Estimated read time: 4 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polly O'Keefe | Protagonist | A curious and brave 13-year-old girl with a strong sense of justice. |
| Zachary Gray | Supporting Character | A charming but troubled young man connected to Polly. |
| Canon Tallis | Family Friend | A wise and knowledgeable man who serves as a mentor. |
| Josiah and Abigail | Ancestors from the past | Early settlers in 13th-century New England, representing historical context. |
| Other Ancestors | Minor Characters | Various members of the past community encountered by Polly. |
Role Identification
| Character Name | Role in Story |
|---|---|
| Polly O'Keefe | Central figure; experiences time travel and personal growth. |
| Zachary Gray | Provides emotional conflict and connection to Polly's present-day life. |
| Canon Tallis | Offers guidance and historical insights; bridges past and present. |
| Josiah and Abigail | Represent the historical setting and challenges of early settlers. |
| Other Ancestors | Enrich the historical narrative and Polly's understanding of her heritage. |
Character Descriptions
Polly O'Keefe
Polly is the main character, notable for her intelligence and courage. She displays empathy and curiosity about history and her family's past. Polly struggles with issues typical of adolescence but shows maturity beyond her years.
Zachary Gray
Zachary is a complex figure with a troubled past. His charisma masks deep emotional scars. His interactions with Polly serve to highlight her strengths and vulnerabilities.
Canon Tallis
A figure of wisdom, Canon Tallis is a link between the modern world and the past. He provides historical context and moral guidance, helping Polly navigate her experiences.
Josiah and Abigail
As early settlers, they embody the hardships and values of 13th-century New England. Their lives offer a contrast to Polly's modern experiences and provide insight into the novel's themes.
Character Traits
| Character Name | Traits |
|---|---|
| Polly O'Keefe | Brave, curious, empathetic, intelligent, mature |
| Zachary Gray | Charismatic, troubled, complex, vulnerable |
| Canon Tallis | Wise, knowledgeable, guiding, patient |
| Josiah | Hardworking, resilient, traditional |
| Abigail | Compassionate, strong, nurturing |
Character Background
Polly O'Keefe
Polly is part of the O'Keefe family, known from Madeleine L'Engle's other works. She grows up in a nurturing environment that values knowledge and love. Her journey in the novel challenges her understanding of time and history.
Zachary Gray
Zachary appears in other L'Engle stories as well. His background includes personal struggles and a search for meaning, which contrasts with Polly's more stable upbringing.
Canon Tallis
Canon Tallis is an expert on the past and family history. His background includes deep study and experience that make him a valuable mentor.
Josiah and Abigail
Their lives are shaped by the difficulties of early colonial life. Their backgrounds highlight themes of survival, faith, and community.
Character Arcs
| Character Name | Beginning State | Development | Ending State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polly O'Keefe | Curious but inexperienced | Faces challenges in past and present; grows in courage and understanding | More mature, confident, and wise |
| Zachary Gray | Troubled and restless | Reveals vulnerabilities through interactions with Polly | Gains greater self-awareness |
| Canon Tallis | Knowledgeable but reserved | Shares wisdom and supports Polly's growth | Acts as a steady guide |
| Josiah | Hardworking settler | Endures hardships, maintains values | Represents resilience |
| Abigail | Compassionate and nurturing | Supports community, adapts to challenges | Embodies strength and care |
Relationships
Polly O'Keefe and Zachary Gray
Their relationship is complex and layered with emotional tension. Zachary's troubled nature contrasts with Polly's steadiness, creating moments of conflict and understanding.
Polly O'Keefe and Canon Tallis
This mentor-mentee relationship is central to Polly's growth. Canon Tallis provides historical context and moral guidance, helping Polly navigate her experiences.
Polly O'Keefe and Ancestors (Josiah and Abigail)
Through time travel, Polly connects with her ancestors, deepening her appreciation for her heritage. These interactions highlight contrasts between past and present values.
Zachary Gray and Canon Tallis
Their interactions are less direct but offer insights into the contrasting approaches to life and history. Canon Tallis serves as a stabilizing figure compared to Zachary's unpredictability.
Community Relationships in the Past
Josiah, Abigail, and other settlers interact in a close-knit but challenging environment. Their relationships emphasize themes of survival, faith, and community support.
This detailed character analysis captures the essential elements of Madeleine L'Engle's "An Acceptable Time," offering insights into the characters' roles, traits, backgrounds, development, and relationships. It highlights the novel's exploration of time, history, and personal growth through its richly drawn characters.
