Naser

* In-game
* Render

>
> *"I don't have it easy, Fang! I don't actually just do whatever! I don't have that kind of freedom!"*
> —Naser about his inability to live his life the way he wants
>

**Naser** is one of the main characters in *Goodbye Volcano High*. He is Fang's younger brother.

He is the current Class President of Volcano High. He also runs the debate team, is president of the Student Life Association, is part of the Young Leaders League, volunteers with Pangea Tomorrow, and writes for the school newspaper.

## Appearance

Naser is a dark grey pterosaur who stands at 5'11". He has an orange and black striped horn, orange fingertips, and orange eyes. He has two large, featherless orange and black wings that, at their bases, are dark gray and covered in scars. His left wing is smaller and atrophied, while his right wing is fully grown.

Naser typically wears a black button up shirt, a green and coral bomber jacket with flower decals, grey jeans, and brown shoes with light brown bottoms.

## Personality

Naser is good-natured and responsible. Despite that Fang is older, he is seen driving Fang to school, cleaning and cooking. He has a bad habit of making jokes, especially puns. He loves watching documentaries and struggles to think of the last non-documentary he has seen. Although charismatic and well-spoken, Naser finds public speaking challenging, and envies Fang for their ability to perform before an audience while keeping their cool.

Naser is involved with many of the school's extracurricular clubs, although it is never actually revealed to the player if Naser genuinely wants to be in so many clubs and doing so many things, and if he actually enjoys all/any of it. In a conversation, Fang wonders if Naser is afraid of being unpopular/alone/trying to get people to like him (additionally, being in clubs is a way of making his parents proud). He does not reply, but gives a look that affirms he is being called out, suggesting at the end of the day, Naser really is just a lonely young dinosaur who wants friendship, love and acceptance. It can be speculated that this is one of the reasons him and Naomi are close friends, because they are ultimately two similar lonely people who struggle with public speaking, and are drawn together by their isolation.

Naser is described by writer Paula Rogers as someone who "struggles around trying to please people at the expense of his own voice." Despite being viewed as the "good child" of the family, Naser mentions meeting his parents' expectations is very tough and that he does not actually have much freedom due to wanting to make his parents happy and be successful. It is implied both Sabah and Saeed view success as making money, hinted when they ask Fang if they're doing CalderaFest just for the money, to which Fang has to remind them, yet again after all this time, that music really is a passion.

In a scene when Cant Get Out plays, Naser is seen staring at a photograph of an award he received. He does not smile or look remotely happy viewing it; instead, he almost seems depressed. The meaning of this scene is likely that Naser only really won the award to make his parents feel proud, and a reflection of how he is living a life he does not want for his parents' sake.

It is later revealed that Naser is not entirely sure what he wants to do after high school; during a presentation, he claims he likes the sound of Cross-Continental development and Political Science, but it is not clarified if he actually feels this way or if he is merely saying this as part of a skit. This may be seen as a very ironic moment about how ambiguous Naser's dreams are. It could be interpreted that Naser is simply saying such things to fulfill the skit and thus meet expectations for the assembly, or that Naser is truly thinking about some possibilities now.

Naser seems to be quite perceptive however, and is one of the few people who straight-up tells Fang that Trish may not be on board for the band. Whether Naser figured this out on his own, or if Trish may have told him off-screen is unclear, though. Naser and Trish seem to have very similar issues; they both have anxiety about the future, but Trish's anxiety comes from having so many things she knows she loves, while Naser's anxiety comes from not really having the opportunity to discover what he likes. When Fang mentions all Naser has to do is spit out the word "lawyer" or "doctor" and it would immediately satisfy their parents, Naser replies, "I'm not going to say something just to make you happy."

The purpose of Naser as a character, and what his arc is, may be seen as quite confusing or non-existent for certain players, especially for those who do not manage to unlock his affinity scene. His arc is about being himself and doing what he wants with his life, even if it means defying his parent's expectations and making them disappointed in him. His happiness and freedom comes at the cost of his parent's happiness, and so he must put himself first in order to be free. This is why Fang tells him they can both be disappointments to their parents together. This can be seen as a relatable issue, not just for teenagers, since many even adults struggle to stand up for themselves, and defy their parents' expectations and hopes for them which can act like a prison.

Although KO\_OP has never clarified Naser's sexual orientation, there is fan speculation he is closeted gay. KO\_OP once said that "most" of the main characters (the Dinogang) identify as LGBT. He does not seem interested in Naomi (although it may be because Naomi is a lesbian herself). Stella has a crush on Naser which is never seen going anywhere by the end of the game. When Fang says he and Reed will not be hanging out again, Naser replies, "You can't keep us apart, Fang. It's destiny" which could be a hint. If Naser is closeted, it would fit into the themes of him trying to meet his parent's expectations of "normal", repressing a possible love life in doing so.

## Background

Naser is the son of Sabah and Saeed, and the younger brother of Fang. He was born in October or September, likely in 2004. His name means "protector" in real-life Arabic. Although it is unclear how long the family has lived in Caldera Bay, they are shown to live in an attractive good-sized home with a second floor.

Because their parents had workaholic personalities, the siblings had to find ways to entertain themselves to cope with their absence. As a child, Fang would write songs for Naser. Fang also once taught Naser how to play some piano chords.

At Volcano High, he is best friends with Naomi, the two bonding over trying to make the most of their school years and extracurricular activities. While it is speculated on multiple occasions that the two are romantically involved, he, as well as Fang, make it clear that the two of them are only friends.

In an older photograph, he is seen wearing glasses while winning first place for the National Speech and Debate Association.

He plans on going to the college Northern Pangea (NoPa).

## *Goodbye Volcano High*

### Episode One

In the morning, as Naser is about to leave for school, he stops by Fang's room to check if they're ready for school. Having spent their morning recording a song to send to LJ, Fang is not yet ready to leave. Naser has to leave early due to his Class President responsibilities, and reminds Fang that their parents are coming home the next day and he has breakfast ready for Fang downstairs.

After school, Naomi and Naser watch Fang play the piano. Depending on the player's actions, Fang may agree to send a video recording to their parents, or order Naser to delete it.

That night, in the kitchen, Naser makes dinner left by their parents. Although it is Monday, Naser thinks about making Tuesday dinner or Wednesday winner instead, but he is not sure he is ready to embrace that level of anarchy yet. The two talk about their parents' expectations.

### Episode Two

In the middle of the night, after Fang learns about the asteroid that could wipe out all dinosaurs, Fang may choose to go to sleep, or talk about it with Naser. If goes to sleep, then Naser will appear briefly to break the news of the asteroid. However, if Fang goes to the kitchen first, then the siblings will have a more in-depth discussion about it, and there will be more opportunities to boost affinity points with Naser. It is revealed that Naser takes the news of the asteroid very seriously instead of shrugging it off, and has been hearing Naomi's "NaomiFacts" about how horrific the implosion will be.

Naser drives Fang to school and wonders if his speech will be decent considering its theme.

### Episode Three

Naser confronts Fang in their house about putting Worm Drama posters around school, concerned over the fact that Lava Java serves alcoholic drinks. He reveals he pulled them all down, upsetting Fang who tries to undermine it. The siblings have an argument over following their parents' expectations, and Naser tells them he doesn't have freedom to do what he wants with his life. He encourages Fang to have a backup plan in case being a musician doesn't work out, but Fang chastises him for not being unsure of his own future plans. Naser replies he's not even graduating this year and still has time. Fang then asks Naser if he's into school activities just to be popular/not be lonely/follow the rules, causing him to be silent. Fang encourages Naser to do what he wants with his life, and he leaves.

### Episode Five

In the kitchen, Naser will encourage Fang to do a power pose. If the player does not apologize for their past argument, then there will not be an additional scene of Fang and Naser talking behind the stage at Lava Java.

After the Battle of the Bands, Naser takes Fang home, but they both witness the colored lights in the sky, showing that the end of times are near.

### Episode Six

During Reed's final L&L session, Naser joins the group to portray Keph.

### Episode Seven

In Naser's bonfire scene, Fang finds Naser staring at Naomi. Naser says he never thought he would see Naomi become so angry, as well as Fang's harsh comment at her. Fang expresses regret and Naser's comments don't make Fang feel better who says he is not good at reassurance. Naser says he thought they were supposed to be wallowing in their deserved guilt. While Fang says they did not mean to hurt Naomi, Naser replies it keeps happening. He talks about how Naomi has liked Fang for a long time and is not exactly subtle, but Fang probably never cared enough to notice.

Naser says the band has always been Fang's priority, and he feels left behind by Fang as well. Fang apologizes about not spending more time with Naser when the world seems to be ending, but he says it hasn't been entirely bad because he's been keeping himself busy. Fang says they have no idea Naser felt so isolated either, but also mentions Naser seems to hide his feelings pretty well. Naser attributes it to skills he acquired from many years of being the good child and keeping their mom off his back. While Fang says they thought it was easy to become their parents' favorite child, Naser says it was a lot of hard work. Naser feels it is hard watching Fang do whatever they want, since their parents pin their expectations of "normal" on himself, even if it's not what he wants. Fang says they can tell their parents they can both be freaks.

### Episode Eight

In the morning, Naser discovers that the airports are shut down and he tells Fang they will probably never see their parents when the asteroid hits. He then leaves for some alone time in the living room.

If the player does not go on a date with Naomi, then Naser, Naomi and Fang will have a movie night in Fang's room. Depending on the player's choice of movie, Naser will react differently:

* Anime (Pretty Heroes): Fang and Naomi will be engaged, but Naser will be disinterested
* Documentary: Naomi and Naser will be engaged, but Fang will fall asleep. Naser puts cheesies on Fang's head
* Horror: Fang will be engaged, but Naomi and Naser will find it terrifying. Naser accidentally knocks over his bowl of snacks and it lands on Naomi's head.

On the final day, Naser acts as the host for the concert on the school roof. He is able to have a final chat with his parents. Just before the asteroid hits Earth, Naser can be seen crying with the Dinogang.

## Gameplay

Opportunities to raise affinity with Naser:

Episode One
* Say "very funny"
* Choose "I should just sleep", then "Make him feel better"

Episode Two
* Turn off the radio
* During the car ride, choose to assist Naser with rewriting the speech

## Development History

> Naomi is a know-it-all who's President of the Student Council. Naser is her condescending jerk of a sidekick. They are inseparable. They are unbearable. They have perfect A grades and parents who love them and shirts that are always buttoned all the way to the top. In short, they represent everything Fang does NOT want to be. Unfortunately, Naser is Fang's brother... and Naomi comes as part of the package deal.
>
>

Naser was developed during the earliest stages of *Goodbye Volcano High*, when the game had been imagined as a dating sim. As Fang would not have been able to date him, it is presently unknown which of the other two player characters (Rosa or Leo) he was designed to be a romantic partner for. When the dating sim concept was dropped, Naser was folded into the main story. "Naser," more commonly spelled "Nasir," is a popular Arabic name. The official subtitles on the Sony PlayStation uploads of the Story Trailer misspell his name as "Nasser".

Naser was originally imagined with a more condescending, overachieving personality, leading to him and Fang having a rougher relationship. Naomi was the Student Council President and he was her sidekick, with suggestions that the two had more romantic intentions with each other. Following the game's narrative reboot, Naser's role and personality were changed significantly.

Naser appears in all three of the game's trailers using his final design. Notably, in the Reveal Trailer, his snout is longer than it appears in the later trailers. He first speaks in the Story Trailer, and his voice talent, Abe Bueno-Jallad, was revealed afterward.

## Quotes

* *"Not all of us can coast on our talent... some of us actually have to go to school."*
* *"In conclusion, maybe the rock will hit us and maybe-probably it won't, but either way, we will still have each other. Kind of."*
* *"Except me. The real person in front of you."* (when Fang claims no one cares)
* *"Oh yeah? You don't get it, do you? I don't have it easy, Fang! I don't actually just... do whatever! I don't have that kind of freedom!"*
* *"To being less than great, but more than dead!"*

## Trivia

* There is an early screenshot of Naser with a somewhat snide expression.[1] This is likely when he was meant to be a more condescending bully-like character.
* In the final game, there is a photo of Naser and Fang seen on their fridge. Naser has a white t-shirt, a possible reference to the white shirt he wore in the Reveal Trailer, and he also has a somewhat smug expression, a possible nod to his early personality. Fang also has a rather long snout, a possible joke at how people online poked fun at Fang's earlier design for resembling a dolphin.
* Naser has an atrophied wing although it is never explained why; the fact that one is smaller than the other suggests he was born with a birth defect. It also appears somewhat scarred, suggesting he cannot fly and may have injured himself in multiple failed attempts. He drives to school, while Fang does not a flying license yet. The atrophied and scarred wing could be seen as symbolic visual metaphor for Naser's own lack of freedom to do and go where he wants in life.

## Gallery

### Art

Naser's reference sheetNaser's cellphone concept artPreliminary sketchFirst passSecond passConcept art of Fang and Naser as children (should not be viewed as canon)3D head reference (top row, second from right)Naomi and Naser from their shared 2020 profileNaser with Naomi in a promotional illustration by Ellen Alsop
### Screenshots

Naser (bottom right) at the beach campfire in the Reveal TrailerNaser (upper left) at the beach campfire in the demoNaser in the reveal trailerNaser wearing a white shirt in the reveal trailerNaser in his houseFang and Naser on the way to schoolNaser wanting advice on his speechNaser and Fang video chatting with their parentsNaser portraying Keph in L&LNaser as Keph in L&LNaser and Fang notice the lights in the skyNaser receiving *The Divine Comedy* from FangNaser putting a blanket on a sleeping FangNaser and Naomi handling promNaser racingNaser at the beachNaser shocked while watching a horror movieNaser and Fang on the phone with their parentsNaser comforting Fang on the final day
## References

1. ↑ Quote from official site, 2020
2. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasir

**Other Volcano High students****Abby • Adanna • Alanna • Alexis • Alvin • Bag Girl • Chris • Claire • Damon • Dani • Dee • Des • Francesca • Jess • Kaylani • Kris • KT • Leo • Lina • Marcela • Mark • Marty • Mel • Morgan • Nick • Noor • Rando • Sam • Sarah • Saturday • Serena • Smoker Dino • Steve or Derek • Tom**