SOUTH - Meet the Cast
SOUTH has a diverse cast of characters of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and sexualities -- just like the real world. In fact, SOUTH is a very grounded novel, where the characters are not only relatable, but so are the situations they find themselves in, albeit with a few exceptions. After all, how many people do you know who survived an earthquake? Chances are, not many.
So, before you dive into the would of SOUTH, why not take a gander at the people living in it and get to know them better.
AJ White
From: Seoul, South Korea (Originating from South Carolina, United States of America).
Anna-Julia "AJ" Mackenzi White
"Anna-Julia is who my mom wants me to be. I'm just AJ."
Age: 18 (Born April 16th)
Program at McMillan's: Literature
Quick Bio:
When AJ was born, her parents each wanted to call their daughter something different. Her mother wanted to call her Anna while her father wanted to call her Julia. They both decided to compromise and call her both. Her mother only calls AJ by her full name. AJ hates her full name and prefers to be other called just plainly Anna or just Julia, but preferably just AJ. her dad on the other hand sometimes calls his daughter Julia but calls her AJ every now and then.
Random facts about AJ:
While her parents are American, her father learned to speak Korean in preparation for their move to South Korea six years prior to the beginning of SOUTH. He then taught the language to AJ.
In fact, when she talks to her dad, they will sometimes talk to each other in Korean so that AJ won’t forget the language. She also talks to him in Korean when she wants to keep something a secret from the people around her.
Her favourite colour is brown and yellow and her favourite food is pizza and kimchi.
Took dance in Korea and sometimes likes to try and make up dances for the songs she writes. She is a very good dancer. AJ loves to sing but doesn’t have the greatest voice.
Doesn’t really watch TV, but does occasionally listen to the radio, music channels only.
Minami Kyuki
From: New Brunswick, Canada (Originating from Kobe, Japan).
Minami Kyuki
"Sometimes people fall in love with people, not genders."
Age: 17 (Born November 27th)
Program at McMillan's: Animation
Quick bio:
The last remaining member of the Kyuki bloodline, Minami strives to do her best to keep her families memory alive. However, it won't be easy. After all, survivors guilt is enough to put PTSD and severe anxiety into overdrive. Not to mention she was bullied for being different and for the scars that mark her survival. Meeting AJ changed her views on relationships with people and she found that she can be cared for and loved by many friends who don't just see the girl who survived. Her time at McMillan's will show her how to love others in a way she didn't know was possible, and above all, learn to love herself.
Random facts about Minami:
Has PTSD and severe anxiety. Not to mention she has a limp in her right leg due to an injury she sustained when she was six. (Nociceptive back pain).
Loves to sing and have a very powerful voice. However, she is too shy to sing in front of anyone.
When she’s really into what she is doing and heavily concentrating, she tends to stick out her tongue for no apparent reason. She never realizes that she does this.
When it’s bright out, something bright shines in her eyes, her left eye automatically closes for some reason.
Nikky Crawford
From: London, UK.
Nikky Crawford
"I'm only doing it 'cause I'm getting paid."
Age: 19 (Born September 3rd)
Program at McMillan's: Vocal
Quick Bio:
Nikky is the snarky, outgoing, in-your-face, and very British popular girl at McMillan's School of Arts. She lived in good old London her entire life until she decided she wanted to get her post-high school education abroad, leaving behind her long-term girlfriend Parker. But things between her and Parker have been on the rocks for a while, and it's not because Nikky moved to Canada and Parker is busy on tour.
Random facts about Nikky:
-Very snarky and not one for personal boundaries, Nikky literally gets in your personal space and stays with you.
-She is very British and is well known around campus for both her talent in the vocal program and for dating the famous Parker Harris. (Dating Parker since she was in high school back in the UK).
-Very open about her being a lesbian.
-Captain of the schools vocal club.
Derek Beyit
From: Toronto, Canada (Originating from Prince Edward Island, Canada).
Derek Cameron Beyit
“I only want you to be happy."
Age: 18 (Born May 23rd)
Program at McMillan's: Vocal
Quick Bio:
Born and bred in Canada's smallest province of PEI, Derek always wanted more. So when his parents moved to Toronto a few years prior to the beginnings of SOUTH, Derek wasn't as upset at leaving home as his parents thought he would be. Leaving his best friend Mark behind, he knew he wouldn't be missed by using his social media to his advantage. Smart, charming, and a true ladies man, Derek has it all. Now all that's left is to upkeep his full ride to McMillans and keep the girl of his dreams and his future is set.
Random facts about Derek:
He is very popular among his peers.
Has a great intuitive grasp of almost everything he does, enabling him to do outstanding schoolwork and various other things.
An honour student with straight A’s.
Plays the piano and dabbles in song writing.
Not a big fan of watching sports but does enjoy shooting archery.
Rubs his hands through his hair a lot, especially when he’s thinking or concentrating or upset.
Mark Stagger
From: Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Mark John Stagger
"You can’t help who the heart falls for."
Age: 18 (Born January 15th)
Program at McMillan's: Vocal
Quick Bio:
Not really into cars like the rest of his family, who owns a car dealership. As long as they take him where he needs to go, he doesn’t care what the car looks like or what condition it’s in. Mark instantly crushes hard upon his first meeting of Minami when he accidentally runs into a shelf of art supplies in the art studio. He's funny, caring, and never hesitates to do right by his friends.
Random facts about Mark:
Mark and Derek were best friends since forever, even after Derek moved to Toronto. Now at MacMillan's, they are back to being best buds and are in all the same classes.
He is a hopeless romantic for his age. (Usually pretty cheesy).
His favourite food is pizza with anchovies.
Parker Harris (Née Parker Mundra)
From: London, UK. (Originating from Liverpool, UK).
Parker Jane Harris
"Don't forget, I am your girlfriend."
Age: 19 (Born August 11th)
Program at McMillan's: Vocal
Quick Bio:
Parker is born and raised in Liverpool UK (and a true Scouser). However, her parents and family immigrated from India. Parker lived in Liverpool for the majority of her life before moving to London in her ninth year. It was there she met her soon-to-be future girlfriend Nikky. They bonded over their love of music. It was Nikky who encouraged Parker to take her love of violins and start playing at local venues. Soon her unique musical style and movements gained her instant popularity and eventually, she became an international celebrity thanks to social media.
Random facts about Parker:
-Parker’s family name is Mundra, but she adopted the stage name Harris before her debut album.
-Plays (a very expensive and custom made) violin.
-Has millions of followers over all her social media.
-Her face is usually emotionless but her power comes from her words.
-Has a famous rose tattoo on her neck and always well dressed.