Tessa Minsky – The Unwavering Love Interest in Imogen, Obviously

Overview

Tessa Minsky is a Blackwell College student and a key member of Lili’s friend group. She becomes Imogen Scott’s love interest and a catalyst for Imogen’s self-discovery. Described with “Winona Ryder eyes” and a smile that feels like “getting your braces off” (chapter 4), Tessa is defined by her flirty banter, tomboy style, and unquestioning acceptance of others’ identities. She embodies the queer community that Imogen initially feels she doesn’t belong to, and she plays a central role in helping Imogen embrace her own bisexuality.

Plot Role

Tessa enters the story in chapter 4 when she walks into Lili’s dorm room in a bathrobe and cracks a joke about wearing clothes. From that moment, she is a magnetic presence. She is part of the friend group—Declan, Mika, Kayla—that Lili has built at college, and she is the one who adds Imogen to the group chat after the trivia victory (chapter 8). Tessa’s most important narrative function is to serve as the person who never questions Imogen’s claimed identity. When the truth about Lili’s lie comes out at the diner (chapter 52), Tessa’s immediate response is simply “But you are bi.” Her unwavering belief gives Imogen the confidence to move from performing queerness to living it. By the end of the novel, Tessa becomes Imogen’s girlfriend (chapter 62), solidifying her role as the romantic anchor in Imogen’s transformative journey.

Motivations and Traits

Tessa’s actions reveal several consistent traits:

Unquestioning acceptance: She never once doubts Imogen’s bisexuality, even after learning that Lili fabricated their backstory. In chapter 52, she gently insists, “I’m not skeptical. I would never be.”
Flirty and playful: She calls Imogen “Scott” as a nickname (chapter 9), teases her about being a “closeted goofball” (chapter 10), and engages in easy, affectionate banter throughout the story.
Emotionally perceptive: Tessa recognizes Imogen’s anxiety and meets it with patience. She offers comfort after the diner confrontation, takes Imogen’s hand, and asks “This okay?” before holding it (chapter 52).
Self-aware and honest: She freely admits to having ADHD and jokes about her own awkwardness, as when she says “Chick magnet? Absolutely not” (chapter 61). This vulnerability makes her approachable.
Respectful of boundaries: When the topic of coming out to Imogen’s parents arises, Tessa insists that Imogen control the timing: “I just want you to be able to be in control of this one” (chapter 61).

Chronological Arc

Tessa’s relationship with Imogen develops in clear stages:

First meeting (chapter 4): Tessa enters the room in a bathrobe, and Imogen notices her “boyish” hand gesture. The initial attraction is hinted at.
Trivia night (chapter 8): Tessa adds Imogen to the group chat after Imogen wins the wildcard round.
Breakfast walk (chapter 10): Tessa calls Imogen a “closeted goofball,” a remark that both startles and intrigues Imogen.
Texting and flirtation (chapter 29): Imogen sends a selfie and realizes Tessa is flirting back; the crush deepens.
Campus party (chapter 43‑44): Tessa appears in a tweed suit, looking like a “hot young professor,” and they share a charged moment during the song “Heather.”
Diner confrontation and first kiss (chapter 52): After Imogen comes out to Gretchen, Tessa reaffirms her belief in Imogen’s bisexuality. They kiss for the first time on the walk back to campus.
Rain kiss (chapter 60): An intimate, rain-soaked moment that cements their emotional bond.
Girlfriend declaration (chapter 62): In Tessa’s car, Imogen says she wants to be Tessa’s girlfriend, and Tessa enthusiastically agrees.

Relationships

With Imogen: The central relationship of the novel. Tessa is the safe space where Imogen can explore her identity without judgment. Their dynamic moves from flirtatious friendship to romantic partnership, with Tessa consistently supporting Imogen’s self-discovery.
With Lili: Tessa is a close friend who initially accepts Lili’s story about Imogen being her ex-girlfriend. When the truth is revealed, Tessa does not punish Lili but instead focuses on supporting Imogen.
With Gretchen: There is underlying tension. Gretchen questions whether Tessa would date a bi girl (chapter 52), and Tessa later defends Imogen against Gretchen’s skepticism. This conflict highlights Tessa’s role as a true ally in contrast to Gretchen’s policing of identity.
With the friend group: Tessa is the heart of the group’s warmth. She uses humor and physical affection to build camaraderie, as seen when she nudges Imogen’s foot during the party (chapter 44).

Key Decisions and Consequences

Never questioning Imogen’s identity: Tessa’s decision to accept Imogen’s bisexuality from the start—even after the lie is revealed—gives Imogen the emotional foundation to stop performing and start being. The consequence is Imogen’s eventual public coming out and her sense of belonging.
Kissing Imogen first: After the diner scene, Tessa initiates the kiss that seals their romantic connection. This kiss marks the moment Imogen fully claims her queer identity. The consequence is that Imogen gains the courage to pursue the relationship openly.
Prioritizing Imogen’s coming‑out timeline: In chapter 61, Tessa suggests they wait to introduce her to Imogen’s parents so that Imogen can control that narrative. This decision preserves Imogen’s agency and ensures she doesn’t feel rushed.
Playful affection without pressure: Tessa’s flirting is always light and reciprocal. She never pressures Imogen to label herself or to move faster than she’s ready. This creates a safe environment where Imogen can explore her feelings at her own pace.

Theme and Symbol Connections

Tessa is closely tied to the novel’s central themes. On the self-discovery and queer identity page, her role is that of the validating mirror: she reflects back the identity Imogen is afraid to claim. She directly challenges compulsory heterosexuality by existing as an openly lesbian girl who is attracted to Imogen, forcing Imogen to confront her own feelings. In terms of authenticity vs performance, Tessa represents genuine queerness unmarred by performance. She never performs for an audience; she simply is. Her easy integration of Imogen into the friend group underscores the themes of friendship and belonging. Finally, her protective response to Gretchen’s gatekeeping illustrates the power of true queer community and allyship.

Tessa’s nickname for Imogen—“Scott”—becomes a symbol of intimacy and acceptance. It is a term of endearment that only Tessa uses, marking their special connection. Her clothing choices—the tweed suit, the wet‑dog towels—also symbolize her comfort in her own skin, which indirectly teaches Imogen that it is okay to be messy and authentic.

Questions and Answers

Why does Tessa never question Imogen’s bisexuality?
Tessa trusts Imogen’s self‑knowledge. In chapter 52, she directly says she would “never be” skeptical, contrasting sharply with Gretchen’s insistence that Imogen is straight. Tessa believes that only Imogen can define her own identity, and she rejects any policing of queerness.
How does Tessa show her flirty personality throughout the book?
She gives Imogen the nickname “Scott” (chapter 9), teases her by checking her pulse (chapter 11), calls her a “closeted goofball” (chapter 10), and sends playful texts. Her banter is always kind and never mocking, which makes the flirtation feel safe.
What is the significance of Tessa calling Imogen a “closeted goofball” in chapter 10?
The remark is both perceptive and gentle. It startles Imogen because it points to a truth she hasn’t admitted to herself: that she might be queer. Tessa says it without malice, which makes Imogen feel seen rather than exposed. This moment plants the seed for Imogen’s later self‑examination.
How does Tessa’s support affect Imogen’s coming‑out experience?
Tessa’s consistent affirmation gives Imogen the confidence to come out publicly at the diner (chapter 52) and later to her family. Without Tessa’s belief, Imogen might have retreated into the safe role of “ally” indefinitely. Tessa’s love becomes the reward for Imogen’s bravery.
In what ways does Tessa respect Imogen’s boundaries?
She asks “This okay?” before holding hands (chapter 52). She lets Imogen set the pace physically. Most importantly, she insists that Imogen control the timing of coming out to her parents (chapter 61). Tessa’s respect shows that healthy queer relationships are built on consent and agency, not pressure.

For further exploration of Tessa’s role, see the full book summary and ending explained.