Clay Jensen
Clayton "Clay" Jason Jensen is a fictional character created by author Jay Asher. He is the protagonist in Thirteen Reasons Why, a novel written for teenagers where a girl, Hannah Baker, commits suicide. Clay is also the main character in the Netflix television series adaption of Asher's story, 13 Reasons Why, where he is portrayed by Dylan Minnette.
| Clay Jensen | |
|---|---|
| Thirteen Reasons Why character | |
Dylan Minnette as Clay Jensen | |
| First appearance | Novel: "Cassette 1: Side A" (2007) Television: "Tape 1, Side A" (2017) |
| Last appearance | Novel: "Cassette 7: Side B" (2007) Television: "Graduation" (2020) |
| Created by | Jay Asher |
| Portrayed by | Dylan Minnette |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Clayton Jason Jensen |
| Alias | Helmet & Astronomy Boy (by Hannah) Dark Clay (alter ego) Cory (by several rivals) |
| Occupation | Student (formerly) Clerk (formerly) |
| Family | Matthew Jensen (father) Lainie Jensen (mother) Justin Foley (late adopted brother) |
| Significant other | Hannah Baker (late crush) Skye Miller (ex-girlfriend) Amorowat Anisia Achola (ex-girlfriend) Heidi (girlfriend) |
Clay is one of the major protagonists in the series and his major storylines have included his friendships with Hannah Baker and Tony Padilla. Other major storylines have included his reactions to the tapes and his deteriorating mental health, such as his struggle with anxiety and depression.
While the series has earned a divided and polarized reception from critics, readers and audiences praised it, and Minnette's performance was widely acclaimed.