The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Character Analysis

Most people struggle with their identity during their high school teen years. This is especially the case if you are gay. The treatment of gay characters in movies has always been a touchy subject. Some are treated equally the same as everyone else, while others are given negative stereotypes or even bullied. In The Perks of Being A Wallflower, directed by Stephen Chbosky, Patrick is openly gay to his close friends, but has to conceal his relationship with Brad, causing Patrick to have to hide his own reality and true self.
Throughout the film, Patrick deals with issues relating to his sexual orientation. Classmates began to call Patrick by the name of Patty instead of his real name. He became frustrated and told the students “listen, you either call me Patrick, or you call me nothing.” He then became known as “Nothing.” It started off as a joke, but then became annoying. Patrick always put on a nice face, but in reality, is hurting on the inside. No one truly knows how someone is feeling on the inside. The indifference between Patrick and his classmates causes him to feel alone and unwanted. Charlie, one of
He is in a secret relationship with Brad, the high school quarterback. Their relationship has to be a secret because Brad has to maintain is image and high social status. Brad’s dad would also kill him if he knew his son was gay. Patrick has to conform to Brad’s wishes in order to maintain their relationship. In the film there was a science experiment involving a rodent, an electrical current, and “some kind of rat or mouse nip that would put up with a lot more voltage for the pleasure.” Charlie, on of Patrick’s new found friends, connects the dots with the experiment and Brad and Patrick’s relationship. Patrick is the mouse and Brad is the mouse nip. Patrick has to deal with a lot to be with Brad, including conforming to his expectations. Brad has power and Patrick must conform to his rules. Add conclusion