Henell 1

Maja Ocean Henell

Ms. Deb

English 10-2

31st August 2023

Prompt: What is one key event that causes the character to change?

Serena Van Der Woodsen is a main character from the social drama, “Gossip Girl”.

The show lasted for several seasons following the lives of a group of teenagers, including

Serena in New York. Serena is part of the Upper East Side, living with all of the troubles and

responsibilities that come along with it. The captivating “It girl” lived the reckless life of a

teenager prioritising the lavish environment of being a wealthy young girl in New York,

parties, boys etc. After a tragic and scandalous accident, she leaves her normal life and

moves to a boarding school for two semesters. Upon returning to America just in time for the

new school year, everyone discovers that it’s not the same Serena which has returned, but

instead a woman, who truly values and respects herself and others. The new Serena is

forced to accept what she had done in the past and confront the repercussions from her past

impetuous behaviour with the help of her closest people. This pivotal moment in her life, set

her character on a path of self-discovery that led her to her values and mindset. The new

Serena is beautiful, kind, charming, laidback, and charismatic. She became self-aware and

made many new relationships. Throughout the whole series Serena's character continues to

develop into an example of fortitude and change as she deals with the difficulties of regret

and redemption, showing us that even the most impenetrable facades may crack and show

real transformations from within.

Word Count: 248