Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Colin Singleton | Protagonist |
| Hassan Harbish | Best friend |
| Lindsey Lee Wells | Love interest |
| TOC | Narrator and mentor |
Role Identification
Colin Singleton
Colin Singleton is the protagonist of "An Abundance of Katherines." He is a child prodigy who embarks on a road trip after being dumped by his nineteenth Katherine.
Hassan Harbish
Hassan is Colin's loyal and humorous best friend who accompanies him on the road trip.
Lindsey Lee Wells
Lindsey is a captivating and intelligent girl from the town of Gutshot, where Colin and Hassan end up during their road trip.
TOC
TOC, short for The Other Colin, serves as the novel's narrator and mentor to Colin.
Character Descriptions
Colin Singleton
Colin is a complex character with a passion for anagrams and a tendency to dwell on past relationships. He is portrayed as intelligent but socially awkward.
Hassan Harbish
Hassan is depicted as a laid-back and humorous individual who often serves as comic relief in the story. He is supportive of Colin but is also seeking his own direction in life.
Lindsey Lee Wells
Lindsey is a strong-willed and intelligent girl who is tied to her small town but yearns for something more. She becomes a pivotal figure in Colin's journey of self-discovery.
TOC
TOC is a mysterious and enigmatic presence in the novel, providing insight and guidance to Colin as he navigates through his emotions and relationships.
Character Traits
Colin Singleton
- Intelligent
- Socially awkward
- Obsessive over past relationships
- Passionate about anagrams
- Self-absorbed
Hassan Harbish
- Loyal
- Humorous
- Easygoing
- Supportive
- Searching for direction
Lindsey Lee Wells
- Intelligent
- Strong-willed
- Tied to her small town
- Yearning for something more
- Emotionally guarded
TOC
- Mysterious
- Enigmatic
- Wise
- Mentor figure
- Provides guidance and insight
Character Background
Colin Singleton
Colin is a child prodigy who has always been exceptional academically. His struggles lie in his personal relationships, particularly with his string of unsuccessful romantic endeavors.
Hassan Harbish
Hassan is Colin's best friend from childhood, and the two share a close bond. While Colin is focused on his romantic issues, Hassan is grappling with his own uncertainties about the future.
Lindsey Lee Wells
Lindsey is deeply connected to her small town, Gutshot, and feels torn between her responsibilities there and her desire for something more in life.
TOC
TOC's background remains shrouded in mystery, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative. As the narrator and mentor, TOC provides valuable perspectives and guidance to Colin.
Character Arcs
Colin Singleton
Colin's character arc revolves around his journey of self-discovery and learning to move past his obsession with being a prodigy and his string of failed relationships. Through his interactions with Lindsey and the experiences on the road trip, Colin undergoes significant personal growth.
Hassan Harbish
Hassan's character arc involves finding his own path and purpose outside of his friendship with Colin. Throughout the story, he grapples with his ambitions and desires, ultimately seeking to define his identity beyond his role as Colin's sidekick.
Lindsey Lee Wells
Lindsey's character arc is centered on reconciling her attachment to her hometown with her aspirations for a different life. Her interactions with Colin and her own self-discovery contribute to her evolving perspective on her future.
TOC
TOC's character arc is intertwined with Colin's journey, as he provides guidance and wisdom that aid in Colin's personal development. TOC's ultimate role in the narrative adds depth to the story's themes of self-exploration and growth.
Relationships
Colin Singleton and Hassan Harbish
Colin and Hassan share a deep bond as best friends. Their road trip serves as a testing ground for their friendship, and they navigate challenges and conflicts together, ultimately strengthening their relationship.
Colin Singleton and Lindsey Lee Wells
Colin's relationship with Lindsey plays a significant role in his character development. Their interactions lead to emotional growth and self-reflection for Colin, while also impacting Lindsey's own perspective on her future.
Colin Singleton and TOC
TOC serves as a mentor figure to Colin, offering guidance and insight throughout the story. Their relationship is pivotal to Colin's personal growth and the unfolding of the narrative.
Lindsey Lee Wells and Hassan Harbish
Lindsey and Hassan's dynamic adds depth to the story, as their interactions offer moments of levity and shared understanding, contributing to both characters' arcs.
In "An Abundance of Katherines," the characters' complexities and relationships drive the narrative, shaping a compelling exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth.
