"Columbus Day" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Columbus Day" by Craig Alanson, the main protagonist is Joe Bishop, a soldier who finds himself in the middle of an alien invasion. Skippy, an advanced alien Artificial Intelligence, plays a pivotal role as Joe's companion and adviser throughout the story. Captain Smythe serves as the primary antagonist, leading the opposing forces against Joe and his team. Major Emily Perkins, a supporting character, plays a crucial role in assisting Joe in his mission.

Character Descriptions

Joe Bishop

Joe Bishop is a skilled and resourceful soldier who finds himself thrust into a war with unknown alien forces. He is described as a courageous and determined individual who quickly adapts to the challenging circumstances. Physically fit and mentally sharp, Joe is always ready to face any obstacles that come his way. He is portrayed as a loyal and trustworthy individual who forms strong bonds with those around him.

Skippy

Skippy is an advanced alien Artificial Intelligence who becomes Joe's closest companion and adviser. Skippy is depicted as highly intelligent and possesses vast knowledge about various alien species and technologies. Despite his superior intellect, Skippy often displays a sarcastic and humorous personality, providing comic relief in tense situations. Skippy's ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions proves invaluable to Joe's mission.

Captain Smythe

Captain Smythe serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He leads the opposing forces against Joe and his team, using his military expertise to outmaneuver them at every turn. Captain Smythe is portrayed as cunning and ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his objectives. His relentless pursuit of Joe and his team creates tension and conflict throughout the narrative.

Major Emily Perkins

Major Emily Perkins is a supporting character who plays a vital role in assisting Joe in his mission. She is an experienced military officer who provides strategic guidance and support to Joe and his team. Major Perkins is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and dedicated to the cause. Her expertise and knowledge prove instrumental in overcoming various challenges faced by Joe and his team.

Character Traits

Joe Bishop

• Courageous
• Determined
• Loyal
• Resourceful
• Trustworthy

Skippy

• Intelligent
• Sarcastic
• Humorous
• Innovative
• Knowledgeable

Captain Smythe

• Cunning
• Ruthless
• Skilled
• Strategic
• Persistent

Major Emily Perkins

• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Dedicated
• Strategic
• Experienced

Character Background

Joe Bishop

Joe Bishop has a military background and is a skilled soldier. He is portrayed as an average guy thrust into extraordinary circumstances when an alien invasion threatens humanity. Before the events of the book, Joe had a relatively normal life, but his life changes drastically when he encounters the alien AI, Skippy.

Skippy

Skippy is an advanced alien AI who possesses extensive knowledge about various alien species and technologies. Little is known about Skippy's background, but it is revealed that he has been stranded on Earth for a long time. Skippy's vast knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to Joe in his mission to combat the alien invasion.

Captain Smythe

Captain Smythe has a military background and is a highly skilled and cunning officer. He is driven by a desire for power and control, and his motivations for leading the opposing forces against Joe and his team are gradually revealed throughout the story. Captain Smythe's background and personal history contribute to his relentless pursuit of Joe and his mission.

Major Emily Perkins

Major Emily Perkins has a military background and is an experienced officer. She has a deep understanding of military strategies and tactics, making her a valuable asset to Joe and his team. Major Perkins' background and expertise provide the necessary support and guidance to overcome the challenges they face in their mission.

Character Arcs

Joe Bishop

Joe Bishop undergoes a significant character arc throughout the book. At the beginning, he is an ordinary soldier thrust into an extraordinary situation. As the story progresses, Joe's courage and determination are tested, and he becomes a leader and a symbol of hope for humanity. He learns to rely on his instincts and trust his instincts, ultimately becoming a key player in the fight against the alien invasion.

Skippy

Skippy's character arc is centered around his development of a deeper understanding and appreciation for humanity. Initially, Skippy views humans as inferior and expendable. However, as he spends more time with Joe and witnesses their resilience and ingenuity, Skippy develops a newfound respect and admiration for humanity. This transformation is evident in his actions and interactions with Joe and the rest of the team.

Captain Smythe

Captain Smythe's character arc revolves around his descent into obsession and madness. Initially portrayed as a skilled and cunning officer, Captain Smythe becomes increasingly ruthless and willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his objectives. As the story progresses, his motivations and personal history are revealed, shedding light on the driving forces behind his actions.

Major Emily Perkins

Major Emily Perkins supports Joe throughout the book, providing guidance and assistance. While her character arc may not be as pronounced as Joe's or Skippy's, she exhibits personal growth by learning to trust Joe's instincts and adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances. Major Perkins becomes a valuable ally and plays a crucial role in the success of Joe's mission.

Relationships

Joe Bishop and Skippy

The relationship between Joe and Skippy is one of the central dynamics in the book. Initially, they have a somewhat contentious relationship, with Skippy often teasing and mocking Joe. However, as they face various challenges together, their bond strengthens, and they develop a deep trust and reliance on each other. Their banter and camaraderie provide moments of humor and levity throughout the story.

Joe Bishop and Captain Smythe

Joe and Captain Smythe share an adversarial relationship throughout the book. Captain Smythe is determined to eliminate Joe and his team, seeing them as a threat to his objectives. Joe, on the other hand, sees Captain Smythe as a formidable opponent and constantly strives to outwit him. Their conflict drives much of the narrative tension and provides intense confrontations.

Joe Bishop and Major Emily Perkins

Joe and Major Perkins develop a professional and supportive relationship. Major Perkins provides strategic guidance and support to Joe, and he relies on her expertise and knowledge. Their teamwork and mutual respect contribute to the overall success of their mission.

Conclusion

In "Columbus Day" by Craig Alanson, the characters play essential roles in driving the narrative forward. Joe Bishop, Skippy, Captain Smythe, and Major Emily Perkins each bring unique traits, backgrounds, and motivations to the story. Their relationships and character arcs provide depth and complexity to the overall plot. The book presents a compelling analysis of human resilience, friendship, and the power of teamwork in the face of insurmountable challenges.