Ready Player One Trailer Explained: 10 Things We Learned
2. One Key Surprise About Aech Remains Intact
Okay - we've touched on a few relatively minor spoilers thus far, but this next one is a pretty major spoiler. So please don't read on unless you're a) familiar with the novel or b) can live with having a big plot twist spoiled. Just don't say we didn't warn you.
For those of you still with us: one key character we haven't discussed thus far is Aech, Parzival's closest friend; although, much as how Wade falls in love with Art3mis without having met her in the flesh, nor does he meet his best buddy Aech face-to-face until pretty late in the day. And when he does, it proves a bit of a surprise.
See, although Aech's avatar presents a straight white male, in reality she is a black, gay woman. This revelation proves to be one of the most surprising and moving moments in the novel, as Aech reveals the reasons for her subterfuge (essentially down to cyberbullying); and the two remain the best of friends regardless.
Look closely at 2 minutes 15 seconds whilst Parzival delivers his stirring speech drawing the OASIS users to battle, and Lena Waithe can be seen as the real-life Aech in the background.