Bryce. When Alex mentions that with all the tragedy and death that had surrounded them, he feels good to be alive, Ani agrees with tears in her eyes. She was always more clear-headed and reasonable than most of the others.
Tyler Down
“Oh, hey, Clay.”/“If anyone ever needs any help, anytime, anyplace, just send a group text, say, ‘Gordon Lightfoot’.”
Tyler Down was a survivor in every sense of the term. The nerdy young photographer made his way through high school shakily, but came out on top. His first line is simple and uncomplicated.
By the time Tyler utters his last line of the series, he is a grown, mature man, and a loyal friend. It is he who reminds everyone that they had forged an unwritten bond by which all of them would be there for each other whenever any one of them needed help.
Bryce Walker
“No, no, mom. It’s a stupid school email.”/“So that’s something, right?”
The notorious Bryce Walker is one of the most hated characters on the show, and justifiably so. His first dialogue is typical of the spoilt brat that he is, arguing with his mom about some school email that he wants her to ignore, presumably about some disciplinary issue he might be facing.
Bryce's last line is delivered to Jessica as he appears to her after his death. Jessica tells him that she, along with everyone else, had survived the trauma they had been through and that they had managed to love and hold on to each other despite the monstrosity of the world created by the likes of Bryce Walker. Bryce leaves, somewhat disheartened but giving the impression that he didn't care, which was typical of his obnoxious character.
Tony Padilla
“Hey, Clay. You want a ride home?”/“We’ll always have that.”
Tony was another student at Liberty High and for most of the first season, he acted as Clay's conscience and looked out for him as the latter struggled to get through the tapes. His opening line is relevant to his concern for Clay.
Tony's closing dialog as he addresses Jessica is a sign the character has grown. True, the high school gang had been through some terrible times, but those had brought them closer, something they would always have.
Alex Standall
“Umm...Hey.”/“Right on.”
Alex Standall had a hard time on the show. But he made a comeback every time, whether after he had tried to shoot himself or whether it was after he had killed Bryce Walker. He was a shy, reserved young man for the most part, especially when he delivered his first line to Jessica and Hannah.
His last line was more confident, although he still had his soft, introverted nature. He responded to his friend Tyler's statement that any one of the friends could text the others if they needed help, even though they were all going their own ways.
Zachary Dempsey
“Whoah! No way! The bus?”-“All this shit that never would have happened.”
Zachary Dempsey was a smart kid, and even better at football. He was level headed for the most part, until he began losing his way after Hannah and Bryce's death. His first line is slightly brattish but somewhat stereotypical of a school athlete, as he is taken aback by Justin's decision to travel by bus instead of by car.
But his closing line implies how he had been humbled by all the tragedies that happened. He regrets them but he is ready to move on to a new chapter of his life.
Jessica Davis
“Hey! Where the hell is Justin?”/“But we would’ve never been friends.”
Jessica Davis went from a somewhat superficial girl to a strong, powerful young woman who had survived sexual abuse. Her lines reveal her arc perfectly. The first line is a frenzied need to find her boyfriend Justin at a time when the latter seemed to occupy most of her mind.
Jessica evolved into a mature woman who overcame her trauma and found peace with herself. Her last line indicates to her friends that everything that they faced together had only brought them closer.
Hannah Baker
“Hi, It’s Hannah. Hannah Baker.”/“No reason. I just wanted you to think of that right now.”
Hannah Baker was at the heart of the first season that revolved around her death. Her first line is also the very first line of tape one, which marks the beginning of the entire saga that finally ends in her tragic suicide.
Hannah’s last line leaves fans with a profound heartache. She has just reminded Clay of the winter dance at the school where the two fooled around, probably having the most fun either of them had had with each other. For Clay, the memory of that night would probably stay with him for some time.
Justin Foley
“What the hell are you doing?”/“When you forgive someone, it’s more for you than them.”
Justin Foley was an arrogant smart mouth at the beginning of season 1, so it comes as no surprise that his first line in the series should be a hostile one.
However, fans know that Justin was the one character that evolved the most during the four seasons. He appears to Clay after his shocking and heartwrenching death and asks him to forgive Hannah for leaving him.
Clay Jensen
“Nothing. I’m just...”/“It’s the strangest fucking code word.”
Clay’s first line is a response to Justin’s. He first appears to the viewer, looking lost and sad, right after the shock of Hannah’s death. At this point, Clay is still indecisive and hesitant, which matches his first dialog perfectly.
His final line was a reference to the peculiar code word, ‘Gordon Lightfoot', that the gang had decided on to help each other out in times of need.