Zachary Satō

**Zachary Satō** is a confident, flamboyant newcomer at East High from West High; a classmate of Troy. He comes from a respectable family, but he rebels to fit-in and conform to traditional gender roles. Sadly, because of this, his life goes from being young and full of possibilities, to being bullied, harassed and experiencing nothing but trauma.

## **Physical Appearance**

Zachary has an attractive-looking face; it’s cherubic but fascinating. There’s a beautiful turbulence. His bare face is more cherubic, but still very attractive. He has almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. There’s the faded dark circles beneath his eyes. His nose is fairly small, especially in relation to his plump, pink lips. Naturally straight, black hair; his bangs that sweep across his forehead. Although, in terms of muscles, he has none; he is able to distract from this point with his facial features.

Zachary’s self-assurance, his flair for the dramatic, his acceptance of his past and present, and his comfort level with his own sensuality are all conveyed through his fashion choices. Just like his personality, his outfits are bold and feisty. His wardrobe screams, "I have arrived!"

## **Personality and Traits**

When people first see Zachary, they don’t know what to think, and they tend to underestimate him, for he’s a small boy, with an almost child-like face and under-nourished figure, and yet he’s got that enchanting aura. He’s a walking oxymoron, and that makes people unsure how to judge him, so they tend to lean towards the childish side, and treat him like he’s weak or delicate.

Our first impression of Zachary is negative. We learn he has a reputation as a boy of dubious morals who "sleeps around with all the boys in school", is "a trouble-maker", and is spurned by some of his peers. Troy Bolton immediately sees something more in Zachary. Unlike Troy, who was oppressed by being the "golden boy of East High" in the past, Zachary refuses to allow himself to be dominated by anyone. Zachary has fashioned his identity from his many experiences. Though his style, sharp tongue, and many disgusting rumors make him appear "conceited and troublesome", Zachary is actually warm and compassionate at heart.

He’s free-spirited and confident. Zachary is the kind of fellow you generally look over before you suddenly feel the urge to look at him a second time. Not to say his appearance attracts attention, rather it is his demeanor that makes others have a double-take. Armed with unwavering confidence. When Zachary walks into the room, you pay attention. He commands your attention, and why shouldn’t he? Sure, he’s not the best-looking guy in the room, but he enters, seizes every moment and every opportunity. Life is too short to always be the wallflower. Zachary lives life on his own terms. He is unapologetic about who he is and what he wants. He does not let anyone define him or control him, and he does not conform to the traditional gender roles or racial norms of his time. He doesn't hesitate when he speaks and works come easily to him in ways that is not often found with youth his age. He is easily likable due to this trait.

Something that has always seemed rather out of place in Zachary's smooth, self-assured demeanor is his desperate need to prove himself worthy to those who probably wouldn't care about him anyway. He consciously knows that it's stupid and won't get him anywhere, but he can't control this desire of his, no matter how much he wishes not to have it.

It is very interesting to know that Zachary’s childhood is nothing like his present self, who was quiet and passive. From that day forward, he chose to shape his own life; he is a magnetic and confident, but still kind-hearted boy.