Zac is a 16-year-old junior at Edgewater High School. He has lived in Castle Rock most of his life with his widowed father, Robert Dryden. Handsome and friendly, he easily established himself as one of the school’s most popular students among both his peers and the staff. Although his interest in school is more social than academic, he is a bright and observant person with an adventuresome spirit.
APPEARANCES
Volume 1: The Boy in the Black Hood
Volume 2: Sleepless
APPEARANCES
Volume 1: The Boy in the Black Hood
Volume 2: Sleepless
Zachary (Zac) Robert Dryden was born in Athens, Greece, to Robert Dryden and Jennifer (neé Dauphine) Dryden. At the time, Robert was finishing up his Doctorate in Archaeology and working on an ancient site on Greece’s east coast. The family relocated to Castle Rock a year later when Robert accepted a teaching position at Grand Oaks University.
Robert and Jennifer purchased the historic Walch House on the slopes of Sibyl’s Hill and began to renovate the 19th-century home in anticipation of a growing family. Sadly, Jennifer was killed in an automobile accident shortly after they moved into their new property. A long grieving period followed for father and son, exacerbated by still being relatively new to the community with few close friends and no family nearby. The loss of his mother and lack of siblings may have contributed to Zac’s need to form close relationships with other people. By the time he was in 6th grade, Zac was considered one of the most popular kids in school and was often praised by teachers and school administrators for his pleasant demeanor.
Although very bright, Zac has never shown any particular concern for his grades — much to the chagrin of his university professor father. Many of his teachers have described him as being “lost” or “lacking motivation” when it comes to any particular interests or pursuits. Despite this, Zac thrives in the school environment and continues to be a favorite with both staff and students.
Zac is handsome and though not particularly athletic, he has a solid, muscular build. He has light brown eyes and sandy brown hair. Most friends and family members think he more closely resembles his late mother than his father.
Robert and Jennifer purchased the historic Walch House on the slopes of Sibyl’s Hill and began to renovate the 19th-century home in anticipation of a growing family. Sadly, Jennifer was killed in an automobile accident shortly after they moved into their new property. A long grieving period followed for father and son, exacerbated by still being relatively new to the community with few close friends and no family nearby. The loss of his mother and lack of siblings may have contributed to Zac’s need to form close relationships with other people. By the time he was in 6th grade, Zac was considered one of the most popular kids in school and was often praised by teachers and school administrators for his pleasant demeanor.
Although very bright, Zac has never shown any particular concern for his grades — much to the chagrin of his university professor father. Many of his teachers have described him as being “lost” or “lacking motivation” when it comes to any particular interests or pursuits. Despite this, Zac thrives in the school environment and continues to be a favorite with both staff and students.
Zac is handsome and though not particularly athletic, he has a solid, muscular build. He has light brown eyes and sandy brown hair. Most friends and family members think he more closely resembles his late mother than his father.
PERSONALITY
Gregarious and outgoing, Zac makes friends easily. His social circle consists of people from various backgrounds and ages. He is a natural diplomat who places a great deal of importance on good manners — a trait he says he inherited from his father. Despite his friendly nature, Zac does not consider himself a “joiner” and usually prefers to interact with people in small numbers in more intimate settings. Numerous attempts by students and teachers to recruit him into extracurricular activities have failed..
Although much admired and frequently propositioned, Zac has little to no experience with dating. In the past, he has expressed discomfort with his physical attractiveness and the reaction it produces in others. His best friend, Ben Sher, has called him as a “hopeless romantic.” This seems to be an apt description as Zac has said that most high school romances are “superficial” and he is content to wait for something more substantial.
FAMILY
Robert Dryden, father
Zac lives with his father, Dr. Robert Dryden, in the historic Walch House on the southern slope of Sibyl’s Hill. Robert is a professor of archaeology at Grand Oaks University and a successful author, both of which are demanding of his time. As such, Zac has always had a high degree of personal freedom and responsibility. In general, the two have a warm, positive relationship although they may appear more like roommates than father and son to the casual observer.
Jennifer Dryden, mother
Zac’s mother died in a car accident when he was very young. He considers this the most pivotal experience in his life.
FRIENDS
John Gervais
Zac’s relationship with John is tenuous at best. They were paired on the first day of their junior year when science teacher Emily Pembroke asked Zac to familiarize John with the school. Although John initially rejected Zac’s cordial overtures, he later reversed himself and seemed anxious to befriend the other boy. Zac has reacted to John’s frequently bizarre and contradictory behavior with a mixture of curiosity and empathy, much to the annoyance of Ben Sher. In Volume 2: Sleepless, Zac confesses to himself that his quickness to befriend and trust John was motivated by a physical attraction for him.
Benjamin Sher
Zac and Ben met in the 5th grade and have been best friends ever since. Their close, brotherly bond may have formed in the absence of siblings (although Ben has several step-brothers and sisters whom he dislikes). Although very different in temperament — Zac is more introverted, Ben an exuberant extrovert — common interests and senses of humor have kept the relationship strong. Mutual friends have noted that Zac is often the “voice of reason” when Ben is acting impulsively. Likewise, Ben is protective of Zac whom he views as naive and codependent.
Shayna Kennedy
Shayna is the manager of Zac’s favorite hangout, Major Tom’s Retro Arcade in the historic downtown area of Castle Rock. Although seventeen years his senior, Shayna has become very friendly with Zac due to his frequently visits to the arcade.
Emily Pembroke
Zac met Ms. Pembroke during his freshman biology class and she quickly became his favorite teacher at Edgewater High School. In his junior year, Zac became Ms. Pembroke’s classroom aid for her marine biology course. Although Ms. Pembroke is frequently disappointed in Zac’s academic performance, she has found him a sincere, charming and reliable student.
ENEMIES
Kasira Vang
The beautiful and privileged Kasira Vang became infatuated with Zac during their freshman year. Although they move in similar social circles, Zac has repeatedly rebuffed Kasira’s romantic and sexual advances, maintaining that her interest in him is entirely superficial. Zac is frequently offended by Kasira’s treatment other students and tends to react to her with uncharacteristic antagonism. Although Zac would not describe Kasira as an enemy, she most certainly is not his friend.
Gregarious and outgoing, Zac makes friends easily. His social circle consists of people from various backgrounds and ages. He is a natural diplomat who places a great deal of importance on good manners — a trait he says he inherited from his father. Despite his friendly nature, Zac does not consider himself a “joiner” and usually prefers to interact with people in small numbers in more intimate settings. Numerous attempts by students and teachers to recruit him into extracurricular activities have failed..
Although much admired and frequently propositioned, Zac has little to no experience with dating. In the past, he has expressed discomfort with his physical attractiveness and the reaction it produces in others. His best friend, Ben Sher, has called him as a “hopeless romantic.” This seems to be an apt description as Zac has said that most high school romances are “superficial” and he is content to wait for something more substantial.
FAMILY
Robert Dryden, father
Zac lives with his father, Dr. Robert Dryden, in the historic Walch House on the southern slope of Sibyl’s Hill. Robert is a professor of archaeology at Grand Oaks University and a successful author, both of which are demanding of his time. As such, Zac has always had a high degree of personal freedom and responsibility. In general, the two have a warm, positive relationship although they may appear more like roommates than father and son to the casual observer.
Jennifer Dryden, mother
Zac’s mother died in a car accident when he was very young. He considers this the most pivotal experience in his life.
FRIENDS
John Gervais
Zac’s relationship with John is tenuous at best. They were paired on the first day of their junior year when science teacher Emily Pembroke asked Zac to familiarize John with the school. Although John initially rejected Zac’s cordial overtures, he later reversed himself and seemed anxious to befriend the other boy. Zac has reacted to John’s frequently bizarre and contradictory behavior with a mixture of curiosity and empathy, much to the annoyance of Ben Sher. In Volume 2: Sleepless, Zac confesses to himself that his quickness to befriend and trust John was motivated by a physical attraction for him.
Benjamin Sher
Zac and Ben met in the 5th grade and have been best friends ever since. Their close, brotherly bond may have formed in the absence of siblings (although Ben has several step-brothers and sisters whom he dislikes). Although very different in temperament — Zac is more introverted, Ben an exuberant extrovert — common interests and senses of humor have kept the relationship strong. Mutual friends have noted that Zac is often the “voice of reason” when Ben is acting impulsively. Likewise, Ben is protective of Zac whom he views as naive and codependent.
Shayna Kennedy
Shayna is the manager of Zac’s favorite hangout, Major Tom’s Retro Arcade in the historic downtown area of Castle Rock. Although seventeen years his senior, Shayna has become very friendly with Zac due to his frequently visits to the arcade.
Emily Pembroke
Zac met Ms. Pembroke during his freshman biology class and she quickly became his favorite teacher at Edgewater High School. In his junior year, Zac became Ms. Pembroke’s classroom aid for her marine biology course. Although Ms. Pembroke is frequently disappointed in Zac’s academic performance, she has found him a sincere, charming and reliable student.
ENEMIES
Kasira Vang
The beautiful and privileged Kasira Vang became infatuated with Zac during their freshman year. Although they move in similar social circles, Zac has repeatedly rebuffed Kasira’s romantic and sexual advances, maintaining that her interest in him is entirely superficial. Zac is frequently offended by Kasira’s treatment other students and tends to react to her with uncharacteristic antagonism. Although Zac would not describe Kasira as an enemy, she most certainly is not his friend.
Zac was voted Friendliest Freshman by the Edgewater High School student body during his first year at the school.
Zac is an excellent video gamer, a interest he shares with Ben Sher.
Zac is an excellent video gamer, a interest he shares with Ben Sher.
Jennier Dryden
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Robert Dryden
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Grace Gervais
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John Gervais
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Shayna Kennedy
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Emily Pembroke
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Ben Sher
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Kasira Vang
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Abandoned Farm
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Edgewater High School
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John's House
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Major Tom's Arcade
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Zac's House
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John's Car
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