Who Are The Main Characters In 'That'S Not What Happened'?

'That's Not What Happened' revolves around Lee, a survivor of a tragic school shooting, who is determined to set the record straight about her best friend Sarah's death. The media and public have twisted Sarah's story into a martyr narrative, claiming she died proclaiming her faith, but Lee knows the truth was far less dramatic. She teams up with other survivors like Miles, who uses humor to cope, and Kellie, Sarah's girlfriend, who struggles with grief and anger. Each character carries their own scars—physical or emotional—from that day. Lee's journey is about reclaiming agency over her trauma while navigating friendships strained by loss and differing memories. The novel's strength lies in how it portrays survivors as complex individuals rather than reducing them to symbols.

The supporting cast includes Denny, Lee's protective older brother, and Virgil, a skeptical journalist probing inconsistencies in the official story. Even minor characters like Pastor Mike, who capitalizes on Sarah's myth, add layers to the exploration of truth versus perception. Kody Keplinger crafts these characters with raw honesty, showing how tragedy doesn't unite people as neatly as stories suggest. Conflicts arise when Lee's version challenges others' coping mechanisms, making the dynamics painfully real. It's a gripping examination of how narratives are shaped, and who gets to control them.

The heart of 'That's Not What Happened' is its messy, authentic characters. Lee isn't your typical heroic survivor—she's prickly, stubborn, and sometimes selfish, which makes her feel real. Her relationship with Kellie crackles with tension; their shared loss of Sarah binds them, but guilt and unspoken words push them apart. Miles provides levity with his dark jokes, but his sarcasm masks deep pain. Keplinger avoids stereotypes, showing how grief fractures people in unpredictable ways. Even secondary characters like Lee's parents, who hover between smothering and distant, reflect the uneven aftermath of trauma. The novel's brilliance is in how it lets characters disagree—about Sarah, about faith, about moving forward—without tidy resolutions. These aren't archetypes; they're survivors stumbling through a world that wants them to be inspirational or pitiable, never just human.

Lee takes center stage in 'That's Not What Happened,' but the ensemble elevates the story. Sarah looms large despite being dead—her idealized version clashes with Lee's messy memories. Kellie's raw anger and Miles' deflective humor create a poignant trio of survivors. What stands out is how Keplinger resists simplifying their relationships; love and resentment coexist. Even minor figures like Denny or Virgil aren't mere plot devices—they challenge Lee's truth, forcing her to confront uncomfortable shades of gray. The characters' imperfections make the exploration of trauma resonate.

Keplinger populates 'That's Not What Happened' with characters who defy expectations. Lee isn't seeking closure—she's fighting for a truth no one wants to hear. Her dynamic with Kellie is especially compelling; their grief intertwines with unresolved tension about Sarah's life, not just her death. Miles steals scenes with his sharp wit, but his vulnerability peeks through at key moments. The adults—from Lee's exhausted parents to the opportunistic Pastor Mike—highlight how outsiders often misunderstand survivor experiences. The novel's power comes from these nuanced portraits, where heroism and flaws are inseparable.

Lee's voice drives 'That's Not What Happened,' but the supporting cast adds depth. Kellie's grief is fierce and private, contrasting Miles' performative coping. Sarah's absence hangs over every chapter, her real story buried under public myth. Even smaller roles, like Denny's overprotectiveness or Virgil's skepticism, shape Lee's quest. Keplinger avoids victim tropes, instead crafting characters who are angry, funny, and messy—as real survivors would be.