Caroline

Augustus’s former girlfriend, Caroline Mathers died from brain cancer. Although Caroline does not appear in the novel, Augustus tells Hazel about Caroline’s decline and eventual passing. The details of her death shows the realities of cancer, working against the misrepresentation of those who are diagnosed with cancer as more heroic, spiritual, and noble than normal people. As she died, Caroline became selfish, impulsive, and cruel, showing the true and horrific nature of cancer.