In a world where individuality is celebrated, the journey of self-discovery takes center stage, guiding characters through challenges and revelations. This theme resonates deeply in Cat Patrick's young adult novel The Originals, where individualism is intricately woven into the narrative fabric. Through the protagonist's struggles and achievements, the story addresses the complex issues of identity and the journey of self-discovery in the face of societal constraints. Lizzie, the protagonist, grapples with the restrictions imposed by her status as one of three identical triplet clones. From the start, Lizzie's battle for independence is evident, as she confronts the pressure to conform to a predetermined schedule and identity alongside her sisters. Through the portrayal of characters and plot development, Cat Patrick's 'The …show more content…
As illegally cloned identical triplets, the girls must act as a single person at school. The triplets' assigned roles emphasize the theme of individualism, with each sister responsible for a specific portion of the day. This strict existence restricts them the opportunity to express their unique characteristics and abilities, leaving them feeling trapped and unable to express their individuality. Lizzie's failure on her math quiz quickly captured her mother's attention. Her mother states, “‘First, I want to say that we’re lucky that it’s taken this long for noticeable differences to crop up... but now, it’s become obvious to me that Lizzie is developing more right-brain tendencies’”(Patrick 6). The triplets are expected to uphold the persona of Elizabeth, even if their abilities do not match it. Failing a quiz is not an option because Elizabeth isn't bad at math, but Lizzie is. This example emphasizes how individuals are under pressure to fit in and how individual differences are erased in order to preserve an illusion of