The Marthas (Meg n’ Emily n’ Siobhan) Character Analysis in Speak

An insipid and tyrannical group of girls obsessed with community service and school spirit, The Marthas are the clique that tries to join. They take advantage of her insecurity and eagerness, forcing her to decorate for their events and then taking all the credit for her work, even as they tell her that she has done a terrible job. Heather frequently enlists to help her with these projects. To Melinda, these girls represent the height of high school conformity and cruelty.

The Marthas (Meg n’ Emily n’ Siobhan) Character Timeline in Speak

The timeline below shows where the character The Marthas (Meg n’ Emily n’ Siobhan) appears in Speak. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Melinda mockingly describes the Marthas, the clique that Heather is trying to join. It is composed of three upperclassmen whom... (full context)

As the Marthas enter, Melinda exits. But she watches as the Marthas make fun of her lips and... (full context)

...go to the Winter Assembly so that she does not need to sit alone (the Marthas have yet to invite her to sit with them). She gives Melinda bell earrings as... (full context)

...note from Heather, Melinda goes to her house to find her sobbing about disappointing the Marthas at a Valentine’s Day event for a local children’s hospital—apparently she didn’t properly stuff Valentine’s... (full context)

...store (though Melinda believes that Heather’s father may have gotten the job for her). The Marthas, meanwhile, are impressed. (full context)

Melinda has started to sit with Heather at the edge of the Martha table for lunch. The Marthas have gone shopping, and Heather has not been invited; Melinda... (full context)

The Marthas suddenly get excited as Andy Evans—whom Melinda identifies as IT—comes into the cafeteria. Emily reveals... (full context)

Andy Evans walks over and begins to flirt with Emily while standing behind Melinda. Melinda tries to lean into the table, deaf to his words... (full context)

...a place meant for “Teenage Humiliation Rituals,” Melinda sits with Heather, but not at the Marthas’ table; instead they sit close to the courtyard. Melinda imagines the snow behind her, and... (full context)

...parents immediately snap at her. The guidance counselor mentions that Melinda is friends with the Marthas and Principal Principal (who has been doodling a hornet) reacts positively, asking Melinda if these... (full context)

...a scientist experimenting on and observing all of her fellow students. She watches as the Marthas interview a new member, and wonders if they are laughing at her; imagines Heather fat... (full context)

...belong in Mr. Freeman’s art room, but she does not—nor does she belong with the Marthas or in her bedroom. People stare as Melinda throws out her linoleum block; Mr. Freeman... (full context)

...Heather cries about how awful it is to be working as a slave for the Marthas. Melinda contemplates making her leave because it will “hurt too much when my room is... (full context)

...in school that day because everyone hated her decorations so much. Melinda imagines that the Marthas are furious. Rachel, meanwhile, broke up with Andy in the middle of prom because he... (full context)