Cooper Clay

**Cooper Clay** is a seventeen-year-old male and the “Jock” of the Bayview Four because he plays baseball. He is shown to be kind, caring and charismatic. Not only is baseball very meaningful to Cooper and his dad, but he is also exceptional at playing the sport, so his goal is to get a scholarship for it.

At first, it is thought that his secret is that he takes steroids to enhance his sports performances, however this is not the case at ay friend. His real secret is that he is gay and is in a relationship with a German underwear model Kris Becker.

He was initially shy and scared of people judging him when he was out with Kris, and kept his distance. After meeting with the other three of the Bayview Four, he kissed Kris, and was not shy of people criticizing him because he was gay.

## Biography

Cooper Clay is the "Jock" of the Bayview Four, known for his prowess in baseball. Baseball holds significant meaning for Cooper and his father, and he aspires to secure a scholarship for the sport. His character is introduced as kind, caring, and charismatic, contributing to the diverse dynamics within the group of suspects.

## Relationships

Cooper's initial secret, thought to involve steroids, is later revealed to be a fabrication orchestrated by Jake Riordan. Jake had requested Simon Kelleher to change Cooper's secret, motivated by a desire to conceal Cooper's sexual orientation due to societal pressures. In reality, Cooper's true secret is that he is gay and in a relationship with Kris Becker, a German underwear model.

Kris Becker, a male character, adds complexity to Cooper's personal life, and the revelation of their relationship challenges stereotypes associated with athletes. Initially shy and apprehensive about public judgment, Cooper's character undergoes significant growth as he embraces his identity and publicly displays affection for Kris.

## Character Development

Cooper Clay's transformative journey is marked by his initial shyness and fear of judgment regarding his sexuality. As the story progresses, Cooper experiences significant personal growth, shedding societal expectations and embracing his authentic self. The revelation of his relationship with Kris Becker serves as a turning point, challenging stereotypes associated with athletes and highlighting the complexities of navigating one's identity in a high school setting.

Meeting the other members of the Bayview Four proves pivotal in Cooper's development. The support and camaraderie within the group create an environment where he feels empowered to be true to himself. After sharing a meaningful kiss with Kris, Cooper undergoes a profound shift, becoming more confident and unapologetic about his identity. This evolution is a testament to the novel's exploration of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of genuine connections in the face of societal scrutiny.

## Themes

Cooper's character contributes to the exploration of various themes in "One of Us is Lying," including societal expectations, identity, and acceptance. His story highlights the challenges faced by individuals dealing with societal pressures, particularly within the context of sports culture and sexual orientation.