Character Relationships in "Looking For Alaska"!!!

Everyone knows the feeling of loneliness, and that is exactly what Miles is feeling when he first enters Culver Creek Boarding School. Miles is starting to worry that his social status will be similar to that of his previous school-until he meets Chip (The Colonel). Through The Colonel, Miles (now nicknamed “Pudge”-ironic because Miles is notably skinny) meets Alaska and Takumi. Throughout the book, Miles creates very specific and unique relationships with each of his new friends.

First of all, Miles meets his new roommate: The Colonel. It is more than clear to see that Miles is eternally thankful for The Colonel. The Colonel was Miles’ first friend at Culver Creek, and more-or-less served as Miles’ ticket onto the rollercoaster that is Friendship. Without The Colonel, Miles probably would never have been introduced to Alaska or Takumi, and could very easily be friendless at the Creek! The Colonel serves as a key part of Miles’ life at Boarding School.

Later on, Miles meets Takumi through The Colonel when they are eating dinner together (Bufriedos-yum). Miles spends a pretty normal amount of time with Takumi-at the Smoking Hole, lighting the Firecrackers, etc. However, after the Tragedy, the two start to slip away from each other. This may be because Miles met Takumi last, or because of their omnipresent grief. Miles becomes very estranged from Takumi.

Then comes Alaska. Alaska was introduced to Miles by the Colonel as well, and takes Miles by surprise. Alaska is constantly pessimistic, and always optimistic. Overall, she’s incredibly mystifying. Miles is attracted to her loving side, but with Alaska, you can’t have just one. Alaska confuses everyone, but that’s one of the reasons we just want to read more and more.

Overall, Miles’ interactions with The Colonel, Takumi, and Alaska define him as a character throughout the novel. This comes to show how we as people are shaped by the people around us.