Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating: Essay Prompts

1. From Self-Reliance to Interdependence: Ishu's Transformation in the Head Girl Campaign and Beyond

(Character Change)

Why this prompt matters: Ishu begins the novel as a self-isolated student who keeps to herself, observing Hani's sociability from a distance. Her arc—from transactional ambition to genuine connection—is the novel's emotional core, and it is inseparable from the Head Girl campaign that drives the plot.

Sample thesis direction: Ishu's growth is measured not by her academic achievements but by her willingness to let others in, moving from a strategy of self-reliance to an embrace of interdependence with both her sister and Hani.

Evidence leads:

• Chapter 1: Ishu observes Hani helping Aisling but keeps to herself, reflecting on how different she and Hani are despite both being Bengali.

• Chapter 4: After Nik's announcement, Ishu eavesdrops on her parents and resolves to prove herself, seeing relationships as transactional.

• Chapter 35: Nik flies over to help Ishu after the cheating accusation, showing the sibling bond has deepened.

• Chapter 46: Ishu admits to Nik she doesn't actually want to be Head Girl, revealing her motives were reactive rather than intrinsic.

• Chapter 51: Ishu insists on attending Nik's holud despite parental disapproval, choosing family over approval.