Character Analysis: Skins

Naomi Campbell "Although in many ways it's sort of a violation"

This is a look into the personality, motivations, and intentions of Naomi Campbell.

The image I often turn to for Naomi is the image of the lone wolf. Independent, fierce, intelligent, and cynical. The lone wolf is often believed to be an image of strength and individuality. Yet people often forget the nature of wolves. They are meant to commune with other other wolves in their pack. They are innately a social animal who desire companionship. It's just that the lone wolf is too intelligent, too independent, and too individualistic to learn the ways of packing living and allowing herself to reply on another. Naomi is that lone wolf. She is that fiercely cynical yet intelligent lone wolf who has relied on herself most of her life who is afraid to join a pack despite her loneliness.

Naomi was raised by a single mother who is best described as a hippie. She runs a communal living house for other free spirits. Despite having this collective home many times Naomi is left on her own learning how to rely on herself while her mom gets caught up in the many colorful personalities that come through their house. Communal living is not a family affair either it is a home that people are constantly coming and going so there is never any true stability in the house. No way for Naomi to build new connections or relationships besides her own mother. Naomi's mother loves her and it is quite evident she does; however, she is a free spirit often leaving town or getting distracted. Naomi had a bit of a lonely upbringing that helped her become the independent fireball of a character we all know and love.

We learn that Naomi has has a crush on Emily for quite some time. However she was too afraid to do anything and in many ways she was running from that intimacy for quite some time. Naomi simply does not want to be in love. She loves the security of being alone even though she feels lonely. One of the most eye opening friendships that Naomi had was with her politics teacher Kieran. He is a cynical, intelligent, witty, and lonely man. Who is drawn to Naomi's similar view on life and her apparent maturity compared to the other students. Naomi was also drawn to Kieran for the same reason they are quite similar. They are two lonely people who bond over their mutual dislike for those who cannot keep up with their conversations.

Naomi when we see her keeps seeking out Emily and then pulling back. Classic instincts of someone who has intimacy issues. Someone who is afraid of allowing themselves to be vulnerable and weak in front of another person. To trust someone with their heart and well being. To surrender themselves to feelings that they may not being able to intellectually understand. Naomi has been on her own for most of her life relying on herself and being clever. Love does not make her feel clever and love by definition means you must trust in someone else. Emily's persistence and kindness allows Naomi to work through many of the conflicting feelings that Naomi has. Though in a moment of self-admitted cowardice and fear she sleeps with Sophia seeking for some sort of control. Eventually though Naomi despite her fears and despite everything she learns to love through pain. She learns to rely on someone. It is a treacherous journey filled with mistakes but she starts to grow as a person in this area.

The lone wolf learned to take a companion. She learned to rely on another.

Another thing about Naomi that I absolutely adore besides her wit and independence. Is also her social conscious and sense of justice. Her politics is on point and her ethics are also on point. One of my favorite moments that shows this side of Naomi is when she informed the school that Harriet and Doug hid votes for Cook. She put away her own success in order for justice to prevail. She does have a solid sense of right and wrong. She is opinionated. She is smart. She is able to verbally express herself in a uniquely wonderful way.

Naomi is simply one of a kind.