Marissa Cooper
| Marissa Cooper | |
|---|---|
| The O.C. character | |
 |
|
| First appearance | "Premiere" (episode 1.01) |
| Last appearance | "The Graduates" (episode 3.25) |
| Created by | Josh Schwartz |
| Portrayed by | Mischa Barton |
| Information | |
| Nickname(s) | Coop (by Summer) Mariss (by mother) Kiddo (by father) |
| Occupation |
High school student (at the Harbor School; graduated) |
| Family |
James "Jimmy" Cooper (father) Julie Cooper (mother) Caleb Nichol (stepfather; deceased) Kaitlin Cooper (younger sister) Cooper Atwood (maternal half-brother) |
| Significant other(s) |
Luke Ward (ex-boyfriend) Ryan Atwood (boyfriend) D.J. (ex-boyfriend) Alex Kelly (ex-girlfriend) Kevin Volchok (ex-boyfriend) |
| Relatives | Cindy (maternal aunt) |
| Residence | Newport Beach, California |
Marissa Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Mischa Barton. Marissa was among the original "core four" characters on The O.C. until her death in the season three finale, "The Graduates." She is a privileged California native born into a wealthy family, residing next to the Cohen family's house. Throughout The O.C.'s storyline, Marissa is introduced to new characters who influence her perspective on life and her personality.
Marissa Cooper is characterized as the privileged yet troubled girl next door. Her designer-label-packed wardrobe masks her turbulent mood swings and hard-partying ways. Although Marissa is tall, thin and pretty, she is not much else. She is afforded all the privileges of a Newport lifestyle, yet she fails to show any interest or engagement with the world around her. Like many of her peers, she is emotionally distant from her mother and becomes disillusioned with her mother's materialistic ways. As a result, she, like her sister Kaitlin, often rebelled against her mother. She is closer to her father, whom she stated was the "last thing keeping [her] sane" through the tumult of the first two seasons. Throughout the series, Marissa is rarely shown participating in clubs and organizations. The only interests she demonstrates with any regularity are romance and risky behavior, which in her case often go together.
Marissa's risky behavior was a factor in her on-off relationship with Ryan Atwood. For example, during Ryan's first Christmas in Newport, he was furious to find her drunk due to his painful experiences as the child of alcoholic parents but she did not understand his aversion to alcohol and thought that he was overreacting.
Marissa is introduced as a rich, beautiful socialite in Newport Beach, California, whose family (mother Julie, father Jimmy, and younger sister Kaitlin) go through dramatic changes over the seasons. She is a troubled person before the series begins, with a history of substance abuse and rebellious behavior. This is evident from a scene in the pilot where she is left on her front door by her friends, passed out from drinking. The backstory on her friendship with Summer Roberts showcases it as a powerful bond, forged during second grade. One of her deepest connections, the friendship is a central element on the show for three seasons. The show significantly focuses on Marissa's on-and-off again relationship with Ryan Atwood as well, which remains a focus even after her death in Season 3.
...
Wikipedia