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Note: This blog post contains detailed character analysis for the novel “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you haven’t read the book yet, be aware that there might be spoilers.
Nina Riva
Nina Riva is the eldest of the Riva children and serves as their guardian after their mother’s death. At the age of 17, she sacrifices her own dreams to take care of her siblings, Jay, Hud, and Kit. Nina carries the weight of the past on her shoulders, feeling responsible for keeping the family’s restaurant, Riva Seafood, open. She finds solace in the ocean, where she surfs and experiences rare moments of solitude. Throughout the novel, Nina undergoes personal growth, rejecting Brandon’s pleas to get back together and her father’s sudden proposal to reenter her life. As her siblings mature, Nina realizes that she no longer needs to be the caretaker and decides to leave for Portugal, seeking peace and freedom from the burdens of her family’s past.
Jay Riva
Jay Riva is Nina’s younger brother, known for his slender and tall appearance and his skills as a championship surfer. Surfing has always been Jay’s escape, but his career is threatened when he receives a diagnosis of a heart condition. Jay struggles with the fear of losing his celebrity status and deals with the aftermath of his breakup with Ashley. He enters into a hasty romance with Lara, only to discover that she doesn’t share his intense feelings. Throughout the story, Jay learns to accept the need for retirement and redirects his focus towards promoting his sister Kit’s surfing career.
Kit Riva
Kit Riva is the youngest of the four Riva siblings, described as slim and small with a sense of awkwardness and beauty. She has grown up in the shadow of her older siblings, particularly Nina, and feels restricted in pursuing her passion for competitive surfing. Kit believes she won’t receive attention because she doesn’t consider herself as “gorgeous as Nina.” However, as the novel progresses, Kit undergoes a transformation, embracing her own style and accepting her sexuality. With the support of her siblings, Kit encourages Nina to sell the restaurant and leave Malibu, understanding that they are capable of taking care of themselves.
Hudson “Hud” Riva
Hudson, known as Hud, is described as tall, stocky, and the smartest among the Riva siblings. He is Mick’s son from an affair with Carol Hudson. Despite being June’s biological child, the Riva family treats Hud as one of their own. Hud takes a backseat to Jay’s fame but forms a symbiotic working relationship with him, capturing photographs of Jay’s surfing. He is kind-hearted and often wishes that Nina would prioritize herself more. Hud develops romantic feelings for Ashley, Jay’s ex-girlfriend, and faces the challenge of revealing their relationship to Jay. He navigates his role as a future father and ultimately works with Jay to support Kit’s surfing career.
June Riva
Nina and her siblings’ mother, June Riva, initially dreams of a glamorous future and does not envision herself inheriting her parents’ restaurant. However, she falls in love with Mick and remains attached to him despite his numerous betrayals. After Mick’s departure, June slips into depression and self-medicates with alcohol, leaving Nina to take on the responsibilities of parenting her younger siblings and managing the restaurant. June’s flaws are tempered by her unwavering love for her children and her willingness to welcome Hud into the family. Following June’s death, her children carry on her legacy, doing their best to navigate life without their father and continue pursuing their dreams.
Mick Riva
Mick Riva, the absent father of the Riva siblings, is introduced as the arsonist who sets fire to Nina’s home. Mick’s presence looms over the novel, casting a shadow on his children’s lives. He is driven by a desire for attention and wealth, which leads him to abandon his family. Despite acknowledging his father’s flaws, Mick falls into the same pattern of womanizing as he gains fame through his singing career. He deludes himself into thinking he can be a good man and finds solace in the belief that leaving his children alone is a redemptive act. Mick’s actions haunt his children and shape their lives, despite his physical absence.
Casey Greens
Casey Greens is a young woman who is likely the daughter of Mick Riva and Monica Ridgemore, with whom he had a one-night stand. Casey was raised by her adopted parents until their tragic death. She longs for a sense of family and finds a connection with the Riva siblings and Mick. Casey’s belief that family is found through bonds, regardless of blood or circumstances, leads her to meet Mick and forge a relationship with the Riva family. Although unsure if Mick is her father, Casey is embraced by the Riva clan as they release Nina and begin a new chapter in their lives.
Disclaimer: The character analysis may not cover all aspects of the characters’ development throughout the book. For a more comprehensive understanding of the characters, it is recommended to read “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I hope you enjoyed this detailed character list from Malibu Rising. Happy reading! ❤️