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Call Me Tuesday
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4.21 / 5

"Call Me Tuesday" Characters Analysis

A poignant memoir about a young girl's journey through abuse, survival, and the power of resilience.

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Estimated read time: 6 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
TuesdayProtagonist
Tuesday's MotherAntagonist
Tuesday's FatherSupporting Character
Mrs. RooneySupporting Character
SarahSupporting Character
Aunt ThelmaSupporting Character

Role Identification

In the book "Call Me Tuesday" by Leigh Byrne, the main character, Tuesday, serves as the protagonist. She is a young girl who faces numerous challenges and hardships throughout her life.

Character Descriptions

Tuesday: Tuesday is a young girl who endures physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from her mother. She is described as resilient and determined, despite the difficult circumstances she faces. Tuesday is depicted as having a strong sense of empathy and compassion for others, which often leads her to form meaningful relationships.

Tuesday's Mother: Tuesday's mother serves as the antagonist in the story. She is portrayed as a cruel and abusive parent, inflicting both physical and emotional harm on Tuesday. Her actions are driven by her own personal struggles and mental health issues.

Tuesday's Father: Tuesday's father is a supporting character who is largely absent from her life. He is unable to protect Tuesday from her mother's abuse, but he shows occasional moments of kindness and support.

Mrs. Rooney: Mrs. Rooney is a supporting character who serves as Tuesday's teacher. She becomes a source of encouragement and support for Tuesday, providing a safe space for her to express herself and escape from her difficult home life.

Sarah: Sarah is another supporting character and Tuesday's best friend. She is a kind and understanding friend who offers emotional support to Tuesday throughout their challenging upbringing.

Aunt Thelma: Aunt Thelma is a supportive family member who offers Tuesday a temporary escape from her abusive home. She provides a safe and loving environment for Tuesday, giving her the opportunity to experience a more stable and nurturing relationship.

Character Traits

Tuesday: Tuesday exhibits several admirable traits, including resilience, determination, empathy, and compassion. Despite the abuse she endures, she remains strong and determined to overcome her circumstances. Her empathy and compassion allow her to form deep connections with others and provide support to those around her.

Tuesday's Mother: Tuesday's mother is characterized by her cruelty, anger, and abusive behavior. She is depicted as mentally unstable and emotionally detached from her daughter.

Tuesday's Father: Tuesday's father is portrayed as a passive character who is unable to protect Tuesday from her mother's abuse. He shows moments of kindness, but ultimately fails to provide the support and protection that Tuesday needs.

Mrs. Rooney: Mrs. Rooney is described as a caring and supportive teacher who recognizes Tuesday's potential. She provides a nurturing environment for Tuesday at school and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Sarah: Sarah is depicted as a loyal and understanding friend. She stands by Tuesday's side through thick and thin, offering emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Aunt Thelma: Aunt Thelma is characterized by her kindness, love, and willingness to provide a safe haven for Tuesday. She offers Tuesday the stability and care that she lacks in her own home.

Character Background

Tuesday: Tuesday grows up in a tumultuous and abusive household. She experiences physical, emotional, and verbal abuse at the hands of her mother. Despite the difficult circumstances, Tuesday demonstrates resilience and a strong desire to create a better life for herself.

Tuesday's Mother: Tuesday's mother has a troubled past and struggles with mental health issues. She is unable to cope with her own emotions and projects her anger and frustration onto Tuesday.

Tuesday's Father: Tuesday's father is largely absent from her life, both physically and emotionally. He is unable to protect Tuesday from her mother's abuse, leaving her feeling abandoned and unprotected.

Mrs. Rooney: Mrs. Rooney serves as a stable and supportive figure in Tuesday's life. She recognizes Tuesday's potential and provides a safe space for her to express herself and escape from her abusive home.

Sarah: Sarah is Tuesday's best friend and a constant source of support. She understands Tuesday's struggles and stands by her side throughout their challenging upbringing.

Aunt Thelma: Aunt Thelma offers Tuesday a temporary escape from her abusive home by providing a loving and nurturing environment. She becomes a lifeline for Tuesday, giving her a glimpse of what a stable and caring family can be like.

Character Arcs

Tuesday: Throughout the book, Tuesday undergoes a significant character arc. She starts as a young girl trapped in an abusive environment, but through her resilience and determination, she finds the strength to break free from the cycle of abuse. Tuesday's character arc showcases her growth and transformation into a resilient survivor who is able to overcome her challenging upbringing.

Relationships

Tuesday and her Mother: The relationship between Tuesday and her mother is characterized by abuse and cruelty. Tuesday longs for her mother's love and approval but is met with anger and violence instead.

Tuesday and her Father: Tuesday's relationship with her father is strained and distant. He is unable to protect her from her mother's abuse, leaving Tuesday feeling abandoned and betrayed.

Tuesday and Mrs. Rooney: Tuesday forms a strong bond with Mrs. Rooney, her teacher. Mrs. Rooney provides the emotional support and stability that Tuesday craves, offering her a safe space to express herself.

Tuesday and Sarah: Tuesday and Sarah share a deep and enduring friendship. Sarah serves as a constant source of support and understanding for Tuesday, offering a sense of belonging and companionship.

Tuesday and Aunt Thelma: Aunt Thelma becomes a source of love and stability for Tuesday, offering her a temporary escape from her abusive home. Their relationship provides Tuesday with a glimpse of what a nurturing family can be like.

In conclusion, "Call Me Tuesday" by Leigh Byrne explores the life of a young girl named Tuesday who faces abuse and hardship. The book delves into the character's background, traits, relationships, and her journey towards resilience and survival. Through the development of various characters and their interactions, the author highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and the power of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.