Cemil A. answered 12/29/24
Experienced AS/A Level Tutor & College Consultant
Key incidents and conversations in Chapter 2 of April Henry's The Body in the Woods highlight significant characteristics of the three main characters, Alexis, Ruby, and Nick, as they start to figure out their roles in the Portland County Search and Rescue team and deal with the finding of a body in the woods. What is disclosed about each is as follows:
Alexis: Alexis is shown to be responsible and to be greatly impacted by her family's circumstances, particularly her mother's battles with mental illness, through her inner thoughts and deeds. Her dedication to the SAR team suggests that she is looking for order and control in her life. Beneath her composed exterior, she exhibits both resilience and vulnerability in her response to the body's discovery.
Ruby: Ruby's speech and actions reveal her curiosity and intelligence, but they also reveal her social awkwardness and criminal obsession. She sees the situation through a lens of fascination, demonstrating both her analytical mind and her lack of emotional connection, which could give the impression that she is emotionally distant.
Nick: Because of his father's military experience, Nick is shown as being keen to establish himself and feel like he belongs. His response to the body's discovery demonstrates both his initial battle with fear and inexperience as well as his resolve to make a significant contribution.