The Hailsham Students

Kathy H

Kathy H, the novel’s protagonist and narrator, is a clone. At age 31, Kathy begins narrating her memories while working as a carer looking after the clones who are donating organs. She is preparing to become a donor herself. Kathy is exceptional at what she does and has been working for much longer than usual for carers. She has lived longer than her childhood friends, clones who have donated until ‘completion’, that is, ‘death’. Eventually, she will donate until completion too when instructed by the authorities. Kathy’s reminiscing drives the narrative as she recalls her friendships with Ruth, Tommy and the others from Hailsham where she attended school. Her relationships were strained as Ruth dominated her, often through bullying, and interfered with her friendship with Tommy, deliberately inhibiting them from becoming anything more than friends.

Kathy is reserved and quiet but shows a caring side that indicates her humanity. When Tommy is struggling at school, she befriends him when others are more content with teasing him. Likewise, she has an aptitude for her role as carer. As a student at Hailsham, Kathy exhibits restraint and self-consciousness, and often worries about being seen or overheard, especially in conversation with Tommy. Kathy frames herself as somewhat on the outer of groups, acting as a careful observer; she cautiously watches and listens to those she spends time with, perceiving subtle details about their behaviour. Kathy often points out small discrepancies in people’s conversations and realizes that many of the veteran couples at the Cottages have copied their gestures of affection from television.

Kathy shows her reliance on silence and reflection, especially when it comes to expressing her emotions; when she is angry with Ruth, she walks away rather than explicitly confronting her, when she is understanding of her sexuality, she withdraws to the shed at the Cottages to contemplate, and when she was younger she would wait until all the students had left to spend time alone, dancing. This ability to be alone helps her navigate a world in which the clones are already isolated and her friendship group is tumultuous.

Kathy H Quotes

Okay, maybe I am boasting now. But it means a lot to me, being able to do my work well, especially that bit about my donors staying ‘calm’. Chapter 1

And I’m a Hailsham student—which is enough by itself sometimes to get people’s backs up. Chapter 1

‘And Tommy. I knew it wouldn’t last with Ruth. Well, I suppose you’re the natural successor.’ (Cynthia E) Chapter 9

‘What I want is for us to make a fresh start. We’re about evens now, we’ve both done daft things just to hurt each other, but it’s enough now.’ (Ruth to Kathy) Chapter 9

Then they were both looking at me, like I was now in charge of everything and it was up to me what happened next. Chapter 16

It wasn’t long after that I made my decision, and once I’d made it, I never wavered. I just got up one morning and told Keffers I wanted to start my training to become a carer. It was surprisingly easy. Chapter 17

Ruth

Ruth attends Hailsham with Kathy and Tommy. Perhaps the most socially active of the three, and with an excellent perception of those around her, Ruth’s pride is a great weakness. In regards to her perception, she is the first to notice that Madame is afraid of the students, and she correctly deduces Kathy’s feelings for Tommy when they live together at the Cottages. In regard to pride, she often pretends to have more knowledge than the others, often implying that she has special knowledge and privileges unavailable to other students, such as hinting that she receives special favours from Miss Geraldine. This habit annoys Kathy.

She is a self-appointed and natural leader who can be highly controlling. At Hailsham, Ruth often leads her friends in make-believe games. She has imaginary horses and decides who can ride them with judicious rulings. Her most elaborate invention is the ‘secret guard’, dedicated to protecting her favourite guardian Miss Geraldine from an imaginary plot against her. As a temperamental and forthright personality, Ruth is a foil to Kathy’s quieter and more guarded nature, and the two argue frequently. Like Kathy, Ruth generally quarrels using subtle hints and indirection rather than direct confrontation so that the strain between them is often intense yet unspoken. Ruth dates Tommy at Hailsham and, later, at the Cottages, and eventually regrets, while serving as a donor, that she kept Kathy and Tommy apart.

Ruth is still continuously trying to fit in and appear mature, rejecting things from her past if she perceives those things will negatively affect her image. She throws away the collection of art by fellow students, once her prized possession, because she sensed that the older kids at the Cottages would see it as childish. She becomes unhappy and regretful as she nears her donation and completion stages. However, Ruth shows she also has the capacity for generosity and thoughtfulness although this is usually seen way too late to benefit others. When Kathy loses her Judy Bridgewater tape at Hailsham, Ruth urges classmates to search for it and then gifts her a different tape as a substitute. Later, in a state of repentance, Ruth gives Kathy and Tommy Madame’s address, which demonstrates Ruth’s inherent hopefulness because she believes Kathy and Tommy still have the chance to ask Madame for a deferral on their donations. Through the offering of Madame’s address, Ruth shows her sincere desire to make amends for deliberately keeping Kathy and Tommy apart. Her fear of Tommy and Kathy getting together may relate to a fear of isolation as she may only be able to have a friendship with them while they are separate.

Ruth Quotes

When I’d finished, there was a funny sort of silence hanging in the dark, and I realised everyone was waiting for Ruth’s response—which was usually what happened whenever something a bit awkward came up. (After Kathy mentions Tommy’s teasing) Chapter 2

She was probably embarrassed about it and so the whole thing had shrunk in her memory. About Ruth’s memory of the Secret guard episode. Chapter 5

I was never sure if Ruth had actually invented the secret guard herself, but there was no doubt she was the leader. Chapter 5

I was never sure, of course, if she was telling the truth, but since she wasn’t actually ‘telling’ it, only hinting, it was never possible to challenge her. So each time it happened, I’d have to let it go, biting my lip and hoping the moment would pass quickly. (About Ruth’s cunning nature) Chapter 5

‘And Tommy. I knew it wouldn’t last with Ruth. Well, I suppose you’re the natural successor.’ (Cynthia E) Chapter 9

‘What I want is for us to make a fresh start. We’re about evens now, we’ve both done daft things just to hurt each other, but it’s enough now.’ (Ruth to Kathy) Chapter 9

Perhaps we felt it was up to Ruth, that it was her call how much got told, and we were waiting to take our cue from her. Chapter 16

Tommy D

Tommy D is one of Kathy’s classmates at Hailsham, for whom she develops feelings while they are at the school. He is ostracized by the other students because of his lack of creativity and their teasing reveals his short temper and immaturity; he throws tantrums when pushed and this encourages the other boys to pick on him. It is during one of these events that Kathy notices him and, having compassion, befriends him to calm him down. They strike up a genuine friendship. Tommy remains anxious and self-conscious about his lack of artistic abilities, which are seen as a benchmark at Hailsham. Miss Lucy, a Hailsham guardian, takes pity on him and tells him that creativity is not that important. This positively changes his life as he feels great relief. Years later, Miss Lucy tells him that she should not have said what she did, and Tommy goes through another transformation.

Tommy maintains a longstanding but difficult romantic relationship with Ruth, who at times belittles and ignores him, and seems a little lost in negotiating the subtle world of girls. He is in many ways much more straightforward than Kathy and Ruth, often missing the subtle digs and sarcasm that they shoot back and forth. While Kathy often knowingly defends Ruth’s pretences and stories in front of others, Tommy usually expresses his confusion or doubt aloud not recognising the situation. Tommy and Kathy share a deeper relationship, with moments of caring seen in Kathy’s intervention in Tommy’s temper tantrum, Tommy’s memory of the cassette Kathy had lost and his desire to find a replacement at the Norfolk shops, and their shared secrets about Miss Lucy’s advice and Kathy’s sexual intrigue.

Tommy becomes a young man who is calmer and more thoughtful. Initially, he keeps his re-discovered interest in his artwork a secret at the Cottages, however, he also begins to derive pride and personal satisfaction from drawing. His compelling imaginary animals resist interpretation, reflecting the deep humanity and complex individuality of the clones themselves. His strong bond with Kathy remains until the end when she meets him again as he is donating. They finally can be together for a brief moment and they immediately seek Madame to ask for a delay so they can spend time together before donating. When this is unsuccessful, they spend their last days in relative happiness despite their inevitable and immediate fate.

Tommy D Quotes

Tommy thought it possible the guardians had, throughout all our years at Hailsham, timed very carefully and deliberately everything they told us, so that we were always just too young to understand properly the latest piece of information. Chapter 7

Then without another word he marched past me off towards the main house. (Tommy storms off) Chapter 8

‘And Tommy. I knew it wouldn’t last with Ruth. Well, I suppose you’re the natural successor.’ (Cynthia E) Chapter 9

As I say, there would come a time when I’d think this was sweet; but that summer all I could see was that it advertised what a child he still was, and how easily you could take advantage of him. (About Tommy) Chapter 9

But I hadn’t minded him coming into the boiler hut after me. I hadn’t minded at all. I’d felt comforted, protected almost. (Kathy about Tommy) Chapter 11

But what I couldn’t help noticing was how, more and more, Tommy tended to identify himself with the other donors at the centre. Chapter 23

Moira B, Laura, Harry C, Hannah, Roy J

Students at Hailsham reflect the system set up for clones; controlled by guardians, the students are taught to never question their place in life. They create art and follow the rules, never fully hoping for a life outside the arrangements made on their behalf. Sensing their deceived state, Miss Lucy is honest with them and tells them that other children have choices in life, different job and life paths, but that they are created to be nothing more than donors. Despite the ever-present understanding that their lives will be single in purpose and cut short, normal youthful milestones and obstacles are present. They fight for popularity and belonging, seen in Moira’s frustration at Ruth’s callous leadership, who excludes her from the imaginary ‘secret guard’ and gossips about her. They explore emotional and physical relationships such as Harry C, a quiet student with whom Kathy plots to have sex in her last year at Hailsham as he is rumoured to have had experience. Their dispersion also highlights the passing of time and the predictable way that friendships are lost and change over time. Hannah moves quickly to become a carer, the outgoing Laura finds a boyfriend who was not at Hailsham, and Kathy notes how it was possible to forget they were ever friends. Even Harry doesn’t recognise Kathy when they meet at a recovery centre years later. Students question the world but never really take action to change the situation, highlighted when Roy J abruptly challenges the rulings on the token economy when art is taken by Madame and the student who created it doesn’t receive tokens to use at the school’s marketplace.

Moira B, Laura, Harry C, Hannah, Roy J Quotes

It took some nerve to go and see her without being summoned; to go with the sort of demands Roy was making seemed suicidal. But Roy didn’t get the terrible telling-off we were expecting, and in the days that followed, there were reports of guardians talking—even arguing—about the tokens question. Chapter 4

It felt like if you hadn’t done it yet, you ought to, and quickly. And in my case, the whole thing was made more complicated by the fact that two of the girls I was closest to definitely had done it. Laura with Rob D., even though they’d never been a proper couple. And Ruth with Tommy. Chapter 8

So I had my eye on Harry C. I chose him for a number of reasons. First, I knew he’d definitely done it before, with Sharon D. Next, I didn’t fancy him that much, but I certainly didn’t find him sick-making. Chapter 8

‘You know,’  Tommy said, ‘Meg B. was at our centre for a while. She’s left now, gone up north somewhere for her third donation. I never heard how she got on. Have either of you heard?’ Chapter 19

The Hailsham Staff

Miss Emily

Miss Emily is the head guardian and the leader of Hailsham and is respected by the students as strict but helpful. She makes long speeches regarding health, especially smoking, and the motivation for these becomes apparent as it is revealed that the students have been cloned for the use of their organs. Kathy sees her as ‘sharp’ and believes she has a special way of knowing where students are at any given time.

Later when exploring the rumour that there was a possibility for Hailsham students to delay their donations if they were in love, Kathy and Tommy find Miss Emily at Madame’s house. Their conversation reveals that she, along with Madame, co-founded Hailsham in an attempt to show that clones had ‘souls’ and deserved a better life. Unlike Madame, who is disillusioned after the experiment seemed to fail and Hailsham was closed, Miss Emily believes there was some merit in the school, pointing to Kathy and Tommy as examples of ‘soulful’ students. Her role as an activist for clones is an example of the world that Kathy doesn’t fully understand and therefore is limited in revealing in the novel. The struggle between activists and government and the rules and regulations around cloning are never discussed in detail but only seen in the consequences they have in Kathy and the students’ world.

Miss Emily Quotes

She was out in the corridor, standing very still, her head angled to one side to give her a view of what I was doing inside. And the odd thing was she was crying. It might even have been one of her sobs that had come through the song to jerk me out of my dream. (Madame finds Kathy dancing) Chapter 6

When Marie-Claude and I started out, there were no places like Hailsham in existence. (Miss Emily) Chapter 22

‘… Look at the two of you. You’ve turned out well. I’m sure you have much you could tell me to make me proud… ‘ (Miss Emily) Chapter 22

Madame

Madame (Marie-Claude), who was long thought to be Miss Emily’s boss at Hailsham, is in fact co-founder of the school and an advocate for the rights of the clones. This is misunderstood by the students who see her as uncomfortable in their presence. To them she is a mysterious French woman who sporadically visits, and they buy in to the story that she comes to collect art for her gallery, an honour most aspire to claim. In fact, she takes the art to try and prove that the student clones have souls and value, and should have rights. When she is tracked by Kathy and Tommy, she is older and in a wheelchair. It is implied her frail state is a result of her disappointment in the school being closed and the fight for equality, unsuccessful.

In a brief encounter with Kathy at Hailsham, Madame silently watches her dance alone to a song called ‘Never Let Me Go’, and weeps at the sight. The two do not talk about it until years later when Kathy reveals she thought the song was about a woman who could not have a baby. However, Madame wept at the thought of clones not being permitted to live long, happy and healthy lives as humans do. When she meets Kathy for the final time, Madame is upset that she can’t do anything to help her and Tommy extend their time before completion, revealing her compassion for clones.

Madame Quotes

‘She’s scared of us,’ she declared. (Ruth about Madame) Chapter 3

I don’t know if she recognised us at that point; but without doubt, she saw and decided in a second what we were, because you could see her stiffen—as if a pair of large spiders was set to crawl towards her. (About Madame) Chapter 21

‘Marie-Claude has given everything for you. She has worked and worked and worked. Make no mistake about it, my child, Marie-Claude is on your side and will always be on your side. Is she afraid of you? We’re all afraid of you. I myself had to fight back my dread of you all almost every day I was at Hailsham. There were times I’d look down at you all from my study window and I’d feel such revulsion…’ (Miss Emily) Chapter 22

Miss Geraldine

A kind guardian and art teacher, Miss Geraldine is especially loved by the younger students. She is seen as gentle, soft-spoken and always comforts the students if they need it, even if that is a result of them having done something wrong and having been told off by another guardian. If she has to correct a student, she makes sure she shows them extra attention after that. However, this kindness is not always welcome when her over-display of compassion to Tommy regarding his drawings draws the attention of the other boys who take the opportunity to mock and torment him.

Miss Geraldine Quote

We believed Miss Geraldine was the best guardian in Hailsham, and we worked on presents to give her—a large sheet with pressed flowers glued over it comes to mind. But our main reason for existing, of course, was to protect her. Chapter 5

Miss Lucy

A young guardian at Hailsham, Miss Lucy is abrupt with the students but her frank nature doesn’t leave the students disliking her. Her discussion with Tommy regarding the perception around the importance of art relieves him of the stress that his work is below the others’ standard. Her honesty toward the students is extended when she is willing to entertain their discussion regarding the tokens. Ultimately, she appears to have been too honest when she outlines the student’s life as clones is simply to be organ donors and that they should be told they have no hope outside this imposed way of life. As a result, she abruptly disappears from Hailsham.

Miss Lucy Quotes

There were other little incidents like that, and before long I came to see Miss Lucy as being not quite like the other guardians. Chapter 7

She stopped again and looked at us in a strange way. Afterwards, when we discussed it, some of us were sure she was dying for someone to ask: ‘Why? Why is it so much worse for us?’ But no one did. (Miss Lucy discusses smoking) Chapter 6

Miss Emily had broken off from talking about Beethoven and announced that Miss Lucy had left Hailsham and wouldn’t be returning. Chapter 9

The Cottages

Keffers

‘The Cottages’ are a farm and accommodation where the students stay after leaving their school and before they are called on for donations or to begin a job as a carer. The grumpy caretaker at the Cottages, Keffers, is the conduit between the students and the outside world. He takes care of their material needs but also has the paperwork and authority to discuss their calling to become a carer or donor. He seems devoid of any emotional attachment toward the students who arrive there for processing each year or when they are subsequently called on to leave.

Keffers Quotes

He was this grumpy old guy who turned up two or three times a week in his muddy van to look the place over. He didn’t like to talk to us much, and the way he went round sighing and shaking his head disgustedly implied we weren’t doing nearly enough to keep the place up. (About Keffers) Chapter 10

A few of us, for a time, even tried to think of Keffers as a sort of guardian, but he was having none of it. Chapter 10

It wasn’t long after that I made my decision, and once I’d made it, I never wavered. I just got up one morning and told Keffers I wanted to start my training to become a carer. It was surprisingly easy. Chapter 17

Chrissie and Rodney

Chrissie has been at the Cottages for some time before Kathy arrives and is described as a ‘veteran’. Kathy thinks she is very beautiful but seems to suffer from low self-esteem. Like the other veterans, she is more mature than the incoming group from Hailsham. Chrissie and her boyfriend Rodney did not attend Hailsham and they are unusually interested in the school and its privileged status. When they discover a ‘possible’, that is a person who resembles a clone and could therefore be a possible ‘original’ for Ruth, they take the Hailsham trio to Norfolk to look for her. However, they have another reason for befriending the Hailsham students as they wish to interrogate them regarding rumours that Hailsham students can get an extension on the time before they are called on to donate if they are in love. Ruth sees the mature couple as an example and quickly copies their behaviour, telling stories and implying privileges that will peak their interest.

Chrissie and Rodney Quotes

There was, incidentally, something I noticed about these veteran couples at the Cottages—something Ruth, for all her close study of them, failed to spot—and this was how so many of their mannerisms were copied from the television. Chapter 10

Okay, she often bluffed and implied all sorts of things I knew weren’t true. Sometimes, as I said, she did things to impress the veterans at our expense. But it seems to me Ruth believed, at some level, she was doing all this on behalf of us all. Chapter 11

Another thing I noticed—and I could see it tied in—was the big hush that would descend around certain veterans when they went off on ‘courses’—which even we knew had to do with becoming carers. Chapter 11

In fact, to be honest, my guess was that Chrissie and Rodney had made the whole thing up. (About seeing Ruth’s possible) Chapter 12