The 17-year-old protagonist navigating her coming-of-age as a butch lesbian. She struggles with her mother's religious expectations and her own identity, finding early support in her friend Laura and father Arthur. After a brief physical relationship with Bina ends in rejection, Alike comes out to her parents, faces intense conflict, and ultimately chooses to move to California for college, asserting her independence over familial pressure.
Sharonda witnesses the family crisis and shows concern for Alike.
Sharonda is identified as Alike's sister and protests during the parents' fight about Alike.
Their mother-daughter bond is strained by religious and identity-based expectations.
Audrey is Alike's mother and tries to control her clothing, friendships, and presentation.
Arthur is the more approachable parent in Alike's family.
Arthur is identified as Alike's father, and Alike says she has a better relationship with him than with Audrey.
Their brief intimacy becomes a major emotional turning point for Alike.
Alike develops feelings for Bina, and the two spend the night together after Bina kisses and caresses her.
Laura is Alike's closest friend and an early source of acceptance.
Alike regularly spends time at clubs with Laura, her openly lesbian friend. They reconcile after Alike flees her hostile home.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Pariah