Martin Character Analysis in Instructions for Dancing
Overview
Martin is Evie's most steadfast confidant in Nicola Yoon's Instructions for Dancing. From the opening chapters, he serves as the friend who never dismisses Evie’s strange experiences, even when they seem impossible. While other friends like Sophie and Cassidy react with skepticism or emotional distance, Martin leans in, asks questions, and helps Evie make sense of her visions. He is the character who names the magic (comparing it to the Zoltar machine in Big), pushes Evie to investigate the dancing book’s address, and later urges her to embrace present happiness rather than fear future heartbreak.
Martin’s arc is defined by quiet loyalty and a willingness to risk pain for the chance at love—traits that contrast with Evie’s growing cynicism. In the end, he becomes a model of the courage she needs to find.
Plot Role
Martin occupies a unique space in the story: he is the only friend who knows the full truth about Evie’s visions from the beginning. While Sophie and Cassidy remain unaware until late in the novel, Martin is present for the experiment in the cafeteria (Chapter 6: Not a Witch) and helps verify the first vision by talking to Shelley and Sheldon. He is the one who deduces the purpose of the stamp inside the Instructions for Dancing book, directing Evie to La Brea Dance (Chapter 8: Zoltar).
His role is that of a catalyst and a sounding board. He does not drive the central romance or the dance competition plot, but he creates the conditions that allow Evie to pursue both. When Evie grows frustrated after her first failed visit to the studio, Martin insists she return and suggests she might need to learn to dance (Chapter 12: Lesson Learning). He also encourages her to text X back after she hesitates (Chapter 30: Off the Cliff) and later challenges her avoidance of Sophie and Cassidy’s relationship.
Martin’s presence ensures that Evie never has to carry her burden entirely alone. He is the narrative thread that ties her supernatural experience to her everyday life, grounding the fantasy elements in a realistic friendship.
Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions
Loyalty – Martin’s loyalty is visible in his consistent belief in Evie. When she confesses her vision of Danica and Ben’s breakup, he does not mock her or call her crazy. Instead, he proposes a test. When the test works, his immediate reaction is excitement, not fear. He commits to helping her understand the phenomenon even when he cannot explain it himself.
Intellectual curiosity – Martin approaches Evie’s visions like a puzzle. He references the film Big because he loves old movies, but he does so to create a framework, not to dismiss her. He asks detailed questions about the old woman and the Little Free Library, treating each clue as part of a mystery to be solved. This intellectual approach contrasts with Sophie and Cassidy’s emotional reactions and underscores Martin’s role as the friend who thinks first.
Gentle stubbornness – Martin pushes Evie when she stalls. In Chapter 12, after she admits she is stuck, he refuses to let her give up: “I think you should go back to the dance studio.” He does not demand or lecture; he simply repeats his conviction. Similarly, when Evie is tempted to cancel her plans with X, Martin texts her to go. This gentle persistence is a form of care—he sees that Evie’s avoidance is rooted in fear, and he refuses to let fear win.
Unselfish hope – Martin’s own romantic situation provides a parallel to Evie’s: he harbors a long-standing crush on her sister Danica. He checks Danica’s relationship status “once a day or so” (Chapter 56: Once and Again) and admits to Evie that he still hopes for a chance. Yet he never makes Evie uncomfortable or asks her to intervene. When Danica appears with a new boyfriend, Martin sinks low into the booth but does not complain. His hope is quiet, patient, and unselfish—he wants Danica to be happy, even if it is not with him.
Comic relief – Martin’s humor often cuts tension. He sing‑sings “Dancing Queen” by ABBA after telling Evie she might need to learn to dance. He wears tweed blazers and a khaki park‑ranger outfit that invites teasing. His deadpan line about not knowing a real breast if it hit him in the face is a classic moment of understated comedy. These traits make him approachable and human, preventing the story from becoming too heavy.
Chronological Arc
Martin’s arc begins in earnest in Chapter 6: Not a Witch, when Evie confides in him about her first vision. His immediate reaction is to experiment and verify, establishing the trust between them. By Chapter 8: Zoltar, he has become the investigator, linking the dancing book to a physical address and insisting Evie keep an open mind.
His role expands in Chapter 12: Lesson Learning when he pushes Evie to return to La Brea Dance after her dead‑end first visit. He suggests that the visions require a lesson and that dancing might be it. This advice directly leads to Evie meeting X and entering the dance competition.
In Chapter 14: Lesson Learning (the same chapter number but a continuation), Martin’s crush on Danica is revealed, adding depth to his character. He later jokes about checking her status, showing he has not given up hope.
His influence peaks in Chapter 30: Off the Cliff, where he encourages Evie to go out with X despite her fears: “Don’t they all seem so happy?” He reframes the question from “Will it last?” to “Does this moment matter?” This becomes a key lesson Evie eventually internalizes.
At graduation (Chapter 56: Once and Again), Martin announces his plan to ask Danica out. Evie gives her blessing, noting that Martin is “braver than I am” because he will “take the pain with the joy.” This marks a full circle: Martin, who has always encouraged Evie to risk love, is now modeling that risk himself.
In the final chapters, Martin supports Evie through the aftermath of her vision of X’s death. He is present when she isolates herself, and he listens without judgment. Although he never performs a grand romantic gesture, his steady presence allows Evie to eventually choose love.
Relationships
Evie Thomas – This is the central friendship of the book. Evie trusts Martin with a secret she hides from everyone else. They share inside jokes (the “Fabulous, Excellent and Copacetic” exchange in Chapter 23), honest confrontations (Evie snaps at him when she is frustrated about Danica), and moments of genuine vulnerability. In Chapter 30, she rests her head on his shoulder at the tar pits. Their bond is based on mutual respect and a willingness to let each other be wrong, frustrated, or hopeful.
Danica – Martin’s crush on Evie’s sister is largely unrequited for most of the novel. He is insecure about it, shrinking into the booth when Archer appears. He tracks her relationship status online, which he admits might be “stalking” (Chapter 56). But he never presses or acts entitled. By the end, his patience earns a possible opening: Danica breaks up with Archer and later reveals she has liked Martin but feared Evie’s reaction. The novel suggests a future where they might start a relationship.
Sophie and Cassidy – Martin is part of the core friend group with Sophie and Cassidy, though he shares less screen time with them directly. His role in the group is often that of a mediator: he keeps the group chat going, offers truth bombs (the “Truth” replies in Chapter 20), and helps smooth over conflicts. He is the friend who stays loyal even when the group fractures.
Evie’s mother – Martin is comfortable enough at Evie’s house to eat her mother’s baking. He is known and welcomed, a sign that his friendship is integrated into Evie’s family life.
Key Decisions and Consequences
Choosing to believe Evie – When Evie reveals her vision, Martin could have dismissed her as stressed or making things up. Instead, he decides to treat her experience as real. This decision establishes their collaboration and gives Evie the courage to investigate further. Without Martin’s belief, Evie might have ignored the dancing book and never met X.
Pushing Evie to return to the dance studio – In Chapter 12, Martin insists that Evie needs to go back to La Brea Dance. This decision leads directly to her signing up for dance lessons, meeting X, entering the competition, and eventually falling in love. Martin’s gentle stubbornness is a turning point in the plot.
Encouraging Evie to value present happiness – At the tar pits, Martin asks, “Don’t you think it counts for something that they’re happy now?” This reframes Evie’s obsession with endings and sows the seed for her eventual choice to love X despite knowing his death.
Asking Danica out – At graduation, Martin decides to take a chance on his long‑held crush, even knowing he could be rejected. This decision mirrors his own advice to Evie and shows that he practices what he preaches. The consequence is a potential new relationship and a demonstration of courage.
Theme and Symbol Connections
Friendship and Change – Martin embodies the theme that true friendships can survive change. Even as Evie grows more cynical and distracted, Martin remains a constant. Their friendship is not static—he adapts to her new needs (helping with visions, supporting her dance, teasing her about X) without losing his core identity.
Living in the Moment – Martin’s encouragement to focus on present happiness rather than future heartbreak directly connects to the novel’s central lesson. He is the character who most consistently models carpe‑diem thinking, even before Evie fully embraces it.
Fate vs. Free Will – Martin’s approach to the visions is pragmatic: they may show the future, but that does not mean the present is worthless. He argues that Evie still has a choice about how she responds. This positions him as a voice for free will within a story that seems to suggest fate is fixed.
Love and Heartbreak – Martin’s unrequited crush on Danica and his patient willingness to risk rejection show that love is not always romantic or reciprocated. His love for Evie as a friend is also a form of love, one that does not end in heartbreak but deepens over time.
Symbol: The Movie Big – Martin invokes Big as a framework for understanding Evie’s powers. This symbol suggests that magic has rules and that the protagonist must learn a lesson before the gift ends. Martin is the one who sees the narrative shape of Evie’s experience, helping her frame it as a story she must complete.
Symbol: The Park Ranger Outfit – Martin’s tendency to dress like a park ranger (khaki ensemble, red handkerchief) is a running joke but also a symbol. Park rangers guide, protect, and interpret nature. Martin guides Evie through the wilderness of her visions, protects her from isolation, and helps her interpret her own experiences.
Book‑Specific Questions and Answers
1. Why does Martin immediately believe Evie’s vision about Danica and Ben?
Martin has known Evie for years and trusts her judgment. He is also intellectually open‑minded and willing to entertain the possibility that unseen forces might be at work. Rather than assume she is lying or hallucinating, he proposes a test. This reflects his personality: he would rather investigate than dismiss.
2. How does Martin’s crush on Danica affect his role in the story?
His crush adds a layer of vulnerability. When Danica arrives with Archer, Martin sinks low into his booth, prompting Evie to snap at him in frustration. This moment shows that Martin is not an unshakable guide—he has his own heartaches. His crush also gives him a personal stake in the theme of risk‑taking. By finally asking Danica out at graduation, he becomes a role model for Evie.
3. What is the significance of Martin referencing Big?
The reference gives Evie a narrative framework for her supernatural experience. Martin uses pop culture to demystify the magic, making it feel less terrifying. He argues that, like the protagonist of Big, Evie must learn a lesson before her “curse” ends. This insight drives the plot forward and keeps Evie from giving up.
4. How does Martin help Evie decide to go back to the dance studio?
In Chapter 12, Evie tells Martin she is stuck after a failed first visit. Instead of offering sympathy, Martin reassures her: “I think you should go back.” He then bursts into “Dancing Queen,” lightening the mood. His combination of logical advice and emotional support gives Evie the push she needs. He also suggests she might be meant to learn to dance, which later proves true.
5. Why does Martin tell Evie to text X in Chapter 30?
When Evie hesitates to respond to X’s invitation, Martin asks, “Don’t you think it counts for something that they’re happy now?” referring to the couples Evie has just predicted painful futures for. He argues that present happiness has value, even if the future is uncertain. This advice directly counters Evie’s growing cynicism and helps her take a step toward love.
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