Maybe Not

Bridgette is the most complex and dynamic character in Maybe Not, defined by her sharp tongue, emotional barriers, and reluctant vulnerability. From the moment she is introduced, she exudes hostility; she is rude, sarcastic, and quick to push people away—especially Warren. She thrives on confrontation, using her abrasive personality as a shield against deeper emotional connections. 

Bridgette appears to be a static character at first—someone set in her ways with no interest in change—but as the novel progresses, her defensiveness slowly unravels, revealing pain and fear but also resilience. Much of Bridgette’s antagonistic behavior is rooted in her traumatic past. She was abandoned by her mother, raised in an unloving environment, and sexually abused by her uncle—experiences that shaped her mistrust of others and unwillingness to let anyone get close, illustrating The Impact of the Past on Present Relationships. Her fear of vulnerability is evident in the way she treats Warren; she initiates a physical relationship but refuses any emotional connection, insisting that their encounters mean nothing. However, her actions contradict her words. She gets irrationally jealous of Sydney, reacts strongly to Warren’s emotions, and subtly shows signs of caring, even if she tries to mask them with aggression. 

Moreover, Bridgette experiences significant character growth throughout the novel. Her most pivotal moment comes when she opens up to Warren, explaining her painful past and admitting that she has never truly felt loved. This marks the turning point in their relationship, as she begins to allow herself to trust him. Though she still struggles with expressing affection, her actions, like a small, unexpected kiss on Warren’s cheek, demonstrate that she is slowly learning to accept love. By the end of the novel, when she finally says “I love you” to Warren, it is a monumental moment for her character.

Bridgette does not conform to traditional romantic heroine tropes; instead, she is rough, difficult, and emotionally closed off. Her journey is not about softening into a more likable version of herself but rather about learning to balance her strength with vulnerability. Her relationship with Warren forces her to confront her fears, proving that love is a choice that requires courage.

Ridge serves as the grounded, level-headed presence amid Warren and Bridgette’s tumultuous dynamic—the quiet observer who watches their dynamic unfold with amusement and occasional exasperation. As Warren’s best friend and roommate, Ridge is often the one to call out Warren’s impulsive tendencies. Unlike Warren, who thrives on provoking reactions, Ridge is mature and pragmatic, offering level-headed advice rather than engaging in petty conflicts. His role as a mediator is crucial—he repeatedly warns Warren that his pranks on Bridgette will backfire, foreshadowing how Warren’s emotional investment in her will become more complicated.

Ridge’s deafness adds an important layer to his characterization, setting him apart from the other characters. While Bridgette avoids engaging with him, likely due to lack of familiarity with sign language, Ridge remains largely indifferent to her hostility. His ability to communicate effectively despite his disability reinforces his role as a foil to Bridgette, who struggles with emotional expression and often hides behind sarcasm and aggression. Ridge does not seek validation from others, nor does he engage in mind games, qualities that contrast sharply with Bridgette’s guarded nature. 

Despite being a relatively static character, Ridge plays a pivotal role in moving the plot forward. His decision not to inform Warren about Bridgette moving in sets up the initial conflict between them, and his casual revelation about Bridgette’s date becomes a catalyst for Warren’s jealous outburst. While Ridge does not experience major character growth, he serves as a moral compass and voice of reason, providing an external perspective on Warren and Bridgette’s evolving relationship.