Kaitlin Cooper /

Kaitlin Cooper is a fictional character on the Fox television series The O.C., played by Willa Holland. She was originally played by Shailene Woodley. Kaitlin is the younger sister of Marissa Cooper and daughter of Jimmy and Julie Cooper. Occasionally seen during the first season, her greatest interest is in horseback riding on her pony, China. Kaitlin's life is eventually disrupted due to her father's embezzlement of clients' funds and the subsequent collapse of her parents' marriage. Julie Cooper, Kaitlin's mother, says to Jimmy Cooper, Kaitlin's dad, that she is relieved that Kaitlin is going to boarding school. Kaitlin does not feature in the season after that. Kaitlin continues life at boarding school until the mid-winter break, when she comes back to Newport. The house of her childhood, however, is no longer her home but that of a man of Persian descent. Mail for the Coopers has been redirected to the Cohens' house next door. Kaitlin, now 14, follows the lead in search of answers, meeting Ryan Atwood at the door. At first, Ryan does not recognize the visitor. The circumstances of Kaitlin's arrival are questionable, as a former acquaintance of hers searches for Kaitlin and