This version of Caleb exists in the “inverted purgatory” after his sister, Shelly, who had Down Syndrome, passed away. His presence in the Upside Down signifies that the trauma of losing his sister “broke” him.
Emotional State and Initial Presentation: When first seen, Caleb is cocooned in silence, completely shut off and encased in stillness, with his hands pressing tightly over his face. He remained like this for days, unable to even cry.
Core Conflict: Caleb’s deepest struggle is the overwhelming guilt over his sister’s death, which he blames himself for. He feels he doesn’t deserve happiness and believes his current state is his exile or price to pay. Shelly was his joy and anchor in life, making her loss shatter his world.
Relationship with Maddy: The Upside Down version of Caleb is honest and raw, admitting he is confused and wishes he could return to the “real” Maddy. He is desperate to talk to her and find a way back to a life with her, showing his enduring love and attachment.
Response to Conflict: When confronted by Sebastian, his childhood bully, Caleb initially tries to stand with wariness but without defiance. However, Sebastian’s aggressive attack triggers a return of the helpless fear he buried in childhood, causing him to immediately suppress the instinct to fight back and submit.
New Resolve/Purpose: After speaking with Jason, a purpose forms within Caleb. He is determined to figure out how to push his “upsider” (his upright self) and find Maddy.
The upright Caleb is the version existing in the real world, who, according to Jason’s description of “upsiders,” has become more calloused and survives by suppressing everything.
Public Display (At the Funeral): At Shelly’s funeral, Upright Caleb stands stoic and apart, having sealed off every emotion since her death. He dreads the Committal service and tries to keep his emotions closed off, only giving a short nod and tight lips when speaking to Maddy.
Interactions with Maddy: When he sees Maddy at the funeral, they both stiffen, bracing themselves. His hug is a polite, restrained motion, and their interaction is formal and detached, suggesting a painful history and current emotional distance.
Internal Actions: The Upside Down Caleb observes his upright self doing things like writing an emotional email on his laptop that he will eventually not send, suggesting his conscious self struggles to express or process his feelings. He also watches his upsider lash out at Maddy during an argument.
In essence, Upside Down Caleb represents the raw, feeling, and emotionally exhausted self who is paralyzed by grief and guilt. Upright Caleb is the coping mechanism the functional, stoic counterpart who has repressed his pain to the point of emotional detachment and unintentional cruelty towards those he cares about, like Maddy.
