The novel Looking for Alaska by John Green is told in the first person from the point of view of Miles Halter. The story takes place in Alabama, on the campus of Culver Creek Preparatory School and follows the lives of Miles, a 16-year-old boy, and his group of friends made up of the "Colonel", Alaska and Takumi. As the novel progresses, Miles' innocence slowly unravels as he faces the pressures of Alaska's drinking, smoking, and death. Miles changes from being an antisocial person to someone who makes an effort to fit in in a new environment. He also transforms from someone who has an ordinary life to a rebellious young man. At the beginning of the novel, Miles' old life in Florida is explained as boring, sad, and uninteresting. Miles didn't have many friends. After deciding to transfer to a boarding school in Alabama in search of his "Great Maybe," Miles' parents insisted on throwing him a going away party. However, because Miles was antisocial and didn't have many real friends, almost no one came. Miles thinks about it, as he explains the people he has to invite to his farewell party: “I was more or less forced to invite all my 'schoolmates', that is, the ragtag group of theater people and English fanatics with whom I sat . by social necessity, in the cavernous cafeteria of my public school, I knew they wouldn't come. The fact that Miles describes his “schoolmates” as people he has to sit with out of social necessity shows that he doesn't actually have friends, but rather students with whom he is forced to sit or eat alone. Another example that shows Miles is antisocial is the way he thinks, "I've never been particularly good at small talk." He thinks so when only two of his friends show up to the party. This...... middle of paper...nk, Miles not only jeopardizes his admission to college, but also jeopardizes his Big Maybe. After moving, Miles shows more rebellion against the rules and a bolder side. As Miles changes his physical environment, his personality changes as well. Miles' personality evolves from being an antisocial person to someone who makes an effort to fit in in a new environment. He also transforms from a normal student to someone who gives in to peer pressure. As the novel progresses, Miles' innocence is revealed as he faces the pressures of drinking, smoking, and a devastating event. But above all, he learns much more about himself, his personality and his abilities. Works Cited Green, John. In search of Alaska. New York, NY: Speak. 2005. Digital file. Green, John. In search of Alaska. New York, NY: Speak. 2005. Print.