Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{short description|Fictional Character from Grey's Anatomy}}
{{Infobox character
| name = April Kepner
| series = [[Grey's Anatomy]]
| image = April-Kepner-screenshot.jpg
| caption = Sarah Drew as Dr. April Kepner
| portrayer = [[Sarah Drew]]
| creator = [[Shonda Rhimes]]
| first = "[[Invasion (Grey's Anatomy)|Invasion]]" (6.05) <br> October 15, 2009<br>(as recurring cast)<br>"[[With You I'm Born Again (Grey's Anatomy)|With You I'm Born Again]]" (7.01) <br>September 23, 2010<br>(as main cast)
| last = "[[All of Me (Grey's Anatomy)|All of Me]]" (14.24) <br> May 17, 2018<br>(as main cast)<br>"Look Up Child" (17.14) <br> May 6, 2021<br>(as guest cast)
| occupation = '''[[Attending physician|Attending]] [[Trauma surgery|trauma surgeon]]''' (former)<br> Interim Chief of [[General Surgery]] (former) <br> Chief Resident (former)
| title = [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]]<br>[[Fellow of the American College of Surgeons|F.A.C.S.]]
| nickname = Virgin Mary<br />Apes<br />Shepherd's flunkey<br /> Ducky <br /> Dud <br />Keps <br /> The Machine <br />The Party <br /> Dr. Not Grey
| family = Joe Kepner (father)<br> Karen Kepner (mother)<br> Libby Kepner (sister) <br> Kimmie Kepner (sister) <br> Alice Kepner (sister)
| religion = [[Christianity]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Jackson Avery]]|2013|2016|reason=divorced}} <br />{{marriage|Matthew Taylor<br>|2018}}
| children = Samuel Nogbert Avery (son, with Jackson; deceased) <br> Harriet Kepner-Avery (daughter, with Jackson)
| full_name = April Kepner<br>April 23, 1982<br>Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
}}
'''April Kepner''' [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]], is a fictional character from the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] 's hit [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]''. The character was created by series producer [[Shonda Rhimes]] and is portrayed by actress [[Sarah Drew]].<ref name="ABC">{{cite web|title = Character Bios|publisher = [[American Broadcasting Company]]|access-date = January 7, 2011|url = http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/bios|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080325231245/http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/bios|archive-date = March 25, 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> She was introduced in the episode "[[Invasion (Grey's Anatomy)|Invasion]]" as a surgical resident from Mercy West Medical Center who joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the two hospitals merge to compensate for the absence of some of the central cast members, and was created to be disliked by her colleagues.<ref name="casting"/> The character was originally set to appear in two episodes but Drew's contract was extended to the remainder of the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 6)|sixth season]], with her becoming a series regular in the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 7)|seventh season]].<ref name="casting"/><ref name="Gig"/> The character's main storylines involved her professional struggles, her [[Christianity|religious beliefs]], and her relationship with her best friend and now ex-husband [[Jackson Avery]]. The character's story concludes with the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 14)|fourteenth season]].
Although initially focusing on [[neurosurgery]] during her residency due to her crush on [[Derek Shepherd]],<ref name="Almost Grown">{{cite episode |title=Almost Grown |episode-link=Almost Grown (Grey's Anatomy) |series=Grey's Anatomy |series-link=Grey's Anatomy|credits=Brian Tanen (writer), [[Chandra Wilson]] (director) |network=American Broadcasting Company |airdate=October 21, 2010 |season=7 |number=05}}</ref> Kepner finally settles on [[trauma surgery]] as a specialty.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-interview-with-s-45251.aspx | title=Interview with Sarah Drew | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> After failing her boards, Kepner departs but returns as a surgical attending when Chief [[Owen Hunt]] offers her job back. ABC noted her determination, thoroughness, and intelligence as her main traits, while her insecurity, over-eagerness and vulnerability were highlighted as her main weakness. The character initially received mixed reviews from critics, but later praise was affirmed from her character growth, eventually becoming a fan-favorite.<ref name="revTvG"/><ref name="LAT"/>
== Storylines ==
April Kepner was born in [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite episode |title= Death and All His Friends |episode-link= Death and All His Friends (Grey's Anatomy) |series= Grey's Anatomy |series-link= Grey's Anatomy |credits = [[Shonda Rhimes]] (writer); [[Rob Corn]] (director)|network= [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |date= May 20, 2010 |season=6 |number=24 |language=en}}</ref> Her mother Karen is a teacher, and her father Joe is a farmer, and she is the second of four daughters. Kepner is initially a [[Residency (medicine)|surgical resident]] at Mercy West Medical Center. She joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the merger of the two hospitals, alongside [[Jackson Avery]] ([[Jesse Williams (actor)|Jesse Williams]]), Reed Adamson ([[Nora Zehetner]]), and Charles Percy ([[Robert Baker (actor)|Robert Baker]]). Kepner is first shown to possess a red diary, in which she writes all her feelings and thoughts which is stolen by [[Lexie Grey]] ([[Chyler Leigh]]). Grey uses the personal information written in the notebook to unnerve and blackmail Kepner but later apologizes. After she made a mistake that led to a patient's death, she is fired. However, [[Derek Shepherd]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]]) rehires her when he becomes the new Chief of Surgery. As she is not confident anymore, she spends her time doing errands for Shepherd and develops a crush on him, earning her the nickname "Shepherd's flunky". In the season six finale, she discovers the body of her best friend Reed Adamson, who has been shot. She later runs into the shooter, Gary Clark, who lets her go after she tells him about her life. Following the shooting, Kepner and Avery move into [[Meredith Grey]]'s ([[Ellen Pompeo]]) house.
Kepner reveals that she is a virgin because she is a Christian and made a promise to God to stay a virgin until she was married. She shows potential as a [[trauma surgery|trauma surgeon]] during a trauma drill. She develops feelings for [[Alex Karev]] ([[Justin Chambers]]) who almost makes her lose her virginity. When
Jackson Avery, now her best friend finds out about this, he assaults Karev. Later, Kepner agrees to go on a date with [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Robert Stark]], believing him to have a good side. Her fellow residents make fun of her which prompts her to break up with him. April also impresses [[Owen Hunt]] ([[Kevin McKidd]]) and she is ultimately granted the position of Chief Resident in the season seven finale. Many become upset with Hunt’s decision. Kepner initially struggles with her new status as her fellow doctors do not listen to her and do not take her seriously.
As the end of the fifth year of [[Residency (medicine)|residency]] is near, the surgical residents, including Kepner, prepare for their boards exams for the different fellowships they plan on joining. The night before taking the exam, April loses her virginity to Avery. This causes her to re-evaluate her faith during her Boards Exams, making the examiners feel uncomfortable. It is revealed that she is the only one out of the residents to have failed her Boards Exams. She receives phone calls from other hospital retracting their offers of fellowships and is laid off from Seattle Grace. Although Avery has true feelings for her, she pushes him away because she believes that he feels guilty for having sex with her. As a celebration of the conclusion of their residencies, the former chief of surgery [[Richard Webber]] ([[James Pickens, Jr.]]) organizes his annual dinner for them. The [[Grey's Anatomy (season 8)|eighth season]] ends with Kepner, Avery, Karev and Webber waiting for Meredith and Yang, who are victims of an [[aviation accidents and incidents|aviation accident]].
Months later, Hunt goes to visit April, who had moved back to her parents' farm in [[Moline, Ohio]]. In the wake of the tragic aviation accident, he offers her an attending position at the hospital. When she gets back to Seattle Grace, she resumes her sexual relationship with Avery, despite claiming she wants to re-virginise. April has a pregnancy scare and Jackson promises that he will be there every step of the way, even marry her, if she tests positive. When April finds out that she is not pregnant, she is overjoyed, but inadvertently hurts Jackson's feelings by saying that they dodged a bullet, seemingly thrilled that they don't have to get married anymore. Jackson breaks up with April.
April suggests to Jackson that they each take a date to Bailey's wedding in an attempt to move on. Jackson takes intern Stephanie; the two bond and eventually have sex. When Jackson tells April that he is sleeping with somebody else, she is visibly crushed and tells him that they can't be friends again until she has gotten over him. In the next episode, a very attractive paramedic named Matthew ([[Justin Bruening]]) asks April out for coffee and they start seeing each other. Shortly afterwards she turns to Jackson for dating advice and it is hinted that Jackson is still in love with her when he shows signs of jealousy but they re-establish their friendship. She confesses to Matthew that she is not a virgin anymore as she led him to believe and he breaks up with her because she lied to him. However, in the next episode, Matthew forgives April and they get back together. He asks her to marry him through a [[flash mob]] and she says yes. In the season 9 finale, April thinks she lost Jackson when a bus blew up and tells him she loves him, but he only has a few injuries. She remains engaged to Matthew while Jackson dates Stephanie. At the wedding, Jackson realizes he still loves April and stands up professing his love. Jackson and April are seen driving off together at the start of the following episode and later it is revealed that they have secretly gotten married after they ran off together.
At first April and Jackson do not tell their friends about their marriage, but later they do because of a new rule at the hospital. Catherine Avery is not at all happy about her son's elopement with April, and the fact that there wasn't a prenuptial agreement. They soon make up after April signs a postnuptial agreement. Jackson and April soon hit a rough patch when they realize that they have different views in the way their children should be raised religious.
Not long after their fight, April realizes she is pregnant. April and Jackson's baby is diagnosed during pregnancy with a sickness that causes the babies bones to break[[Osteogenesis Imperfecta]] type 2, and learn that the baby will not survive long after birth. Jackson believes that termination is the best option, however April would rather give birth to the baby knowing it will not live very long. They scheduled an induction for the next day, at the beginning of the appointment they are asked to sign their baby's death certificate, which is too hard for the couple to bear. April doesn't sign the papers and returns to work the same day praying for a miracle. They decide to give birth to the baby via induction at 24 weeks gestation having it baptized right then. She gave birth to Samuel Norbert Avery, and he died a few hours after birth because of his sickness.
In the following weeks after Samuel's death, April and Jackson find it hard to be around each other and be intimate with one another. After April tries to seduce Jackson in a supply closet, Jackson asks if she is sure she wants this so soon after the death of their son, leaving April to storm out in anger.
In the series 11 finale April decides to join Owen Hunt for 3 months as a trauma surgeon with the army; this not being well received by Jackson. But after April states she needs this in order to grieve Samuel - Jackson lets her leave. Over the following months April lengthens her stay in the army, this having a strain on her and Jackson's marriage as Jackson can rarely get a hold of her. On Christmas Day after already being away for some time, April announces to Jackson while on video chat that she is staying for a longer service period, but the conversation is cut short by sounds of gunfire and explosions from April's base camp, leaving her to terminate the call; meanwhile Jackson is unsure whether his wife is hurt.
On Valentine's Day April returns to the hospital surprising Jackson, and they embrace in the foyer.
In season 12, April and Jackson go through divorce proceedings started by Jackson. The morning before they sign the divorce papers, April discovers that she is expecting a second baby. She does not inform Jackson, and he is told by [[Arizona Robbins]], which leads to additional tension. After Catherine Avery convinces Jackson to fight for full custody of his unborn child, April takes out a restraining order against him. The Averys' lawyer asks for all documentation of their marriage and Jackson realizes that they should fix the situation for their child. He and April decide to raise their child together as friends. Complications arise when April needs a c-section and Ben Warren has to do it without anesthesia or other medications.
In seasons 13 and 14, April faces a crisis of faith as she begins to believe that good people get punished and bad people get good things. She does this after treating 3 seemingly simple patients who are good people and die, including Matthew's (her ex-fiancé) pregnant wife, after delivery. Robbins then tells April it's her fault. As a result, she goes into a dark place and uses partying and sex to mask her deep-rooted pain. She earns the nickname "The Party" by the new interns. She refuses to let Jackson help her through this time. However, mid-Season 14, she encounters a terminal patient who helps April reaffirm her faith. April starts seeing Matthew again and their relationship is made public when the two are involved in a car accident, where April almost dies of hypothermia, after April finally wakes up from her coma after Jackson prays for her, her friends are relieved. In the season finale, April and Matthew get married. She resigns from the hospital to provide much-needed medical care for the homeless communities in Seattle, something she and Matthew had been doing together on a voluntary basis.
==Development==
===Casting and creation===
{{quote box|width=24em|align=left
|quote=I think it's a really fun character and, of course, getting to be on that show is wonderful and exciting for any actress in Hollywood.
|source= —Drew on her role in ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="casting"/>}}
Drew was cast in late September 2009 and first appeared on the show in the fifth episode of the sixth season as one of the residents from the Mercy West Medical Center after its merger with Seattle Grace.<ref name="casting">{{cite web | url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2009/10/sarah-drew-previews-character-greys-anatomy-role/| author=Marsi, Steve| title=Sarah Drew Previews Character, Grey's Anatomy Role| work=TV Fanatic| publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]| date=October 21, 2009| access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> Drew was brought aboard ''Grey's Anatomy'' after former collaborations with the Series' producer and creator [[Shonda Rhimes]];<ref name="Gig"/> she was formally featured as a guest in two episodes of ''[[Private Practice (TV series)|Private Practice]]'' in 2008 and was one of the main cast in Rhimes television pilot ''[[Inside the Box (TV series)|Inside the Box]]'' (2009) which was eventually not picked up by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref name="Gig"/> Her casting came after the absence of some of the central cast members, notably [[Katherine Heigl]] departure after her maternity leave and [[Ellen Pompeo]]'s absence due to pregnancy.<ref name="casting"/><ref name="Gig"/>
Drew was originally contracted to guest star in a multi-episodes story arc where her character would be eventually fired from the series after two episodes.<ref name="Gig">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2010/11/sarah-drew-dishes-on-dream-greys-anatomy-gig/|title=Sarah Drew Dishes on Dream Grey's Anatomy Gig| author=Marsi, Steve|work=TV Fanatic|publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> She explained: "I came on to the show and I was told from day one that I was only going to be there for two episodes. I did not expect anything beyond that. The morning my firing episode aired, my agent got a call that they were talking about a contract and I was just completely floored."<ref name="Gig"/> However she was promoted to a series regular on June 9, 2010 for the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 7)|seventh season]] of the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/09/greys-anatomy-promotes-sarah-drew|title=Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Sarah Drew|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.|Time Inc]]|date=June 9, 2010|access-date=June 9, 2010}}</ref> Rhimes said in the wake of the news: "Kepner has really been folded into the group" of ''Grey's Anatomy'' adding "It'll depend on what the studio and the network decide to do with those actors, but I fully advocate to have [the characters]".<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael|last=Ausiello|url=http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/08/greys-anatomy-jesse-williams-series-regular |title='Grey's Anatomy' Exclusive: Jesse Williams Gets Full-Time Upgrade | work=Entertainment Weekly| publisher=Time Inc| date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=September 1, 2012}}</ref> Drew received the call for her promotion the morning after the sixth episode of season six was telecast on October 29, 2009. She described the call as a "totally happy surprise".<ref>{{cite web|last=Samson|first=Janalen|title='Grey's Anatomy' Interview with Sarah Drew: April is 'Super Freaked-Out'|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-interview-with-s-45251.aspx|publisher=[[BuddyTV]]|access-date=September 4, 2012|date=April 26, 2012}}</ref>
===Characterization===
{{quote box|width=24em|align=right
|quote=I love the idea that there's this person that everybody kind of hates, yet they all have to deal with, [and even] lean on. She is one of them, even though they find her terribly annoying, and I think that that's sort of charming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-season8-spoilers-1035862.aspx | title=Grey's Anatomy: Shonda Rhimes Talks Mer-Der's Struggle, Cristina's Pregnancy | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref>}}
Drew's character has been called intelligent, hardworking, thorough and determined by ''Grey's Anatomy'' executives.<ref name="bio">{{cite web | url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 | title=April Kapner Bio | publisher=American Broadcasting Company | access-date=October 24, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020203912/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 | archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> But she is also considered vulnerable, insecure, sensitive and overly eager by her colleagues.<ref name="bio"/> Of the character, Drew said: "April is a very, very good doctor. She really knows what she's doing, she's worked really hard, and she certainly wants to do her best and stick around."<ref name="casting"/> but also described her as "annoying", "neurotic" and "really insecure".<ref name="BTV">{{cite web |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-sarah-drew-knows-37420.aspx | title='Grey's Anatomy': Sarah Drew Knows April is 'Annoying' | author=Diaz, Glenn | publisher=BuddyTV | date=June 27, 2010 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> In the eighth<!--April became chief resident in the season 7 finale, she did not act as chief resident until season 8--> season, April's position as chief resident and her struggle to get a handle on her fellow residents formed the central arc of her storyline. Rhimes explained: "Watching April try to be in charge of Cristina and Alex and Jackson is a pretty impossible task, and it's made for comedy, it's one of the funniest things we're working on this season."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/spoiler-whats-in-store-for-april-this-season | title=What is in store for April this season | work=[[Wetpaint]] | publisher=The Cambio Network| date=August 31, 2011 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> One of Kepner's central characteristics are her religious beliefs, notably her chastity and her instance on saving herself for someone she truly loves.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/07/will-greys-anatomy-incorporate-sarah-drews-pregnancy/ | title=Will Grey's Anatomy Incorporate Sarah Drew's Pregnancy? | author=Marsi, Steve | work=TV Fanatic| date=July 29, 2011 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> In an interview, Drew assessed that: "There certainly has never been a 28-year-old virgin on Grey's. I don't even think there's been a 28-year-old virgin on television. Unless it's someone who is sort of a recluse. A normal, smart, doctor....pretty, healthy...that in and of itself is really fascinating, and really interesting, and totally different. It's neat to see someone who is just totally clueless in that area. Everyone else [On ''Grey' Anatomy''] seems like they know exactly what they're doing. April is totally, totally clueless. Shonda told one of the directors, there are virgins that have sort of done everything else. But not April. April's really pretty much done nothing. She's completely untouched."<ref name="scoop"/>
===Relationships===
[[File:Jesse Williams in 2008 white shirt.jpg|thumb|left|150px|April and Jackson ([[Jesse Williams (actor)|Jesse Williams]])'s sexual encounter makes her re-evaluate her faith and jeopardizes the course of her career.<!--Source needed-->]]
Kepner entertained several relationships throughout her time on ''Grey's Anatomy''. In her early appearances, she is introduced as the best friend and roommate of her fellow Mercy West resident, [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Reed Adamson]]. In the season six finale, when Reed is tragically murdered by Gary Clark during the shooting, April is the first to find her when she trips over her dead body. In season seven April forms a friendship with [[Meredith Grey]] and she eventually moves into her house. Ellen Pompeo offered regarding their bond: "Meredith will accept April in order to get the audience to accept her,"<ref>{{cite web|author=Wightman, Catriona|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s46/greys-anatomy/news/a266782/pompeo-greys-meredith-april-will-bond.html |title=Pompeo: 'Grey's Meredith, April will bond'|work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=August 24, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> and Drew further explained: "She's being plugged into the community. Meredith has really taken her under her wing, is really looking out for her. Having Meredith come around to April helps the audience come around to April."<ref name="scoop"/>
She first develops a crush on [[Derek Shepherd]] in season six. Carina MacKenzie from The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "ridiculous" and added: "April is drooling all over Chief McDreamy. Vomit. ... She's been reduced to a 12-year-old with hearts in her eyes and a painful inability to be subtle."<ref name="LAT"/> Drew herself was skeptical about it, saying: "The biggest thing that people did not like about my character was they thought I was a threat for the Mer/Der relationship, which I kind of found was super ridiculous ... I never saw it as anything that would ever transpire into something that might threaten them. I only saw it as a really pathetic little crush."<ref name="scoop">{{cite web | url=http://www.thestarscoop.com/interviews/sarah-drew-exclusive-i-had-no-idea/ | title=Sarah Drew Exclusive: "I had no idea..." | publisher=The Star Scoop | date=October 28, 2010 | access-date=October 28, 2012}}</ref> She briefly has feelings for [[Alex Karev]] who almost makes her lose her virginity when he tries to sleep with her in "[[Something's Gotta Give (Grey's Anatomy)|Something's Gotta Give]]". [[Wetpaint]] commented that Alex made her feel "worthless and unwanted when she was at her most vulnerable."<ref>{{cite web|author=Clarendon, Dan |url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/top-10-quotes-from-greys-anatomy-season-7-episode-8-somethings-gotta-give |title=Top 5 OMG Moments From Grey's Anatomy Season 7, Episode 8: "Something's Gotta Give" |work=Wetpaint|publisher=The Cambio Network|date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Kepner also briefly dates [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Dr. Robert Stark]], a senior pediatric surgical attending. After her fellow residents make fun of her, she breaks up with him, creating a coldness between them. However, it is Stark who recommends her as chief resident to Dr. Hunt. Drew stated: "She sees a side to Dr. Stark that he doesn't show to anyone else at the hospital, and she finds that part endearing...I think they enjoy the companionship."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/03/april-and-stark-sarah-drew-speaks-on-unexpected-greys-anatomy-ro/ |title=April and Stark?! Sarah Drew Speaks on Unexpected Grey's Anatomy Romance |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]] |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
In the end of season eight, Kepner embarks on a relationship with her best friend turned lover [[Jackson Avery]] (Williams), who she loses her virginity to and that eventually leads her to reflect on her faith and fail her boards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/greys-anatomy-spoiler-will-april-and-jackson-get-together-in-season-9 |author=Highfill, Samantha |title=Grey's Anatomy Spoiler: Will April and Jackson Get Together in Season 9? - Grey's Anatomy |work=Wetpaint |publisher=The Cambio Network|date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Critics praised the chemistry between April and Jackson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/greys-anatomy-round-table-love-the-one-youre-with/|author=Morrison, Courtney |title=Grey's Anatomy Round Table: "Love the One You're With" |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|She Knows Entertainment]]|date=October 21, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Rhimes commented on the dynamic between the two in season nine and said: "I think it's going to be funny, sexy, and good."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/28/greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-eric-dane-season-9/ | title='Grey's Anatomy' boss Shonda Rhimes explains Eric Dane's exit, teases unique season opener | publisher=EW.com | date=July 28, 2012 | access-date=October 28, 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
{{Expand section|date=May 2018}}
Initially, Carina MacKenzie of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' highly praised the characterization of Kepner. writing: "One of my favorite Mercy Westers is intern April (Sarah Drew). Her saccharine-sweet attitude and wide-eyed insincerity were hilarious, as was her super-mysterious hot pink notebook full of morale-boosting platitudes."<ref name=LAT>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/10/greys-anatomy-mercy-west-is-in-izzie-stevens-is-out.html|title='Grey's Anatomy': Mercy West is in, Izzie Stevens is out|last=MacKenzi|first=Carina|date=October 16, 2009|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|access-date=October 17, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018072533/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/10/greys-anatomy-mercy-west-is-in-izzie-stevens-is-out.html|archive-date= 18 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> However, she criticized the later development of her story, especially her crush on Derek Shepherd calling it "vomit"<ref name="LAT2">{{cite web|last=MacKenzie|first=Carina|title='Grey's Anatomy': He's a Sloan all right|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/04/greys-anatomy-hes-a-sloan-all-right.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|access-date=August 14, 2012|date=April 30, 2010}}</ref> ''[[PopSugar]]'' noted similarities between Kepner and Lexie Grey, stating: "Am I the only one who thinks the new doctor is kind of like Lexie 2.0? Their dynamic reminded me of when Lexie first started and tries really hard to make nice with Mere, but gets the cold shoulder in return."<ref name="Sugar">{{cite web | url=http://www.buzzsugar.com/Greys-Anatomy-Rundown-Invasion-5664242 | title=Grey's Anatomy Rundown, "Invasion" | publisher=[[Sugar Inc.]] | work=[[PopSugar]] | date=October 20, 2009 | access-date=July 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028185631/http://www.buzzsugar.com/Greys-Anatomy-Rundown-Invasion-5664242 | archive-date=October 28, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Mariella Mosthof from [[Wetpaint]] stated: "Despite her obnoxious yet well-meaning tendencies, we briefly flirted with the idea of liking April's character last season, and it looks like there's plenty of opportunity for her to come back and charm us again yet again this time around." Reviewing the first part of the eight season, Courtney Morrison of TV Fanatic wrote: "Although the girl has grown in terms of likeability, her downfalls still outweigh the positives. She doesn't really bring too much to the table. She wasn't the best choice for Chief Resident; she doesn't seem to be on the same level surgical wise and she hasn't carried a story on her own that makes us care about her."<ref>{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Courtney|title=Grey's Anatomy Midseason Report Card: B+|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/11/greys-anatomy-midseason-report-card-b/|work=TV Fanatic|access-date=March 27, 2013|date= November 18, 2011 }}</ref>
Kepner was included in ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'s}} list of The Most Loathed TV Characters, adding: "The extremely neurotic April (she makes Liz Lemon look laid back) has slowly made strides with fans thanks to her personal setbacks — she lost her treasured virginity to her best friend and failed her boards — but she still has a long way to go."<ref name="revTvG">{{cite web|title=The Most Loathed TV Characters Pictures, April Photos|url=http://www.tvguide.com/PhotoGallery/Loathed-TV-Characters-1049721/1051124|work=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' also named her one of the "21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever", commenting: "April's lightened up a little this season [season 9], but a few episodes of sympathetic behavior can't erase the painful memories of Seattle Grace-Mercy West's most irritating doctor being."<ref>{{cite web|title=21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20586339,00.html#21144698|work=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Inc|access-date=April 12, 2013|date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> TV Fanatic included her in their list of Worst Character on TV. Christina Tran commented: "Could she be any more annoying?!?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/05/tv-fanatic-staff-round-table-worst-character-on-tv/ |title=Staff Round Table: Worst Character on TV |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Drew stated that it was initially "hard" for her as an actress to play an unpopular character but deemed her "interesting" and when she was informed by the writers that her character would get Dr. Shepherd (Dempsey) shot in the season six finale, her reaction was: "Oh, come on, guys, really? They already hate my character, now they're going to hate her even more!"<ref name="BTV"/>
Critics reception gradually changed positively. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' noted: "April was chirpy, irritating, and immature, and her crush on Derek didn't endear her to us either. But these days, we say hooray for April; since Meredith declared that the two of them are pals, April's become a lot more tolerable, instead of being Lexie 2.0."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20439143,00.html#20871367 | title='Grey's Anatomy':10 Reasons We Love It Again! - Finally, April Is Less Annoying | author=Lyons, Margaret| work=Entertainment Weekly | publisher=Time Inc | access-date=October 28, 2012|date=November 4, 2010}}</ref> Courtney Morrison of TVFanatic wrote: "April has grown since her character was introduced. She's no longer much less annoying than she used to be, and she's honest. A girl with principles is a girl you want to do well." and described her and Avery as "a couple for whom viewers can root".<ref>{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Courtney|title=Grey's Anatomy Review: Nothing Left To Squeeze|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/greys-anatomy-review-theres-nothing-left-to-squeeze/|work=TV Fanatic|publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|access-date=October 27, 2012|date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' also remarked: "It's nice to see April with a bit of a backbone and putting Alex in his place as the newfound confidence suits her well."<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title='Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Get Up, Stand Up|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-arizona-callie-owen-cristina-383061|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=October 28, 2012|date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
== References ==
'''Specific'''
{{Reflist|30em}}
'''General'''
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|title=April Kepner's Character Journey|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/photo-details/character-journey-april-kepner/998024|work=ABC|access-date=June 19, 2012|year=2012}}
* {{cite web|title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide|work=ABC|access-date=June 19, 2012}}
{{refend}}
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160324120956/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0183088/ April Kepner] on [[IMDb]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121020203912/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 April Kepner] at [[ABC.com]]
{{Grey's Anatomy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kepner, April}}
[[Category:Grey's Anatomy characters]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2009]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from Ohio]]
[[Category:Fictional female doctors]]
[[Category:Female characters in television]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{short description|Fictional Character from Grey's Anatomy}}
{{Infobox character
| name = April Kepner
| series = [[Grey's Anatomy]]
| image = April-Kepner-screenshot.jpg
| caption = Sarah Drew as Dr. April Kepner
| portrayer = [[Sarah Drew]]
| creator = [[Shonda Rhimes]]
| first = "[[Invasion (Grey's Anatomy)|Invasion]]" (6.05) <br> October 15, 2009<br>(as recurring cast)<br>"[[With You I'm Born Again (Grey's Anatomy)|With You I'm Born Again]]" (7.01) <br>September 23, 2010<br>(as main cast)
| last = "[[All of Me (Grey's Anatomy)|All of Me]]" (14.24) <br> May 17, 2018<br>(as main cast)<br>"Look Up Child" (17.14) <br> May 6, 2021<br>(as guest cast)
| occupation = '''[[Attending physician|Attending]] [[Trauma surgery|trauma surgeon]]''' (former)<br> Interim Chief of [[General Surgery]] (former) <br> Chief Resident (former)
| title = [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]]<br>[[Fellow of the American College of Surgeons|F.A.C.S.]]
| nickname = Virgin Mary<br />Apes<br />Shepherd's flunkey<br /> Ducky <br /> Dud <br />Keps <br /> The Machine <br />The Party <br /> Dr. Not Grey
| family = Joe Kepner (father)<br> Karen Kepner (mother)<br> Libby Kepner (sister) <br> Kimmie Kepner (sister) <br> Alice Kepner (sister)
| religion = [[Christianity]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Jackson Avery]]|2013|2016|reason=divorced}} <br />{{marriage|Matthew Taylor<br>|2018}}
| children = Samuel Nogbert Avery (son, with Jackson; deceased) <br> Harriet Kepner-Avery (daughter, with Jackson)
| full_name = April Kepner<br>April 23, 1982<br>Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
}}
'''April Kepner''' [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]], is a fictional character from the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] 's hit [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]''. The character was created by series producer [[Shonda Rhimes]] and is portrayed by actress [poop fart].<ref name="ABC">{{cite web|title = Character Bios|publisher = [[American Broadcasting Company]]|access-date = January 7, 2011|url = http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/bios|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080325231245/http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/bios|archive-date = March 25, 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> She was introduced in the episode "[[Invasion (Grey's Anatomy)|Invasion]]" as a surgical resident from Mercy West Medical Center who joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the two hospitals merge to compensate for the absence of some of the central cast members, and was created to be disliked by her colleagues.<ref name="casting"/> The character was originally set to appear in two episodes but Drew's contract was extended to the remainder of the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 6)|sixth season]], with her becoming a series regular in the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 7)|seventh season]].<ref name="casting"/><ref name="Gig"/> The character's main storylines involved her professional struggles, her [[Christianity|religious beliefs]], and her relationship with her best friend and now ex-husband [[Jackson Avery]]. The character's story concludes with the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 14)|fourteenth season]].
Although initially focusing on [[neurosurgery]] during her residency due to her crush on [[Derek Shepherd]],<ref name="Almost Grown">{{cite episode |title=Almost Grown |episode-link=Almost Grown (Grey's Anatomy) |series=Grey's Anatomy |series-link=Grey's Anatomy|credits=Brian Tanen (writer), [[Chandra Wilson]] (director) |network=American Broadcasting Company |airdate=October 21, 2010 |season=7 |number=05}}</ref> Kepner finally settles on [[trauma surgery]] as a specialty.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-interview-with-s-45251.aspx | title=Interview with Sarah Drew | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> After failing her boards, Kepner departs but returns as a surgical attending when Chief [[Owen Hunt]] offers her job back. ABC noted her determination, thoroughness, and intelligence as her main traits, while her insecurity, over-eagerness and vulnerability were highlighted as her main weakness. The character initially received mixed reviews from critics, but later praise was affirmed from her character growth, eventually becoming a fan-favorite.<ref name="revTvG"/><ref name="LAT"/>
== Storylines ==
April Kepner was born in [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite episode |title= Death and All His Friends |episode-link= Death and All His Friends (Grey's Anatomy) |series= Grey's Anatomy |series-link= Grey's Anatomy |credits = [[Shonda Rhimes]] (writer); [[Rob Corn]] (director)|network= [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |date= May 20, 2010 |season=6 |number=24 |language=en}}</ref> Her mother Karen is a teacher, and her father Joe is a farmer, and she is the second of four daughters. Kepner is initially a [[Residency (medicine)|surgical resident]] at Mercy West Medical Center. She joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the merger of the two hospitals, alongside [[Jackson Avery]] ([[Jesse Williams (actor)|Jesse Williams]]), Reed Adamson ([[Nora Zehetner]]), and Charles Percy ([[Robert Baker (actor)|Robert Baker]]). Kepner is first shown to possess a red diary, in which she writes all her feelings and thoughts which is stolen by [[Lexie Grey]] ([[Chyler Leigh]]). Grey uses the personal information written in the notebook to unnerve and blackmail Kepner but later apologizes. After she made a mistake that led to a patient's death, she is fired. However, [[Derek Shepherd]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]]) rehires her when he becomes the new Chief of Surgery. As she is not confident anymore, she spends her time doing errands for Shepherd and develops a crush on him, earning her the nickname "Shepherd's flunky". In the season six finale, she discovers the body of her best friend Reed Adamson, who has been shot. She later runs into the shooter, Gary Clark, who lets her go after she tells him about her life. Following the shooting, Kepner and Avery move into [[Meredith Grey]]'s ([[Ellen Pompeo]]) house.
Kepner reveals that she is a virgin because she is a Christian and made a promise to God to stay a virgin until she was married. She shows potential as a [[trauma surgery|trauma surgeon]] during a trauma drill. She develops feelings for [[Alex Karev]] ([[Justin Chambers]]) who almost makes her lose her virginity. When
Jackson Avery, now her best friend finds out about this, he assaults Karev. Later, Kepner agrees to go on a date with [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Robert Stark]], believing him to have a good side. Her fellow residents make fun of her which prompts her to break up with him. April also impresses [[Owen Hunt]] ([[Kevin McKidd]]) and she is ultimately granted the position of Chief Resident in the season seven finale. Many become upset with Hunt’s decision. Kepner initially struggles with her new status as her fellow doctors do not listen to her and do not take her seriously.
As the end of the fifth year of [[Residency (medicine)|residency]] is near, the surgical residents, including Kepner, prepare for their boards exams for the different fellowships they plan on joining. The night before taking the exam, April loses her virginity to Avery. This causes her to re-evaluate her faith during her Boards Exams, making the examiners feel uncomfortable. It is revealed that she is the only one out of the residents to have failed her Boards Exams. She receives phone calls from other hospital retracting their offers of fellowships and is laid off from Seattle Grace. Although Avery has true feelings for her, she pushes him away because she believes that he feels guilty for having sex with her. As a celebration of the conclusion of their residencies, the former chief of surgery [[Richard Webber]] ([[James Pickens, Jr.]]) organizes his annual dinner for them. The [[Grey's Anatomy (season 8)|eighth season]] ends with Kepner, Avery, Karev and Webber waiting for Meredith and Yang, who are victims of an [[aviation accidents and incidents|aviation accident]].
Months later, Hunt goes to visit April, who had moved back to her parents' farm in [[Moline, Ohio]]. In the wake of the tragic aviation accident, he offers her an attending position at the hospital. When she gets back to Seattle Grace, she resumes her sexual relationship with Avery, despite claiming she wants to re-virginise. April has a pregnancy scare and Jackson promises that he will be there every step of the way, even marry her, if she tests positive. When April finds out that she is not pregnant, she is overjoyed, but inadvertently hurts Jackson's feelings by saying that they dodged a bullet, seemingly thrilled that they don't have to get married anymore. Jackson breaks up with April.
April suggests to Jackson that they each take a date to Bailey's wedding in an attempt to move on. Jackson takes intern Stephanie; the two bond and eventually have sex. When Jackson tells April that he is sleeping with somebody else, she is visibly crushed and tells him that they can't be friends again until she has gotten over him. In the next episode, a very attractive paramedic named Matthew ([[Justin Bruening]]) asks April out for coffee and they start seeing each other. Shortly afterwards she turns to Jackson for dating advice and it is hinted that Jackson is still in love with her when he shows signs of jealousy but they re-establish their friendship. She confesses to Matthew that she is not a virgin anymore as she led him to believe and he breaks up with her because she lied to him. However, in the next episode, Matthew forgives April and they get back together. He asks her to marry him through a [[flash mob]] and she says yes. In the season 9 finale, April thinks she lost Jackson when a bus blew up and tells him she loves him, but he only has a few injuries. She remains engaged to Matthew while Jackson dates Stephanie. At the wedding, Jackson realizes he still loves April and stands up professing his love. Jackson and April are seen driving off together at the start of the following episode and later it is revealed that they have secretly gotten married after they ran off together.
At first April and Jackson do not tell their friends about their marriage, but later they do because of a new rule at the hospital. Catherine Avery is not at all happy about her son's elopement with April, and the fact that there wasn't a prenuptial agreement. They soon make up after April signs a postnuptial agreement. Jackson and April soon hit a rough patch when they realize that they have different views in the way their children should be raised religious.
Not long after their fight, April realizes she is pregnant. April and Jackson's baby is diagnosed during pregnancy with a sickness that causes the babies bones to break[[Osteogenesis Imperfecta]] type 2, and learn that the baby will not survive long after birth. Jackson believes that termination is the best option, however April would rather give birth to the baby knowing it will not live very long. They scheduled an induction for the next day, at the beginning of the appointment they are asked to sign their baby's death certificate, which is too hard for the couple to bear. April doesn't sign the papers and returns to work the same day praying for a miracle. They decide to give birth to the baby via induction at 24 weeks gestation having it baptized right then. She gave birth to Samuel Norbert Avery, and he died a few hours after birth because of his sickness.
In the following weeks after Samuel's death, April and Jackson find it hard to be around each other and be intimate with one another. After April tries to seduce Jackson in a supply closet, Jackson asks if she is sure she wants this so soon after the death of their son, leaving April to storm out in anger.
In the series 11 finale April decides to join Owen Hunt for 3 months as a trauma surgeon with the army; this not being well received by Jackson. But after April states she needs this in order to grieve Samuel - Jackson lets her leave. Over the following months April lengthens her stay in the army, this having a strain on her and Jackson's marriage as Jackson can rarely get a hold of her. On Christmas Day after already being away for some time, April announces to Jackson while on video chat that she is staying for a longer service period, but the conversation is cut short by sounds of gunfire and explosions from April's base camp, leaving her to terminate the call; meanwhile Jackson is unsure whether his wife is hurt.
On Valentine's Day April returns to the hospital surprising Jackson, and they embrace in the foyer.
In season 12, April and Jackson go through divorce proceedings started by Jackson. The morning before they sign the divorce papers, April discovers that she is expecting a second baby. She does not inform Jackson, and he is told by [[Arizona Robbins]], which leads to additional tension. After Catherine Avery convinces Jackson to fight for full custody of his unborn child, April takes out a restraining order against him. The Averys' lawyer asks for all documentation of their marriage and Jackson realizes that they should fix the situation for their child. He and April decide to raise their child together as friends. Complications arise when April needs a c-section and Ben Warren has to do it without anesthesia or other medications.
In seasons 13 and 14, April faces a crisis of faith as she begins to believe that good people get punished and bad people get good things. She does this after treating 3 seemingly simple patients who are good people and die, including Matthew's (her ex-fiancé) pregnant wife, after delivery. Robbins then tells April it's her fault. As a result, she goes into a dark place and uses partying and sex to mask her deep-rooted pain. She earns the nickname "The Party" by the new interns. She refuses to let Jackson help her through this time. However, mid-Season 14, she encounters a terminal patient who helps April reaffirm her faith. April starts seeing Matthew again and their relationship is made public when the two are involved in a car accident, where April almost dies of hypothermia, after April finally wakes up from her coma after Jackson prays for her, her friends are relieved. In the season finale, April and Matthew get married. She resigns from the hospital to provide much-needed medical care for the homeless communities in Seattle, something she and Matthew had been doing together on a voluntary basis.
==Development==
===Casting and creation===
{{quote box|width=24em|align=left
|quote=I think it's a really fun character and, of course, getting to be on that show is wonderful and exciting for any actress in Hollywood.
|source= —Drew on her role in ''Grey's Anatomy''.<ref name="casting"/>}}
Drew was cast in late September 2009 and first appeared on the show in the fifth episode of the sixth season as one of the residents from the Mercy West Medical Center after its merger with Seattle Grace.<ref name="casting">{{cite web | url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2009/10/sarah-drew-previews-character-greys-anatomy-role/| author=Marsi, Steve| title=Sarah Drew Previews Character, Grey's Anatomy Role| work=TV Fanatic| publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]| date=October 21, 2009| access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> Drew was brought aboard ''Grey's Anatomy'' after former collaborations with the Series' producer and creator [[Shonda Rhimes]];<ref name="Gig"/> she was formally featured as a guest in two episodes of ''[[Private Practice (TV series)|Private Practice]]'' in 2008 and was one of the main cast in Rhimes television pilot ''[[Inside the Box (TV series)|Inside the Box]]'' (2009) which was eventually not picked up by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref name="Gig"/> Her casting came after the absence of some of the central cast members, notably [[Katherine Heigl]] departure after her maternity leave and [[Ellen Pompeo]]'s absence due to pregnancy.<ref name="casting"/><ref name="Gig"/>
Drew was originally contracted to guest star in a multi-episodes story arc where her character would be eventually fired from the series after two episodes.<ref name="Gig">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2010/11/sarah-drew-dishes-on-dream-greys-anatomy-gig/|title=Sarah Drew Dishes on Dream Grey's Anatomy Gig| author=Marsi, Steve|work=TV Fanatic|publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> She explained: "I came on to the show and I was told from day one that I was only going to be there for two episodes. I did not expect anything beyond that. The morning my firing episode aired, my agent got a call that they were talking about a contract and I was just completely floored."<ref name="Gig"/> However she was promoted to a series regular on June 9, 2010 for the [[Grey's Anatomy (season 7)|seventh season]] of the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/09/greys-anatomy-promotes-sarah-drew|title=Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Sarah Drew|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.|Time Inc]]|date=June 9, 2010|access-date=June 9, 2010}}</ref> Rhimes said in the wake of the news: "Kepner has really been folded into the group" of ''Grey's Anatomy'' adding "It'll depend on what the studio and the network decide to do with those actors, but I fully advocate to have [the characters]".<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael|last=Ausiello|url=http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/08/greys-anatomy-jesse-williams-series-regular |title='Grey's Anatomy' Exclusive: Jesse Williams Gets Full-Time Upgrade | work=Entertainment Weekly| publisher=Time Inc| date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=September 1, 2012}}</ref> Drew received the call for her promotion the morning after the sixth episode of season six was telecast on October 29, 2009. She described the call as a "totally happy surprise".<ref>{{cite web|last=Samson|first=Janalen|title='Grey's Anatomy' Interview with Sarah Drew: April is 'Super Freaked-Out'|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-interview-with-s-45251.aspx|publisher=[[BuddyTV]]|access-date=September 4, 2012|date=April 26, 2012}}</ref>
===Characterization===
{{quote box|width=24em|align=right
|quote=I love the idea that there's this person that everybody kind of hates, yet they all have to deal with, [and even] lean on. She is one of them, even though they find her terribly annoying, and I think that that's sort of charming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-season8-spoilers-1035862.aspx | title=Grey's Anatomy: Shonda Rhimes Talks Mer-Der's Struggle, Cristina's Pregnancy | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref>}}
Drew's character has been called intelligent, hardworking, thorough and determined by ''Grey's Anatomy'' executives.<ref name="bio">{{cite web | url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 | title=April Kapner Bio | publisher=American Broadcasting Company | access-date=October 24, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020203912/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 | archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> But she is also considered vulnerable, insecure, sensitive and overly eager by her colleagues.<ref name="bio"/> Of the character, Drew said: "April is a very, very good doctor. She really knows what she's doing, she's worked really hard, and she certainly wants to do her best and stick around."<ref name="casting"/> but also described her as "annoying", "neurotic" and "really insecure".<ref name="BTV">{{cite web |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/greys-anatomy/greys-anatomy-sarah-drew-knows-37420.aspx | title='Grey's Anatomy': Sarah Drew Knows April is 'Annoying' | author=Diaz, Glenn | publisher=BuddyTV | date=June 27, 2010 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> In the eighth<!--April became chief resident in the season 7 finale, she did not act as chief resident until season 8--> season, April's position as chief resident and her struggle to get a handle on her fellow residents formed the central arc of her storyline. Rhimes explained: "Watching April try to be in charge of Cristina and Alex and Jackson is a pretty impossible task, and it's made for comedy, it's one of the funniest things we're working on this season."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/spoiler-whats-in-store-for-april-this-season | title=What is in store for April this season | work=[[Wetpaint]] | publisher=The Cambio Network| date=August 31, 2011 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> One of Kepner's central characteristics are her religious beliefs, notably her chastity and her instance on saving herself for someone she truly loves.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/07/will-greys-anatomy-incorporate-sarah-drews-pregnancy/ | title=Will Grey's Anatomy Incorporate Sarah Drew's Pregnancy? | author=Marsi, Steve | work=TV Fanatic| date=July 29, 2011 | access-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> In an interview, Drew assessed that: "There certainly has never been a 28-year-old virgin on Grey's. I don't even think there's been a 28-year-old virgin on television. Unless it's someone who is sort of a recluse. A normal, smart, doctor....pretty, healthy...that in and of itself is really fascinating, and really interesting, and totally different. It's neat to see someone who is just totally clueless in that area. Everyone else [On ''Grey' Anatomy''] seems like they know exactly what they're doing. April is totally, totally clueless. Shonda told one of the directors, there are virgins that have sort of done everything else. But not April. April's really pretty much done nothing. She's completely untouched."<ref name="scoop"/>
===Relationships===
[[File:Jesse Williams in 2008 white shirt.jpg|thumb|left|150px|April and Jackson ([[Jesse Williams (actor)|Jesse Williams]])'s sexual encounter makes her re-evaluate her faith and jeopardizes the course of her career.<!--Source needed-->]]
Kepner entertained several relationships throughout her time on ''Grey's Anatomy''. In her early appearances, she is introduced as the best friend and roommate of her fellow Mercy West resident, [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Reed Adamson]]. In the season six finale, when Reed is tragically murdered by Gary Clark during the shooting, April is the first to find her when she trips over her dead body. In season seven April forms a friendship with [[Meredith Grey]] and she eventually moves into her house. Ellen Pompeo offered regarding their bond: "Meredith will accept April in order to get the audience to accept her,"<ref>{{cite web|author=Wightman, Catriona|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s46/greys-anatomy/news/a266782/pompeo-greys-meredith-april-will-bond.html |title=Pompeo: 'Grey's Meredith, April will bond'|work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=August 24, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> and Drew further explained: "She's being plugged into the community. Meredith has really taken her under her wing, is really looking out for her. Having Meredith come around to April helps the audience come around to April."<ref name="scoop"/>
She first develops a crush on [[Derek Shepherd]] in season six. Carina MacKenzie from The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "ridiculous" and added: "April is drooling all over Chief McDreamy. Vomit. ... She's been reduced to a 12-year-old with hearts in her eyes and a painful inability to be subtle."<ref name="LAT"/> Drew herself was skeptical about it, saying: "The biggest thing that people did not like about my character was they thought I was a threat for the Mer/Der relationship, which I kind of found was super ridiculous ... I never saw it as anything that would ever transpire into something that might threaten them. I only saw it as a really pathetic little crush."<ref name="scoop">{{cite web | url=http://www.thestarscoop.com/interviews/sarah-drew-exclusive-i-had-no-idea/ | title=Sarah Drew Exclusive: "I had no idea..." | publisher=The Star Scoop | date=October 28, 2010 | access-date=October 28, 2012}}</ref> She briefly has feelings for [[Alex Karev]] who almost makes her lose her virginity when he tries to sleep with her in "[[Something's Gotta Give (Grey's Anatomy)|Something's Gotta Give]]". [[Wetpaint]] commented that Alex made her feel "worthless and unwanted when she was at her most vulnerable."<ref>{{cite web|author=Clarendon, Dan |url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/top-10-quotes-from-greys-anatomy-season-7-episode-8-somethings-gotta-give |title=Top 5 OMG Moments From Grey's Anatomy Season 7, Episode 8: "Something's Gotta Give" |work=Wetpaint|publisher=The Cambio Network|date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Kepner also briefly dates [[List of Grey's Anatomy characters|Dr. Robert Stark]], a senior pediatric surgical attending. After her fellow residents make fun of her, she breaks up with him, creating a coldness between them. However, it is Stark who recommends her as chief resident to Dr. Hunt. Drew stated: "She sees a side to Dr. Stark that he doesn't show to anyone else at the hospital, and she finds that part endearing...I think they enjoy the companionship."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/03/april-and-stark-sarah-drew-speaks-on-unexpected-greys-anatomy-ro/ |title=April and Stark?! Sarah Drew Speaks on Unexpected Grey's Anatomy Romance |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]] |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
In the end of season eight, Kepner embarks on a relationship with her best friend turned lover [[Jackson Avery]] (Williams), who she loses her virginity to and that eventually leads her to reflect on her faith and fail her boards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/greys-anatomy/articles/greys-anatomy-spoiler-will-april-and-jackson-get-together-in-season-9 |author=Highfill, Samantha |title=Grey's Anatomy Spoiler: Will April and Jackson Get Together in Season 9? - Grey's Anatomy |work=Wetpaint |publisher=The Cambio Network|date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Critics praised the chemistry between April and Jackson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/greys-anatomy-round-table-love-the-one-youre-with/|author=Morrison, Courtney |title=Grey's Anatomy Round Table: "Love the One You're With" |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|She Knows Entertainment]]|date=October 21, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Rhimes commented on the dynamic between the two in season nine and said: "I think it's going to be funny, sexy, and good."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/28/greys-anatomy-shonda-rhimes-eric-dane-season-9/ | title='Grey's Anatomy' boss Shonda Rhimes explains Eric Dane's exit, teases unique season opener | publisher=EW.com | date=July 28, 2012 | access-date=October 28, 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
{{Expand section|date=May 2018}}
Initially, Carina MacKenzie of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' highly praised the characterization of Kepner. writing: "One of my favorite Mercy Westers is intern April (Sarah Drew). Her saccharine-sweet attitude and wide-eyed insincerity were hilarious, as was her super-mysterious hot pink notebook full of morale-boosting platitudes."<ref name=LAT>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/10/greys-anatomy-mercy-west-is-in-izzie-stevens-is-out.html|title='Grey's Anatomy': Mercy West is in, Izzie Stevens is out|last=MacKenzi|first=Carina|date=October 16, 2009|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|access-date=October 17, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018072533/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/10/greys-anatomy-mercy-west-is-in-izzie-stevens-is-out.html|archive-date= 18 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> However, she criticized the later development of her story, especially her crush on Derek Shepherd calling it "vomit"<ref name="LAT2">{{cite web|last=MacKenzie|first=Carina|title='Grey's Anatomy': He's a Sloan all right|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/04/greys-anatomy-hes-a-sloan-all-right.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|access-date=August 14, 2012|date=April 30, 2010}}</ref> ''[[PopSugar]]'' noted similarities between Kepner and Lexie Grey, stating: "Am I the only one who thinks the new doctor is kind of like Lexie 2.0? Their dynamic reminded me of when Lexie first started and tries really hard to make nice with Mere, but gets the cold shoulder in return."<ref name="Sugar">{{cite web | url=http://www.buzzsugar.com/Greys-Anatomy-Rundown-Invasion-5664242 | title=Grey's Anatomy Rundown, "Invasion" | publisher=[[Sugar Inc.]] | work=[[PopSugar]] | date=October 20, 2009 | access-date=July 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028185631/http://www.buzzsugar.com/Greys-Anatomy-Rundown-Invasion-5664242 | archive-date=October 28, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Mariella Mosthof from [[Wetpaint]] stated: "Despite her obnoxious yet well-meaning tendencies, we briefly flirted with the idea of liking April's character last season, and it looks like there's plenty of opportunity for her to come back and charm us again yet again this time around." Reviewing the first part of the eight season, Courtney Morrison of TV Fanatic wrote: "Although the girl has grown in terms of likeability, her downfalls still outweigh the positives. She doesn't really bring too much to the table. She wasn't the best choice for Chief Resident; she doesn't seem to be on the same level surgical wise and she hasn't carried a story on her own that makes us care about her."<ref>{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Courtney|title=Grey's Anatomy Midseason Report Card: B+|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/11/greys-anatomy-midseason-report-card-b/|work=TV Fanatic|access-date=March 27, 2013|date= November 18, 2011 }}</ref>
Kepner was included in ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'s}} list of The Most Loathed TV Characters, adding: "The extremely neurotic April (she makes Liz Lemon look laid back) has slowly made strides with fans thanks to her personal setbacks — she lost her treasured virginity to her best friend and failed her boards — but she still has a long way to go."<ref name="revTvG">{{cite web|title=The Most Loathed TV Characters Pictures, April Photos|url=http://www.tvguide.com/PhotoGallery/Loathed-TV-Characters-1049721/1051124|work=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' also named her one of the "21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever", commenting: "April's lightened up a little this season [season 9], but a few episodes of sympathetic behavior can't erase the painful memories of Seattle Grace-Mercy West's most irritating doctor being."<ref>{{cite web|title=21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20586339,00.html#21144698|work=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Inc|access-date=April 12, 2013|date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> TV Fanatic included her in their list of Worst Character on TV. Christina Tran commented: "Could she be any more annoying?!?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/05/tv-fanatic-staff-round-table-worst-character-on-tv/ |title=Staff Round Table: Worst Character on TV |work=TV Fanatic |publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Drew stated that it was initially "hard" for her as an actress to play an unpopular character but deemed her "interesting" and when she was informed by the writers that her character would get Dr. Shepherd (Dempsey) shot in the season six finale, her reaction was: "Oh, come on, guys, really? They already hate my character, now they're going to hate her even more!"<ref name="BTV"/>
Critics reception gradually changed positively. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' noted: "April was chirpy, irritating, and immature, and her crush on Derek didn't endear her to us either. But these days, we say hooray for April; since Meredith declared that the two of them are pals, April's become a lot more tolerable, instead of being Lexie 2.0."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20439143,00.html#20871367 | title='Grey's Anatomy':10 Reasons We Love It Again! - Finally, April Is Less Annoying | author=Lyons, Margaret| work=Entertainment Weekly | publisher=Time Inc | access-date=October 28, 2012|date=November 4, 2010}}</ref> Courtney Morrison of TVFanatic wrote: "April has grown since her character was introduced. She's no longer much less annoying than she used to be, and she's honest. A girl with principles is a girl you want to do well." and described her and Avery as "a couple for whom viewers can root".<ref>{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Courtney|title=Grey's Anatomy Review: Nothing Left To Squeeze|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/greys-anatomy-review-theres-nothing-left-to-squeeze/|work=TV Fanatic|publisher=[[SheKnows Media|SheKnows Entertainment]]|access-date=October 27, 2012|date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' also remarked: "It's nice to see April with a bit of a backbone and putting Alex in his place as the newfound confidence suits her well."<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title='Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Get Up, Stand Up|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-arizona-callie-owen-cristina-383061|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=October 28, 2012|date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
== References ==
'''Specific'''
{{Reflist|30em}}
'''General'''
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|title=April Kepner's Character Journey|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/photo-details/character-journey-april-kepner/998024|work=ABC|access-date=June 19, 2012|year=2012}}
* {{cite web|title=Grey's Anatomy: Episode Recap Guide|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/episode-guide|work=ABC|access-date=June 19, 2012}}
{{refend}}
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160324120956/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0183088/ April Kepner] on [[IMDb]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121020203912/http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/bio/april-kepner/568573 April Kepner] at [[ABC.com]]
{{Grey's Anatomy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kepner, April}}
[[Category:Grey's Anatomy characters]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2009]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from Ohio]]
[[Category:Fictional female doctors]]
[[Category:Female characters in television]]' |
