Jordan Dunkin: The Unseen Hero of Kindness in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series

In Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series, where the narrative is steeped in the trials of addiction, family dynamics, and personal redemption, Jordan Dunkin emerges as a character whose journey is often overshadowed by his more notorious actions. However, a closer examination reveals that beneath his troubled exterior lies one of the series’ most compassionate and kind-hearted figures. Here’s why Jordan Dunkin can be considered the nicest character in the “Gripped” series:

A Misunderstood Beginning

• Complex Backstory: At first glance, Jordan is seen as irresponsible and careless, largely due to his brother Marc’s resentment and jealousy towards him. Marc’s deep-seated misunderstanding of Jordan causes him to think lowly of his older brother, painting a skewed image of Jordan’s character. However, beneath this surface, Jordan is a sensitive, empathetic, and creative person who feels the pressure to live up to Taylor’s reputation, despite not sharing his brother’s penchant for drug abuse. Jordan’s involvement with substances is limited to marijuana, and he does not suffer from addiction.
• Protective Brother: Despite his perceived flaws, Jordan exhibits profound loyalty and protectiveness towards his siblings, particularly Taylor and Marc. His kindness extends to Marc repeatedly, even as Marc harbors resentment. Jordan makes several attempts to mend their relationship, showcasing his desire for family unity and forgiveness.

The Journey Towards Redemption

• Self-Sacrifice: Jordan’s arc in the series is one of self-sacrifice. In books like “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout,” when he learns about Taylor’s entanglement with the Bilotti crime family, he steps up, not for personal gain but to protect his brother. This act of bravery and selflessness is a testament to his character’s underlying niceness.
• Mentorship and Support: As the series progresses, Jordan becomes a mentor to his younger cousin, Chris Dunkin. Once he goes off to college to play football for Notre Dame, he sets a positive example for Chris, encouraging him to make better life choices and avoid the pitfalls of substance abuse. His transformation from a rebellious teenager to someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of others is profound.

Acts of Kindness

• Quiet Generosity: Jordan’s kindness isn’t always loud or dramatic. There are moments throughout the series where he shows quiet acts of generosity, like helping friends in need without expecting recognition. His interactions with Michelle Taylor, where he supports her dreams and ambitions even at the cost of his own desires, reveal a man who understands love and support beyond personal gain.
• Empathy and Understanding: Unlike many characters who might judge or shun those with problems, Jordan exhibits empathy towards those struggling with addiction. Having seen the effects firsthand, he understands the complexity of recovery, offering a shoulder or advice without condescension.

Growth Through Adversity

• Redemption Arc: Jordan’s journey is one of the most significant redemption arcs in the series. His struggle with his past actions and the desire to make amends, particularly towards Marc, highlights his inherent goodness. This arc is not just about personal redemption but also about redeeming how he’s perceived by others, especially within his family.
• Forgiveness and Forgiving: One of the hallmarks of Jordan’s niceness is his capacity for forgiveness, both towards others and himself. He works to forgive Marc for his resentment, and in doing so, seeks to forgive himself for his past mistakes, promoting healing within his family.

Contrast with Other Characters

• Comparative Kindness: When juxtaposed with characters like Taylor, whose journey is also one of redemption but often through a lens of self-interest, Jordan’s actions seem more altruistic. Even compared to Chris, who also seeks redemption but sometimes from a place of public acknowledgment, Jordan’s kindness is more private, selfless.
• A Different Kind of Strength: Jordan’s strength lies not in physical prowess or charismatic leadership but in his emotional resilience, his ability to love fiercely, and his commitment to making good choices to avoid following Taylor’s path, despite the pressures he faces.

Conclusion: The Heart of the Series

Jordan Dunkin’s character in the “Gripped” series might not initially strike readers as the “nicest” due to his complex, often misunderstood behavior. However, his journey through adversity, his quiet acts of kindness, his mentorship, and his ultimate path towards redemption reveal a character whose heart beats with a profound sense of empathy, loyalty, and love. In a series where every character has their shadows, Jordan’s light shines through his capacity for growth, forgiveness, and genuine kindness, making him not just a nice character but one of the series’ most compelling and transformative figures.