Zach Character Analysis in Everything, Everything

A good friend of Olly’s whom Olly and Maddy meet up with in Maui. Zach is gay, and wants to be a rock star, neither of which he feels he can tell his parents about, as they’re homophobic and don’t see music as a viable life path. Zach helps Maddy come to terms with her choice to lie to Mom and to Olly, especially in regard to the supposed pills she purchased from Canada in order to take the trip. He suggests that sometimes, lying is the only way to be a part of a family, and that it’s easier to lie than live one’s truth.

Zach Quotes in Everything, Everything

The Everything, Everything quotes below are all either spoken by Zach or refer to Zach. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

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“Maybe growing up means disappointing the people we love.”

Related Characters: Zach (speaker), Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, Olly, Mom/Dr. Pauline Whittier

Page Number and Citation: 218

Explanation and Analysis:

He’s not sure which conversation with his mom finally convinced her. It could’ve been because he told her he couldn’t be part of the family anymore if she stayed. Sometimes you have to leave the people who love you the most, he said. Or, he says, it could’ve been when he finally told her about me and about how sick I am and how I was willing to do anything just to live. He says that she thinks I’m brave.

Related Characters: Madeline “Maddy” Whittier (speaker), Olly, Mom/Dr. Pauline Whittier, Olly’s Dad, Zach, Olly’s Mom

Page Number and Citation: 259

Explanation and Analysis:

Zach Character Timeline in Everything, Everything

The timeline below shows where the character Zach appears in Everything, Everything. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...as they drive away from his house, especially since an old friend of his named Zach lives in Maui. Since they have a few hours before their flight, Maddy asks to... (full context)

Olly calls Zach and Zach shows up a half-hour later. Zach immediately begins playing air guitar and singing.... (full context)

Olly asks Zach to borrow his phone and they briefly discuss that Olly’s dad is still controlling and... (full context)

Zach asks Maddy if she’s okay and clarifies that he’s asking about her illness. Truthfully, Maddy... (full context)