A student posing as Briana Covington, Ariana is actually an escaped murderer who killed Briana and took over her identity. Ariana pretends to be upright and compares herself often to Kaitlynn, pointing out to herself how much better she is than Kaitlynn. Ariana is a complex, manipulative character. She is obviously very intelligent and can be focused when she needs to be. The irony is that she could likely have gone far in her personal life if she hadn't spent so much time and energy trying to manipulate people and situations. Ariana's constant manipulating leaves her also constantly worrying about the motivations of other people. For example, Ariana thinks two girls suggest that she try to get a potential member of the Stone and Grave in trouble to lessen the competition. Ariana later learns that such actions are prohibited and guarantee a blackball. She can't decide whether the girls were trying to get her in trouble or if they'd thought Ariana is smart enough to avoid being caught. The reader never learns the truth of the situation but the fact that Ariana spends so much energy worrying about it is a statement of her character. Ariana says killing is wrong but then sets out to kill one of their classmates when that action fits in with her plans. She seems at least somewhat upset at watching the girl die but says it's necessary and doesn't take any steps to save her. For the purpose of clarity, she is referred to as Ariana throughout this study guide.
