Lisa Character Analysis in Wild

Cheryl’s best female friend. Lisa lives in Portland and is the one to organize and send Cheryl’s care packages to the various stops Cheryl is making along the PCT. Though Lisa is only glimpsed in flashbacks for most of the book, it becomes evident that she is a kind, thoughtful, devoted friend—one who has seen Cheryl through her darkest moments and has remained loyal and committed to her in spite of her struggles with self-destructive behavior. Cheryl was always told growing up that blood was thicker than water, but Lisa is one of the people in her life who challenges that axiom through her sisterly devotion and love.

Lisa Character Timeline in Wild

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

...with only backpacking supplies in tow. After leaving her truck in Portland with her friend Lisa—who is in charge of sending pre-packed care packages to stops along the PCT for Cheryl... (full context)

...Paul both struggled to decide whether they should officially divorce or stay together. Cheryl’s friend Lisa called her and urged her to come to Portland for a while, and Cheryl agreed,... (full context)

...Cheryl and Joe spent months together snorting and then later shooting heroin, until Cheryl’s friend Lisa intervened and warned Cheryl about the danger she was getting into. Cheryl reminded Lisa that... (full context)

...the nearby town of Lone Pine. Cheryl restocks food at the grocery store, then calls Lisa to inform her of the change in schedule and to ask her to hold on... (full context)

...night, after dinner, Cheryl makes a new list of stops and care package schedules for Lisa, then turns over to go to sleep. She can hear Greg shifting in his bed... (full context)

The next morning, Cheryl reluctantly prepares to leave Ashland, mailing back to Lisa the things she doesn’t need and purchasing some food at the co-op. As she is... (full context)

...cabin. Cheryl heads back to the store for some snacks and runs into her friend Lisa, who greets Cheryl excitedly and explains that she and her boyfriend wanted to drive up... (full context)