"Carrie" Characters Analysis

Character Analysis: "Carrie" by Stephen King

List of Characters

Role Identification

• Carrie White: The protagonist of the novel, a shy and introverted high school student with telekinetic powers.
• Margaret White: Carrie's religious zealot mother, who plays the role of the antagonist.
• Sue Snell: A supportive character and one of Carrie's classmates, who tries to make amends for her past actions.
• Chris Hargensen: An antagonist who bullies and torments Carrie throughout the story.
• Ms. Desjardin: A supportive character and Carrie's gym teacher, who becomes a mentor figure.
• Tommy Ross: A supportive character and popular boy who is asked to take Carrie to prom.

Character Descriptions

Carrie White

Carrie White is a troubled teenage girl who is socially isolated and often bullied by her peers. She has long, mousy brown hair, pale skin, and an awkward posture, making her an easy target for ridicule. Carrie possesses telekinetic powers that she struggles to control throughout the story.

Margaret White

Margaret White is Carrie's fanatically religious and overprotective mother. She has a stern and imposing presence, always dressed in conservative clothing, with long gray hair. Margaret believes that Carrie's supernatural abilities are a curse and uses religion to manipulate and control her daughter.

Sue Snell

Sue Snell is a remorseful character who initially takes part in bullying Carrie but later regrets her actions. She has blonde hair and is described as one of the prettiest girls in school. Sue feels guilty for what she did to Carrie, and her guilt drives her to help her fellow classmate.

Chris Hargensen

Chris Hargensen is a popular and antagonistic character who takes pleasure in tormenting Carrie. She has shoulder-length red hair and an attractive appearance, but underneath, she is manipulative and cruel. Chris becomes the catalyst for the infamous prom night incident.

Ms. Desjardin

Ms. Desjardin is Carrie's compassionate and supportive gym teacher. She is a tough but fair mentor figure for Carrie. Ms. Desjardin is described as being in her mid-thirties, with short dark hair and a no-nonsense attitude. She becomes one of the few people who genuinely cares about Carrie's well-being.

Tommy Ross

Tommy Ross is a kind-hearted and popular boy who is asked to take Carrie to the prom. He has dark hair, a charming smile, and is well-liked by everyone. Tommy's relationship with Carrie plays a crucial role in the story's climax.

Character Traits

Carrie White

• Shy
• Introverted
• Telekinetic
• Insecure
• Sympathetic

Margaret White

• Overprotective
• Fanatically religious
• Manipulative
• Controlling
• Paranoid

Sue Snell

• Regretful
• Compassionate
• Empathetic
• Guilt-ridden
• Determined

Chris Hargensen

• Cruel
• Manipulative
• Popular
• Bullying
• Revenge-driven

Ms. Desjardin

• Supportive
• Tough
• Caring
• Mentor-like
• Disciplined

Tommy Ross

• Popular
• Kind-hearted
• Charming
• Well-liked
• Brave

Character Background

Carrie White

Carrie White is raised by her fervently religious and overprotective mother, Margaret White, who instills in her a deep fear of sin. Carrie is constantly taunted and bullied by her classmates, which leads her to develop telekinetic powers as a coping mechanism. Her powers remain dormant until a series of events unleash them, leading to devastating consequences.

Margaret White

Margaret White had a troubled past herself, having engaged in pre-marital sexual activities that resulted in Carrie's birth. She became a religious zealot to atone for her sins and raised Carrie in an abusive and oppressive household, isolating her from the outside world. Margaret's religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping Carrie's character and actions.

Sue Snell

Sue Snell is a popular girl who is initially part of the group of girls that bully Carrie. However, she begins to feel remorse for her actions and resolves to make amends by trying to help Carrie. Sue has a supportive family background, which contributes to her capacity for empathy.

Chris Hargensen

Chris Hargensen comes from an affluent background and holds a position of social power in the high school hierarchy. She is known for her mean-spirited and manipulative behavior, particularly toward Carrie. Chris strongly dislikes Carrie and is determined to humiliate her at every opportunity.

Ms. Desjardin

Ms. Desjardin is a dedicated and caring teacher at Carrie's high school. She has a no-nonsense attitude and becomes aware of the extent of the bullying Carrie endures. Ms. Desjardin takes it upon herself to protect Carrie and acts as both a mentor and guardian.

Tommy Ross

Tommy Ross is one of the popular boys at school, known for his kindness and charm. He genuinely likes Carrie and agrees to take her to the prom, despite initial reservations from his girlfriend, Sue Snell. Tommy's background is not extensively explored in the story, but his positive attitude and willingness to stand up for what is right make him an important character.

Character Arcs

Carrie White

Carrie starts as a timid and insecure girl who is constantly bullied and mistreated. As the story progresses, she discovers her telekinetic powers and experiences a gradual transformation, gaining confidence and self-awareness. However, her arc takes a tragic turn as her powers are ultimately unleashed in a deadly manner during the prom night incident.

Margaret White

Margaret's character arc showcases her descent into complete madness and fanaticism. She becomes increasingly abusive and controlling towards Carrie, ultimately leading to her own demise.

Sue Snell

Sue's arc involves her transformation from a remorseful bully to a compassionate ally. She tries to make amends by helping Carrie and becomes determined to prevent the tragic outcome that she foresees.

Chris Hargensen

Chris's character arc primarily revolves around her desire for revenge. She takes advantage of the prom night incident to humiliate Carrie, but ultimately meets a gruesome fate.

Ms. Desjardin

Ms. Desjardin's arc focuses on her protective instincts towards Carrie. She evolves from a concerned teacher to a nurturing mentor figure, going to great lengths to ensure Carrie's safety.

Tommy Ross

Tommy's arc involves his gradual realization of the cruelty inflicted upon Carrie. He navigates conflicting emotions, including loyalty to his girlfriend and his growing affection for Carrie. Ultimately, his arc culminates in a brave act of sacrifice.

Relationships

• Carrie and Margaret: The relationship between mother and daughter is complex and deeply dysfunctional. Margaret's manipulative and controlling behavior escalates as the story progresses, contributing to Carrie's isolation and eventual rebellion.
• Carrie and Sue: Their relationship evolves from bully and victim to one of empathy and redemption. Sue tries to help Carrie by encouraging Tommy to take her to the prom, hoping it will be a positive experience for her.
• Carrie and Chris: Carrie and Chris have a toxic relationship from the start. Chris relentlessly bullies and torments Carrie, eventually leading to the catastrophic events at the prom.
• Carrie and Ms. Desjardin: Ms. Desjardin becomes a nurturing and motherly figure for Carrie, providing guidance, protection, and support. She tries to create a safe space for Carrie and genuinely wants the best for her.
• Carrie and Tommy: Tommy's relationship with Carrie is one of genuine kindness and compassion. Despite initial hesitations, he agrees to take her to the prom and genuinely enjoys being her date, forming a connection that tragically ends on prom night.

In conclusion, the characters in Stephen King's "Carrie" exhibit a wide range of traits, backgrounds, and relationships that drive the narrative forward. Through these characters, the novel explores themes of bullying, power, isolation, and the consequences of unaddressed trauma.