This article is about the Netflix series character. You may be looking for the book character. |
“ | I had a friend. Her name was Hannah. She killed herself. She left a job for me. Secrets to keep. I tried, I tried to honor her memory. I tried to keep those secrets, but I don't think I did the right thing. Her parents are hurting. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I just - I wanted to take care of Hannah. | ” |
— telling Brad about Hannah and The Tapes, in "Tape 6, Side B" |
Antonio "Tony" Padilla is one of the main characters in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why. He is portrayed by Christian Navarro.
Antonio, more commonly known as Tony, is a high school student at Liberty High who helps Clay with dealing with Hannah's death and is revealed to be the person who saw Hannah get taken away in an ambulance. He is the person Hannah enlists to take care of the tapes. She delivers them to his door before going home to commit suicide.
Early Life
Tony knew from a young age that he was different and tried things with girls before realizing that he's gay.[1] He came out to his dad when he was 14 years old. His dad kissed Tony on the head and said he loved him, but stayed silent for six days after that.[2]
Throughout the Series
Season 1
When Clay came out of school, Tony offered to give him a ride home. Clay accepted the offer and got inside the car. They rode through the neighborhood and Tony finally reached Clay's house. He bid him goodbye and headed for his front door as Tony drove away.
After Clay discovered the tapes of the late Hannah Baker in the front of the door, he cycled over to Tony's house to borrow a cassette player so he could listen to the tapes, after his one got broken back home. Tony and his dad were preoccupied with fixing Tony's old Mustang, so Clay stole the Walkman and made an excuse that his mother was cooking dinner and that he needed to be home.
Later that day, at Eisenhower Park while Clay was listening to Tape 1, Side A on the Walkman, Tony approached him, in an attempt to hide the Walkman, Clay removed the earplugs from his ear and hid the Walkman. However, Tony knew that he'd stolen his Walkman and confronted him. Clay told him that it was his and asked to borrow it in embarrassment. Tony, seeming honest enough, said it was no sweat, and told him to be careful while riding his bike though, since he'd fallen off the bike earlier. He bid him goodbye and walked towards his car, after giving hints that he knew about Hannah's tapes.
The next day, after listening to the tapes all night, Clay approached Tony at the school cafeteria. Clay was frustrated with Tony concerning the tapes. He asked if Tony took part in helping Hannah make the tapes. Tony wasn't on the tapes and he also took no part in the making of the tapes. After bombarding Tony with questions, Tony just replied, "Listen to the tapes, Clay" and that Hannah wanted it done like that. Clay wasn't satisfied with the answer. He told him what if he didn't want to listen to the tapes, to which Tony replied that it would only get worse.[3]
After school, Zach and Marcus offered Clay a ride to Bryce’s. Tony asked Clay if he's okay and told the guys to leave, which they did.
Tony later joined Clay at Monet's, where they talked about the tapes. Tony asked Clay why he's taking a long time to listen to the tapes; Clay explained that it's because he finds it hard to hear Hannah's voice.
Tony received a call from Mrs. Baker, who had found hot-or-not list and wanted to learn more about it. From across the street, Clay watched Tony hug Mrs. Baker and enter her house.[4]
Tony and Mrs. Baker met up at Monet's, seemingly to discuss the list. Mrs. Baker asked Tony about Clay; Tony told her that he doesn’t know what his relationship with Hannah was like.
When the jocks forced Clay to compete against Alex in a drinking competition, Tony watched it with disgust. Clay confronted Tony about not helping him, which resulted in an argument and Tony telling Clay that if he doesn't trust him, he can't help. Tony drove off and Clay chased him on his bike until he saw Tony and his brothers beating up a man.[5]
At the Jensen Residence, Mrs. Jensen had invited Tony over for dinner after talking to his dad at a parent meeting. When asked about their ‘history project’, which is a lie Clay told his Dad about the tapes, Clay mentioned that he thinks he’s done with the ‘project’. Tony tried to convince Clay that it’s important to continue listening.[6]
A flashback shows that Tony was the deejay at the Winter Formal. After the dance, he helped Hannah with her car and gave her a tape of The Night We Met, the song she and Clay danced to that night.[7]
Clay gave Tony the tapes, saying that he can’t listen and if Tony can tell him the reason he’s on the tapes. Instead, Tony took Clay to a big rock where they started rock climbing. On top of the rock, Tony revealed to Clay that Hannah trusted Tony with the tapes because he’s the only guy at school who didn’t harass her. He also told Clay that the day Hannah died, she dropped off the tapes at his door. He thought it wasn’t important and he didn’t want to deal with her ‘drama’, so he didn’t immediately pick up the box. When he started listening to the first tape, he tried to call the Bakers and rushed to Hannah’s house, but it was too late. He now felt the responsibility to make sure everyone listens to the tapes.[8]
After listening to tape 9, Clay confronted Tony at the garage about doing nothing after having listened to it and not being more upset about everything. Tony told Clay that he isn’t doing it for Hannah and Clay doesn’t know the whole story yet. Out of anger, Clay started pushing Tony and throwing stuff around. Tony then iced Clay’s leg and told Clay that he’ll always help him.[9]
Tony found Clay at the Eisenhower Park and joined him, for the reason that Clay was about to listen to his tape. Clay told him he can’t do it and asked if he killed Hannah. Tony tried to dodge the question by saying everyone let her down and she killed herself, but then told Clay that he did kill Hannah.[10]
Tony stayed with Clay and drove him around while he listened to his tape, because he didn’t know what’s going to happen if Clay heard Hannah’s truth. They took a break from listening to get some food at Monet’s before driving to a spot where Clay can continue listening to the tape. After hearing the part of the tape where Clay left the bedroom when Hannah told him to, Clay started blaming himself and broke down. Tony pulled Clay into a hug and drove him home, making him promise not to do anything stupid.[11]
Clay and Tony met up at school, where Tony gave Clay a tape recorder and asked Clay why he had asked for this. Clay pointed out that if Bryce gets the tapes, he won’t pass them on to the last tape subject and said he has a plan.
At the Baker’s store, Mrs. Baker confronted Tony about a paper with names she found that also has Tony’s name on it. Tony pretended to not know what the paper means, which Mrs. Baker didn’t believe.
Tony’s boyfriend Brad confronted Tony about introducing him as his ‘friend’ and asked him about what’s going on. Tony started telling Brad about Hannah and broke down as he isn’t sure if he’s doing the right thing by keeping her secrets.[12]
A flashback shows that Tony had given Hannah a tape recorder she had asked for. Tony asked what she needed it for; Hannah told him it was for some "stupid thing".
Tony stopped by Clay’s house, where Clay played Tony Bryce’s confession. Tony commented that the tape would blow up the world, to which Clay replied that it’s exactly what they should do.
Tony gave the Bakers Hannah’s tapes on a USB. He apologized for not being honest and revealed that Hannah made tapes and he kept secrets for her.
The season ends with Tony, Brad, Clay and Skye going for a drive. Tony asked if he should put a tape on, but Clay suggested listening to the radio instead, which Tony thought was a great idea.[13]
Season 2
Tony approached Clay in the school hallway and confronted him about how he had said that the case against the school was going to settle, yet the school called on him to testify. When Clay told Tony that he doesn't understand why Tony needed to testify for the school either because he didn't do anything wrong, Tony told Clay that he doesn't know everything he did.
At Monet’s, Ryan told Tony he had been called to testify and gave him the pages from Hannah’s journal that are about Tony beating up someone. Ryan promised to not reveal anything in court that could hurt him. At night, Tony burned the pages of the letter he received from Hannah.[14]
Tony had started taking boxing classes as a court-mandated anger management court. During one of the classes, Caleb, his coach, asked him if he got something on his mind. Tony ignored the question and asked Caleb to sign a form for his probation officer. Caleb wanted to go in the boxing ring with him before he's done with his sessions, but Tony refused.
At the Baker's Drug Store, Tony and Mrs. Baker were talking about Jackie and their friendship. Mrs. Baker started asking about what happened to his boyfriend Brad, and Tony revealed that they broke up because Brad didn't want to date a 'kid' anymore. Mrs. Baker wondered why Hannah kept so many secrets, and Tony told her he thinks that people keep secrets to protect other people.[15]
When Jessica had to testify, Tony, Clay, and Alex went to court to watch it. Because Tony's on the witness list, he had to use his brother's ID to get in.
Tony was taking another boxing class but left because Clay texted. He revealed to Caleb that he got dumped the month before, and Caleb told him it must have been a foolish woman to let Tony go. Tony corrected him by saying it was a guy.
Tony and Clay met up at Monet's, where Clay asked Tony to help to find Justin so he could testify against Bryce. Tony asked his probation officer for help due to his experience with runaways. They drove to Oakland and visited multiple homeless shelters, without much luck. Eventually, they found a guy that was wearing Justin's varsity jacket. When he wouldn't tell them where he got the jacket from and called Tony "tiny", Tony beats him up.[16]
Tony didn't want to be part of hiding and detoxing Justin from heroin because he's on probation and has to testify, so he sent Sheri to help instead.
Tony was helping Mrs. Baker in the store when she asked him if Jessica is on tape nine. Tony told her that if she is, it can't help the trial because she doesn't know what happened to Hannah. When asked if Tony knew where Justin is, he said he could ask around.[17]
When Sheri couldn't babysit Justin, Tony came to take care of him instead. They passed the time by playing games. Tony told Justin that he and his brothers beat up a guy and the guy pressed charges. This was his second strike and got probation, which is why he can't be seen with Justin. After Justin told him about what happened to him, Tony felt bad and took him outside.
Tony and Caleb went to Monet's together, where they saw Ryan sitting alone. Tony introduced them to each other and invited Ryan to sit with them.[18]
Tony went to the gym to see Caleb, but Caleb was training with Lucas, the homophobic man Tony beat up. Tony quickly left.[19]
Tony and Caleb meet up outside the gym. Caleb told Tony he likes him, and they kissed. Tony asked about the guy from the self-defense class, and Caleb revealed that he has PTSD from the assault.[20]The next day, while Tony was training with Caleb, the man Tony beat up arrived and Caleb introduced them. The man recognized Tony from somewhere but couldn’t place him, and Tony left.[21]
Tony skipped his boxing class and went to Monet’s instead, where Caleb found him. Caleb asked Tony what's going on with him, and Tony replied that it’s about the trial and the leaked tapes. Tony apologized to Caleb for the day before. Caleb asked Tony out on a date.
When they returned from their date, they found Tony's car destroyed. Tony freaked out and started fighting with Caleb. Caleb calmed him down and Tony started crying in Caleb's arms.[22] They talked, and Tony revealed he was afraid of ruining everything for the Baker's, his family and them.
Tony was talking to Ryan at school before he testified. Ryan offered to go with him, but Tony refused. A flashback showed Tony asking out Ryan with Hannah's encouragement.
During Tony's testimony, he said Hannah made the tapes so people would understand what she was going through. Sonya made him admit that Hannah never said on the tapes that she blamed the school. Tony lied, saying Hannah didn’t leave a note for him. His arrests for assault got brought up. A flashback showed Tony beat up Lucas after he called him and Ryan homophobic terms.
Tony had gone to the Baker's house, where he revealed that the reason Hannah gave him the tapes was that he owed her. Hannah hid Tony when the police were after him. Hannah had also told Tony about this girl she bullied, so Tony went to the girl's house to tell her that Hannah was a good person and sorry for what she did.[23]
While waiting for the verdict, Tony helped Olivia at the store. He found Hannah’s beanie and gave it to Olivia. He then went to Caleb and told the truth about Lucas.[24]
Tony attended Hannah's memorial with Caleb. Afterward, Caleb asked if he could come to his house but Tony refused. Tony promised to come by after the Spring Fling. When arriving at the dance, Caleb is revealed to be there waiting for him because Clay got him a guest pass. When Tyler came to school with his riffle, Tony got his car and drove Tyler away.[25]
Season 3
Tony drove Tyler to an unknown place after his attempted school shooting. Tyler screamed at Tony not to touch him, but Tony managed to calm him down and take his gun from him. He and clay brought Tyler home, and stayed the night. They discussed helping Tyler and wondered what made him almost shot up the school. They also got rid of Tyler's guns by throwing them in the water. Tony helped Tyler recover by hanging out with him and giving him boxing lessons to manage his anger.[26]
Tony wanted to introduce his boyfriend Caleb to his family. Tony told Caleb his Mom would love him and the rest of the family will also accept him. Upon arriving at the Padilla Residence, the house was empty and everything was left on. Alejandro revealed that his family was taken by ICE.
Tony started skipping school to work at the family's car repair. Tony received a call from his Dad, who was at a detention centre, separated from the rest of his family and was scheduled for deportation. Tony broke down crying, and Caleb comforted him. Tony saved money to hire a lawyer and wanted to sleep at the garage. Caleb told him to stay at his house, but Tony didn't want to because his home was with his family and he was very messed up at the moment. Caleb managed to convince him that home is with people you love and he loves him, and told him that "your life is my life".
Bryce came to the garage to get his car fixed, which Tony initially refused to do but later agreed. Tony didn't have enough money to pay his lawyers, so he sold Bryce his mustang for twice the price he had asked.
Tony's little sister Graciella came to visit Tony at the garage. When Graciella asked when their parents were coming back, Tony took her to a mirror and told her that no matter what happens, they remember how good they are. Graciella wanted to stay with Tony, but Tony told her that he couldn't take care of her, but he did have a plan.[27]
Tony met up with Olivia Baker and told her about what happened to his family. Olivia mentioned knowing why his family got deported: during the trial, the Walkers discovered that his family were illegal immigrants and tipped off ICE. Tony confronted Bryce at the Chatham House and accused him of buying his car out of guilt for getting his family deported. Bryce didn't believe that was true and said he was sorry.
The next day, Bryce visited Tony and revealed that his Dad was the one who called ICE and swore he didn't know about it. Bryce tried to give Tony back his car to "try and do the right thing". Tony told Bryce he was the cause of everything because of what he did to Hannah and he needed to take responsibility. Bryce mentioned feeling regret for what he did to Hannah, but Tony said he had no idea how he hurt her as he didn't listen to the tapes. Bryce asked for them, and Tony let Bryce listen to the tapes in the car to keeps his promise to Hannah about making sure everyone hears the tapes. He told Bryce that all the tapes are his tapes and he now had to "deal with his shit".[28]
On Homecoming night, Tony attended the game with Caleb. Afterwards he met up with a cartel member to send money to his deported family.[29]
In present time, Justin went to Tony’s garage and told him that Clay was taken to the sheriff’s station. Tony wanted to go to the station, but Justin claimed that this wouldn’t be a good idea due to his involvement with Tyler’s guns. Tony called Clay instead. Later, Clay and Ani asked Tony to meet up at Monet’s to talk about Bryce’s disappearance. Tony refused as he doesn’t care about Bryce, but did drive Clay and Ani to the café.[30]
Caleb shared the news of Bryce’s death with Tony. His reaction was to clear his name with the cops before they start investigating him, but Caleb felt like that would make him more suspicious.
Tyler asked Tony what he and Clay did to his guns after Spring Fling and revealed that he had kept one. Tony got angry and immediately wanted to get it, but Tyler wanted to handle it himself. Tony kept insisting that they would get the gun now.[31]
The next day, Tony picked up Tyler and demanded to give him the gun. Tyler claimed that he doesn’t have it with him and the reason he wants to get rid of the gun is because he’s done with it. Tony started to become suspicious of Tyler, especially as it was reported that Bryce was shot in the head. In a group meeting, the group found out that Bryce wasn’t shot and the police is looking for the murder weapon in the river. This worried Tony, for the reason that this is the place he and Clay had dumped Tyler’s guns.[32]
Tony got taken to the police station for questioning. Deputy Standall interrogated him about his relationship with Bryce; Tony told him that he didn’t really know Bryce and isn’t exactly sad about Bryce’s funeral.
Clay confronted Tony about not informing him about his family getting deported and selling his car to Bryce. Tony told Clay about what that happened and that he didn’t tell him earlier because there’s shame involved. Clay mentioned that he should’ve been there for Tony and that he loves him; Tony then told Clay the same and hugged him.[33]
In class, Clay asked Tony if he had been in touch with Mrs. Baker. Tony lied about this, saying he didn’t. Clay found out through Mrs. Baker that they had met up multiple times and that Bryce’s family was responsible for the deportation of Tony’s family. When confronting Tony, he admitted he had confronted Bryce about this. He told Clay about everything that happened. Clay was upset because Tony didn’t tell him this before when they’re supposed to be friends. They started asking each other about their whereabouts on homecoming night; Tony said that he was with Caleb and Clay said he was all alone.[34]
Tony worried that the police would come looking at his garage and that Clay was going to tell the police about his interactions with Bryce. That evening, Clay showed up at the gym and asked Tony to help him disappear. Tony planned to drive Clay to his family in Mexico, which he got into an argument about with his boyfriend. Caleb thought this was a bad idea as Tony would get into a lot of trouble and Clay might actually be Bryce’s murderer.[35]
The next day, Caleb asked Tony how he knows that Clay’s innocent and to tell him the truth about what happened after homecoming. Tony claimed that he told him the truth.
Caleb wanted to show Tony something and convinced him to go outside. He bought Tony his car back because if Tony was going to leave, he’d at least have his ‘first love’ with him. After this, Ani told Deputy Standall about Tony laundering money and blamed Monty for Bryce’s murder. Deputy Standall didn’t tell the other cops about what Tony (or the others) did and closed the case. Because of this Tony could stay in town and joined the rest of the group in the outhouse, where they listened to Bryce’s confession tape.
On Thanksgiving, Tony facetimed his family in Mexico and introduced Caleb. They then joined the Jensens for dinner, where he mentioned being thankful that family can be wherever you find it.[36]
Season 4
A month after the events of season 3, Tony, Alex, Clay, Jessica, Ani, Tyler, and Charlie gathered for the first time since Bryce's murder case to welcome Justin home from rehab. Zach’s now been drinking heavily, showing up to the party drunk. After the party, the mood shifted as they discussed the guns upon Tyler’s leave. Doubt spread over the group, the question being, could they trust Tyler?
At Liberty High, the students were in for a surprise. Metal detectors had been placed at the entrance of the school building accompanied by school resource officers (SROs).
At Future Fair, Liberty students gathered to check out the club and institution representatives. Dr. Singh encouraged Tony to consider community college after high school. Reluctant at first, Tony decided to take a brochure and promise to look into it.
At Boxing Gym, Tony received bad news; his appeal for his family’s visa had been denied due to insufficient proof of funds. The only way he’d get money is if he went into pro-am league boxing.[37]
The school was vandalized by someone with red spray paint, who wrote "Monty was framed" on the office doors. In the school hallway, SRO Ted Wynn stops Tony and inspects his bag. He notices Tony has red paint on his hands, which he explains is from his work in the auto shop. He also notices that Tony is a boxer by a glance at his calloused hands.
At the Boxing Gym, Alex oversees Tony training for a boxing match. He then inquires about Tony’s sexuality and how he knew he was gay, clearly an attempt finding answers to questions about his own sexuality.[38]
In class, Tony asks Tyler why he’s been avoiding the group but he replies that he’s been busy with work and school. When he gets called to the office, Tony follows suit and tails him to see if he’s telling the truth. However, he gets stopped by SRO Ted Wynn. Since he found out Tony is a boxer, he invites him to join his independent boxing league, East County Pro-Am. After their conversation ends, Tony s told that Tyler’s actually meeting Principal Bolan instead of Dr. Singh, as he claimed.
Clay meets with Tony at the mall where he is informed about Tyler’s rendezvous as of lately; he’s been lying about his shifts at work and meeting with Principal Bolan. Tony thinks Deputy Standall might know something about this. When Tyler arrives for work, he sees them and asks why the urgency to see him. Tyler gets fed up with them keeping tabs on his whereabouts and saunters off to work.
Tony deejays at the Love is Love dance; Tyler ends up showing up to the dance to help Tony. However, he leaves soon thereafter after receiving a phone call. Tony follows him outside to see him get in Deputy Standall’s car and they drive off.[39]
Jessica, Ani, Tony, Zach, Alex, Clay, and Justin receive a suspicious email saying they’ll reveal the truth at senior camping trip if the group doesn’t come clean and confess on their own. The sender of the email is Clay, but he denies it was him so his account must’ve been hacked. Tony thinks Tyler hacked into Clay’s account. When going on the Senior Camping Trip, he asks about what he was doing with Deputy Standall during the dance, Tyler replies that he needed someone to talk to so he called him. Tony doesn’t believe him.[40]
At school, Tony reveals he’s having his first fight after he got his certification. Tyler offers to be his cutman. Clay wonders why he’s fighting, but Tony says he got no choice. At the boxing match, Tony goes up against a taller and bigger guy. They claim he’s welterweight. The fight doesn’t start off great but after encouragement and advice from Caleb, he manages to make the winning shot. Sheriff Diaz is present in the fight and complements Tony on his win.
Tony secretly follows Tyler to a shady neighbourhood at night. Along with Justin, he sees Tyler giving a package to a driver. Justin recognizes him, he deals guns.[41]
At school, the students have to demonstrate how to stop bleeding from gunshot wounds on a dummy. Clay and Justin fail, but Tyler, who’s paired up with Tony, demonstrates an impressive knowledge of gunshot wounds. Tony finds this unsettling.
Code Red is issued by the principal and the school goes on lockdown — Code red means there’s an active shooter. Dean Foundry appears to be surprised by this and orders the students to barricade the doors and stay down. Tony notices Tyler is missing. He informs Charlie and Alex of Tyler’s rendezvous the night of the party and suspects he must be the active shooter. Tony goes through Tyler’s stuff and finds pictures of guns. They hear gun shots from the hallway and Tony decides he’s had enough. Despite Alex’s warning, Tony gives the pictures to Dean Foundry hoping it will change their current predicament, but he just thanks him for handing him the pictures and says he’ll look into it later after lockdown. It eventually turns out to be just a drill, making Tony worried about what this might mean for Tyler.[42]
The next day, Tony asks Tyler about why he tried to buy guns, but Tyler confronts Tony about him and Clay not trusting him after all the progress he made.
Tony is at the sheriff’s station to meet with Officer Ted, and overhears some officers talking about a gun deal involving Tyler. He tells Clay about it and asks him for help, but Clay isn’t doing well and doesn’t think he can help right now. However, Clay suddenly shows up and gets in Tony's car while he is waiting for Tyler's arrival in order for the mistaken gun dealing to happen. At first Tony thinks Tyler and the police dropped out of the plan, but then Tyler comes into view. Tony and Clay chase after Tyler just as he meets the gun dealer, frantically ask him to come with them and leave the scene. The police sirens come up, they get panic and the gun dealer points his gun at Tyler's head. Next, the gun goes off in Clay and Tony's direction as they keep shouting not to shoot Tyler.[43] Next, Sheriff Diaz is seen explaining to Tony and Clay why Tyler was buying illegal guns; he was their informant. In exchange for dropping his charges against his bag of guns, they offered him a job of being a police informant. Tony and Clay apologize to Tyler after mistakenly thinking he was back to buying guns and wanting to use them. Tyler's hurt that his friends lost faith in him, as they're the ones who taught him that.
After Ani moves out of Jessica's house, she now lives with Tony and Caleb. She finds out that she got accepted into eight schools, Stanford being one of them. However, she doesn't think she'll go to any because of her financial situation. Tony advises her to take Mrs. Walker's money, since she offered it to her, but Ani asks Tony if he would take it were he to be in her position. Tony explains that it's different for the two of them; their parents aren't citizens, so they have more to lose compared to the others. Hence, they have to seize any opportunity that arises.
A riot breaks out at the school due to the treatment of students by SROs. Armored riot police guards arrive and demand the students to leave school grounds. Tyler notices Tony trying to flee through the crowd, Tyler tries to convince him to stay, but Tony dismisses it because this could mark his third strike. When Tyler gets handcuffed by a guard pinning him down, Tony returns to kick the guard off of him. The guard apprehends Tony and begins to arrest him, but Officer Ted intervenes saving Tony from his third strike and wanting to pull Tony out of the fight. He reveals to Tony that he’s to one who called the college recruiter to watch his fight.[44]
Tony gets in an off-screen fight and gets taken to the police station by Officer Ted. Sheriff Diaz put him in a room with Tony. Here, they agree that they haven’t been there for each other lately.
Tony has been offered a scholarship for his boxing, but he refuses to accept as he wants to keep working at his family's garage. When Tony comes home, he finds Caleb facetiming his dad. His father tells Tony to sell the garage and go to college. He says that the garage was never his dream; his dream was for Tony to have a better life than he did and this scholarship can give him that. Tony sells the garage to Caleb, zo Tony can go to college and build a future. Tony asks Caleb what do to if he’s lonely, but Caleb assures him that they're only an eight-hour drive apart and they'll make it through.
The series ends with Tony and Clay driving off to college.[45]Personality
Tony is shown to be a kind, caring, and loyal person. He is shown to be a good friend to Clay and was also a good friend to Hannah and was one of the only boys at Liberty High who did not ridicule her or sexually harass her. While he claims that Hannah was a friend, Tony himself admits that she was a bit too much to deal with and on the day she killed herself he wanted to avoid her drama for once and did not answer the door and just let her walk away after she arrived to give him the tapes and as such let her walk away to her death. Tony is shown to extremely remorseful for what he did by ignoring Hannah and as such is shown to be dedicated to fulfilling her final wishes to deliver the tapes to all those on her list that she reveals are the reasons for why she ended her life. He is also very close to Hannah's family and no doubt wants to help them in any way possible. While not on Hannah's list at all, Tony considers himself to be one of the reasons why she killed herself. He is very comforting as well as he reaches out to Clay during his grief over Hannah's death.
However Tony is shown to be a little too dedicated to his mission to follow Hannah's wishes as instead of turning the tapes over to Hannah's parents or the police he instead delivers it to the people on her list as she wanted which has caused many disasters to occur such as Alex becoming suicidal and attempting to kill himself and Tyler being bullied to an extent so great that he seems to be planning a school shooting. Even though he is well aware of Bryce's crimes, he still refuses to cease following Hannah's rules and expose the tapes to the public as he claims that the word of a dead girl will not be enough to bring Bryce to justice. He also disagrees with some of Clay's plans for revenge against some of those on the list such as spreading a humiliating photo of Tyler to the whole school. Tony is shown to be capable of physical aggression as Clay once witnesses him savagely beating up someone along with his brothers. He even lies to Hannah's mother a few times about knowing anything about why she killed herself simply to follow Hannah's rules.
By the end of the first season however, and after Clay is able to get a confession from Bryce, Tony finally understands that it is better to think about what Hannah needs rather than what she wanted and gives up copies of her tapes to her parents in the hopes that they will be able to help get justice for Hannah's death.
Physical Appearance
Tony is on the shorter side and has black hair, hazel eyes, and tan skin. Tony's hair is always gelled back very carefully and he dresses in a style similar to what a greaser in the 1950s might wear, with jeans, a leather jacket, and combat boots making up his outfits.
Relationships
Hannah Baker
Before committing suicide Hannah gives the tapes to Tony telling him to give them to the people on the list. Hannah and Tony are good friends hence her giving the tapes to Tony. However, Tony later revealed their friendship isn't the reason she gave him the tapes. After Tony had beaten up a guy, Hannah hid Tony from the cops. They would hang out from time to time and Hannah would encourage Tony to ask out Ryan.
Ryan Shaver
Ryan is Tony's ex-boyfriend. Tony had a crush on Ryan and asked him out. Their relationship didn't work out, but they remained friendly with each other. For example, Ryan offered to go to court with Tony and he made sure he didn't say anything in court that could get Tony in danger. Tony would invite Ryan to sit with him and Caleb when he was stood up by a date.
Clay Jensen
Clay and Tony have been friends for a long time. At some point, Tony recalled a time in seventh grade where Clay got bullied and Tony had offered that he and his brothers would go after the bullies. Tony has been there through the whole season to help Clay understand the tapes, but sheds very little light and instead told Clay to listen to the tapes. Tony stays with Clay when he listens to his own tape and comforts him when he breaks down. At the end of the season, the two of them drive off with Skye and Brad while listening to the radio.
In the second season, Clay asks Tony for help with finding Justin in Oakland. Together they find Justin and bring him back to Evergreen, but Tony doesn't want to help with detoxing him due to his probation. At the Spring Fling dance, Clay surprised Tony by having invited his boyfriend Caleb to the dance. When 'The Night We Met', a song that reminds Clay of Hannah, started playing, Tony immediately started looking for Clay and hugged him. Later that night, when the group finds out that Tyler wants to start a school shooting, Clay goes to Tony for help.
In the third season, Tony helps Clay with covering up Tyler's attempted school shooting and getting Tyler better. After bringing Tyler home, Clay tells Tony that he's a good friend. Tony replies that it's both a blessing and a curse. Clay and Tony's becomes a bit rocky later in the season, as Tony didn't tell Clay about his family getting deported and about his interactions with Bryce. Clay started to doubt their friendship and had wanted to be their for Tony when his family got deported. Tony eventually tells Clay everything. Clay tells Tony that he loves him and Tony tells him the same as they share a long hug. Later in the season they have another confrontation, as Tony lied to Clay about meeting up with Mrs. Walker. Clay again starts to doubt their friendship and is suspicious of Tony. When the police suspected him for murder, Clay went to Tony to ask if he could make him dissapear. Tony planned to bring Clay to his family in Mexico, not caring about Caleb's worries and the risk of getting arrested himself. Tony is convinced Clay didn't murder Bryce and allows Ani to tell the police about his meeting with a cartel member to protect Alex and Clay.
In the fourth season, Clay helps Tony with finding out what Tyler is up to regarding the guns he apears to be buying. When Tony thinks the police is setting up a trap for Tyler, Clay tells him that he's not in the right state to help. Tony comments that it's not like him to turn down a friend in need. Tony waits for the police's trap alone, but then gets joined by Clay who tells him that he "of course" showed up, which made Tony smile. The two see and follow Tyler, which lets to them getting trapped between the police and a gun seller. They find out that Tyler was working for the police and that's why he was buying guns and later apologize to Tyler. At prom, Tony and Caleb join Clay when he's sitting alone at a table. Tony here kisses Clay on the cheek and says that he loves him. After Clay freaks out at the sheriff's department, Tony and Clay are put in an interview room together. Here Clay tells Tony that they haven't really been there for each other lately. At Justin's funeral, Tony sits next to Clay. Clay tells Tony that he always makes things better, but Tony says he just shows up. Clay mentions that he hasn't showed up for Tony, but Tony denies this by saying that they both show up for each other. The season ends with Clay and Tony driving off to Tony's school together.
Caleb
Caleb is Tony's boyfriend. Caleb is Tony's boxing coach, and they soon start hanging out outside the training sessions. They slightly show interest in each other. Through the second season, they become closer and start dating. They eventually open up to each other more. Tony doesn't want Caleb to meet his family yet; he says he just needs some time.
In the third season, Tony wanted to introduce Caleb to his family. He told Caleb that his mother was going to love him and the rest of his family would accept him. When arriving at the house, Tony finds out that his family is deported. After this, Tony wants to sleep at the family garage. Caleb told him to stay at his house, which Tony didn't want because his home is with him family. Caleb however managed to convince him that home is with people you love and he loves him and told him that Tony's life is also his life. Later, months after Tony had sold his car to Bryce Walker, Caleb surprises Tony by buying back his car. On Thanksgiving, Tony facetimed his family and introduced them to Caleb.
In the fourth season, Caleb supports Tony when he starts participating in professional boxing matches. He's also worried, especially as Tony goes to fight a white supremacist and Caleb thinks he'd want to try and kill Tony. After winning this fight, Tony gets offered a scholarship. Caleb encourages Tony to take it, but Tony doesn't want to because he needs to run his family's garage. Caleb facetimes with Tony's dad, who tells Tony to take the scholarship and sell the garage. Caleb buys the garage from Tony so he can go to college. Tony asks Caleb "What if I'm lonely?" Caleb then tells him that they're only an eight-hour drive apart and they'll make it through. At the end of the season, Tony kisses Caleb goodbye as he and Clay leave for college.
Olivia Baker
After Hannah's suicide, Tony helps Olivia to understand more about what Hannah was going through and helps with the investigation. After thinking about what's best for Hannah he then hands over a copy of the tapes to Olivia and Hannah's father Andrew at the end of the first season. When listening to the tapes, Olivia would keep calling Tony to ask questions about them. Andrew found the time Olivia spent with Tony inappropriate. In Season 2, Tony often visits Olivia in the store to help and talk with her.
Appearances
Season 1 |
Season 2 |
Season 3
Season 4
Quotes
“ | Listen to the tapes, Clay | ” |
— Tony to Clay[src] |
“ | Hannah got hurt. It happens. You never really know what's gonna hit how. You don't know someone else's life. | ” |
— Tony to Clay[src] |
“ | Primero comemos, entonces lo demás. (Translation: First we eat, then we do everything else.) |
” |
— Tony to Clay[src] |
“ | Sometimes when there's no justice, you're gonna make it for yourself. | ” |
— Tony about why he and his brothers beat up a guy[src] |
“ | She took her own life, Clay. That was her choice. But you, me, everyone on these tapes, we all let her down. We didn't let her know that she had another choice. Maybe we could have saved her, maybe not. It's impossible to know. | ” |
— Tony when Clay asked if he killed Hannah[src] |
“ | Okay, don't go into your Clay-hole. I'm not in the mood | ” |
— Tony to Clay, after Clay questions himself about being racist.[src] |
“ | When we act out of anger or fear, we can hurt people we don't mean to hurt. | ” |
— Tony testifying in court[src] |
“ | I think, sometimes, we aren’t keeping secrets to hide from other people. I think, sometimes, we’re keeping them to protect those people. | ” |
— Tony to Olivia about why Hannah kept secrets[src] |
“ | I've always been rough around the edges. Or at least that's what people think. Maybe it's what I want them to think. | ” |
— Tony during his testimony[src] |
- Clay: "Thanks for getting into this with me. You're a good friend."
- Tony: "It's my blessing and my curse"
- ― Clay and Tony
“ | No matter what may come, or where we go, if it’s one person in the mirror or all of us, we remember how good we are. | ” |
— Tony to his sister Gabriella[src] |
- Tony: "Have you even listened to her tapes?"
- Bryce: "I never got the tapes."
- Tony: "They were on the fucking internet."
- Bryce: "Yeah, but they took them down."
- Tony: "After two months!"
- Bryce: "No, I never listened."
- Tony: "Then you don't have any fucking idea how you hurt her."
- ― Tony to Bryce about not knowing how he hurt Hannah[src]
“ | Hannah wanted it to be tapes. I made a promise, to see to it that everyone on the tapes hears the tapes. Tonight I keep that promise. | ” |
— Tony before letting Bryce listen to the tapes[src] |
- Tony: "I always knew I was different, from a pretty young age. I just didn't know how. It was hard to find out, growing up how I did, where I did. Being a man is a particular way. So no one to ask about it. I tried things with girls pretty early on. Nothing really ever came of anything."
- Alex: "Never?"
- Tony: "No. I always felt like I was, uh...like I was playing a role or something. 'Cause I wasn't feeling like I was supposed to be feeling. Then I started feeling shit for boys. And that's how I knew."
- ― Tony and Alex[src]
- Clay: "I think things are wrong. I think shit's happening."
- Tony: "Yeah, that's, like, for years now."
- ― Clay and Tony[src]
- Tony: "You could take her money. It would be the most fair thing."
- Ani: "Would you take her money? I mean, it's not just about me."
- Tony: "You have to stop worrying about them now. You and me, we do for Clay, for Jessica, for Alex, for all of them, without question. But what happens to them if the shit comes down? And what happens to us? They have parents who are citizens. It's different for us. Tell me I'm wrong."
- Ani: "So what? You drive away? Leave Clay standing on the curb? He's your ride-or-die."
- Tony: "I don't know. He showed up for Tyler, but...I don't know him anymore."
- ― Ani and Tony[src]
“ | I have all of this shit in my life that I'm afraid of. That I can't fight back against. This is the one fair fight in my life | ” |
— Tony about his upcoming fight against a white supremacist[src] |
- Tony: "What if I can't do it? What if I'm lonely?"
- Caleb: "Well, I'm eight hours away by car. Zeven the way your drive."
- Tony: "I'm scared"
- Caleb: "I know and that's okay."
- Tony: "Okay."
- ― Tony and Caleb about going to college[src]
Trivia
- Tony confirmed himself to be gay[46] and Catholic[47]. In the third season, he revealed that he gave up on Catholicism.[48]
- Tony was Hannah's only friend from high school at the scene where Hannah committed suicide, arriving approximately half an hour afterward.[46]
- As one of the only people who were nice to Hannah, Tony was not one of the reasons for her suicide and was the one entrusted with her tapes.
- While Tony is not one of those who "killed" Hannah, some fans claim he technically "killed" her:
- Hannah dropped her tapes off at his place, but, because he wanted to avoid her "drama", he waited an hour and a half before listening to them. By the time he realized what was about to happen, it was too late. Tony feels guilty over this and explains why he's so devoted to making sure those responsible for her suicide get the tapes (especially Clay, whom he knew would take it the hardest).
- Tony rarely shows much emotion in the first season. He does, however, cry in episode "Tape 6, Side B".
- Tony has three older brothers and a younger sister, who appear in "You Can Tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves".
- Tony's astrological sign is a Scorpio♏, in a flashback he is shown talking to Ryan Shaver, Ryan stated "Scorpios are skeptical by nature", when talking about Tony.[49]
- Tony is related to Angie Romero, she is his "third cousin, maybe fourth".[50]
- His family might not know about his sexuality, as he refused to let Caleb meet his family in "Bye", claiming he "needed time". Later, however, in the third season finale, they are shown to be aware that Tony is dating Caleb, and seem to approve. Tony also tells Clay after he told his father he was gay, his father struggled with the knowledge for a week before accepting it.
- Tony is the first main character who is Hispanic.
- His birthday is November 20th.
- Tony drives a 1968 Ford Mustang, a red convertible.
- His favorite colors are red and black.
Gallery
- See also: Category:Images of Tony Padilla
"If You're Breathing, You're a Liar"
"The Good Person is Indistinguishable from the Bad"
"You Can Tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves"
"There Are a Number of Problems with Clay Jensen"
"In High School, Even on a Good Day, It's Hard to Tell Who's on Your Side"
"There Are a Few Things I Haven't Told You"
Playlist
References
- ↑ MacDonald, Allen (writer) & Mulcahy, Russell (director). (June 5, 2020). "College Tour". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 2.
- ↑ Udofia, Mfoniso (writer) & Hughes, Bronwen (director). (August 23, 2019). "You Can Tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 6.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & McCarthy, Tom (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 1, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 1. Netflix.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & McCarthy, Tom (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 1, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 2. Netflix.
- ↑ Son, Diana (writer) & Shaver, Helen (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 2, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 3. Netflix.
- ↑ Higgins, Thomas (writer) & Shaver, Helen (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 2, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 4. Netflix.
- ↑ Bicknell, Julia (writer) & Alvarez, Kyle Patrick (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 3, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 5. Netflix.
- ↑ Moore, Kirk A. (writer) & Araki, Gregg (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 4, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 8. Netflix.
- ↑ Tyler, Hayley (writer) & Franklin, Carl (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 5, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 9. Netflix.
- ↑ Jackson, Nathan Louis (writer) & Franklin, Carl (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 5, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 10. Netflix.
- ↑ Son, Diana (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 6, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 11. Netflix.
- ↑ Benjamin, Elizabeth (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 6, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 12. Netflix.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Alvarez, Kyle Patrick (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 7, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 13. Netflix.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Araki, Gregg (director) (May 18, 2018). "The First Polaroid". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 1.
- ↑ Higgins, Thomas (writer) & Araki, Gregg (director) (May 18, 2018). "Two Girls Kissing". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 2.
- ↑ Cerar, Jo Marissa (writer) & Moncrieff, Karen (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Drunk Slut". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 3.
- ↑ Tyler, Hayley (writer) & Moncrieff, Karen (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Second Polaroid". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 4.
- ↑ Sheff, Nic (writer) & Hittman, Eliza (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Chalk Machine". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 5.
- ↑ Bicknell, Julia (writer) & Hittman, Eliza (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Smile at the End of the Dock". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 6.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian & Moore, Kirk (writers) & Morris, Michael (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Third Polaroid". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 7.
- ↑ Marye, Felischa (writer) & Morris, Michael (director) (May 18, 2018). "The Little Girl". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 8.
- ↑ Kumar, Rohit (writer) & Candler, Kat (director). (May 18, 2018). "The Missing Page". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 9.
- ↑ Moore, Kirk A. (writer) & Candler, Kat (director). (May 18, 2018). "Smile, Bitches". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 10.
- ↑ Cerar, Jo Marissa & Higgins, Thomas (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director). (May 18, 2018). "The Box of Polaroids". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 12.
- ↑ Tyler, Hayley (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director). (May 18, 2018). "Bye". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 13.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Morris, Michael (director). (August 23, 2019). "Yeah. I'm the New Girl". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 1.
- ↑ Udofia, Mfoniso (writer) & Hughes, Bronwen (director). (August 23, 2019). "You Can Tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 6.
- ↑ MacDonald, Allen, Higgins, Thomas, Tyler, Hayley, Yorkey, Brian, Kumar, Rohit (writers) & Guerrero, Aurora (director). (August 23, 2019). "The World Closing In". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 10.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Kretchmer, John T. (director). (August 23, 2019). "Let the Dead Bury the Dead". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 13.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Morris, Michael (director). (August 23, 2019). "Yeah. I'm the New Girl". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 1.
- ↑ Tyler, Hayley (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director). (August 23, 2019). "The Good Person is Indistinguishable from the Bad". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 3.
- ↑ Higgins, Thomas (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director). (August 23, 2019). "Angry, Young and Man". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 4.
- ↑ Udofia, Mfoniso (writer) & Hughes, Bronwen (director). (August 23, 2019). "You Can Tell the Heart of a Man by How He Grieves". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 6.
- ↑ MacDonald, Allen, Higgins, Thomas, Tyler, Hayley, Yorkey, Brian, Kumar, Rohit (writers) & Guerrero, Aurora (director). (August 23, 2019). "The World Closing In". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 10.
- ↑ Shang, Helen (writer) & Dowling, Kevin (director). (August 23, 2019). "There Are a Few Things I Haven't Told You". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 11.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Kretchmer, John T. (director). (August 23, 2019). "Let the Dead Bury the Dead". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 13.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Mulcahy, Russell (director). (June 5, 2020). "Winter Break". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 1.
- ↑ MacDonald, Allen (writer) & Mulcahy, Russell (director). (June 5, 2020). "College Tour". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 2.
- ↑ Tyler, Hayley (writer) & Sucsy, Michael (director). (June 5, 2020). "Valentine's Day". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 3.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Sucsy, Michael (director). (June 5, 2020). "Senior Camping Trip". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 4.
- ↑ Malone, M.K. (writer) & D. Gonzalez, Franky (director). (June 5, 2020). "House Party". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 5.
- ↑ Ordaz, Evangeline (writer) & Strong, Brenda (director). (June 5, 2020). "Thursday". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 6.
- ↑ MacDonald, Allen, Tyler, Hayley, Ordaz, Evangeline (writer) & Gonera, Sunu (director). (June 5, 2020). "College Interview". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 7.
- ↑ Jahani, Sahar, Higgins, Thomas (writer) & Gonera, Sunu (director). (June 5, 2020). "Acceptance/Rejection". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 8.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Yorkey, Brian (director). (June 5, 2020). "Graduation". 13 Reasons Why. Season 4. Episode 10.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 Moore, Kirk A. (writer) & Araki, Gregg (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 4, Side B". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 8. Netflix.
- ↑ Son, Diana (writer) & Yu, Jessica (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 6, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 11. Netflix.
- ↑ Yorkey, Brian (writer) & Kretchmer, John T. (director). (August 23, 2019). "Let the Dead Bury the Dead". 13 Reasons Why. Season 3. Episode 13.
- ↑ Moore, Kirk A. (writer) & Candler, Kat (director). (May 18, 2018). "Smile, Bitches". 13 Reasons Why. Season 2. Episode 10.
- ↑ Son, Diana (writer) & Shaver, Helen (director) (March 31, 2017). "Tape 2, Side A". 13 Reasons Why. Season 1. Episode 3. Netflix.