"Each Kindness" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Jacqueline Woodson's "Each Kindness," the characters play essential roles in conveying the story's themes of empathy, regret, and the importance of kindness. The main character, Maya, serves as the protagonist, while Chloe, her classmate, takes on the role of the antagonist. Other significant characters include Mrs. Albert (the teacher), Haley (Maya's friend), Jeremy (a new student), and Maya's parents.

Character Descriptions

Maya: Maya is a young girl with a warm heart who moves to a new school. She is described as having a friendly disposition and a genuine desire to make friends. Maya's family struggles financially, which is evident in her worn-out clothes and lack of resources. Despite her circumstances, she is compassionate and eager to connect with others.

Chloe: Chloe is one of Maya's classmates and the primary antagonist in the story. She comes from a more affluent background and is often seen taunting Maya for her appearance and lack of material possessions. Chloe's behavior towards Maya reveals her lack of empathy and understanding.

Mrs. Albert: Mrs. Albert is the teacher in Maya and Chloe's class. She plays an important role in facilitating the lessons about kindness and its impact. She encourages the students to practice empathy and compassion towards one another.

Haley: Haley is Maya's only friend at the school. She is supportive and kind-hearted, but often follows Chloe's lead when it comes to interacting with Maya.

Jeremy: Jeremy is a new student who joins Maya and Chloe's class. He becomes the target of teasing and exclusion, much like Maya, highlighting the recurring theme of unkindness in the story.

Maya's Parents: Maya's parents are briefly mentioned in the story, but their presence underscores Maya's humble background and their influence on her character.

Character Traits

Maya: Maya is characterized by her kindness, empathy, and resilience. Despite facing adversity, she remains open-hearted and eager to connect with others. Maya's humility and determination make her a relatable and sympathetic character.

Chloe: Chloe's character traits revolve around her lack of empathy, entitlement, and arrogance. She is dismissive of Maya, using her social status to belittle and exclude her. Chloe's character serves as a foil to Maya, emphasizing the negative consequences of unkindness.

Mrs. Albert: Mrs. Albert embodies the traits of a compassionate and patient teacher. She encourages her students to be kind and considerate towards one another, providing valuable life lessons about the importance of empathy.

Haley: Haley demonstrates loyalty and kindness towards Maya, but she also succumbs to peer pressure and follows Chloe's lead. Although she has some redeeming qualities, her character highlights the challenging nature of breaking away from negative influences.

Jeremy: Jeremy's character represents vulnerability and the consequences of unkindness. He is the target of exclusion and teasing, reflecting the impact of unkind behavior on others.

Character Background

Maya: Maya comes from a low-income background, as evidenced by her worn-out clothes and lack of material possessions. Her family's financial struggles contribute to Maya's resilience and empathy towards others in similar circumstances.

Chloe: Chloe's background is not explicitly mentioned, but her behavior suggests that she comes from a more privileged background. This privilege is evident in her dismissive attitude towards others, particularly those from less fortunate circumstances.

Mrs. Albert: Mrs. Albert's background is not explored in detail, but her character is defined by her compassion and dedication as a teacher. She plays a pivotal role in guiding her students towards understanding the importance of kindness.

Haley: Haley's background is not explicitly mentioned, but she is portrayed as a follower who often goes along with Chloe's actions. Her loyalty towards Maya highlights her potential for kindness.

Jeremy: Jeremy's background is not extensively explored, but his new student status suggests a change in his circumstances. His experience of exclusion and unkindness demonstrates the impact of such behavior on individuals.

Character Arcs

Maya: Maya's character arc revolves around her desire for acceptance and friendship. Despite her efforts, she experiences rejection and exclusion from her classmates. However, Maya's arc culminates in a realization about the value of kindness and the impact of missed opportunities for connection.

Chloe: Chloe's character arc revolves around her transformation from an unkind and dismissive individual to one who regrets her actions. Through Mrs. Albert's lessons and Maya's absence, Chloe learns the importance of empathy and the regret that comes with missed opportunities for kindness.

Relationships

Maya and Chloe: Maya and Chloe's relationship is characterized by exclusion, taunting, and unkind behavior on Chloe's part. Maya desperately seeks acceptance from Chloe, but Chloe consistently rejects her. This strained relationship is central to the story's exploration of the consequences of unkindness.

Maya and Mrs. Albert: Maya and Mrs. Albert have a teacher-student relationship that evolves throughout the story. Mrs. Albert's guidance and lessons about kindness have a profound impact on Maya's understanding of empathy and regret.

Maya and Haley: Maya and Haley share a friendship that is overshadowed by Haley's loyalty to Chloe. While Haley is initially kind to Maya, she often follows Chloe's lead, causing strain in their relationship.

Maya and Jeremy: Maya and Jeremy share a brief interaction when he joins their class. Jeremy's experience of exclusion mirrors Maya's, creating a connection between them.

Conclusion

In "Each Kindness," Jacqueline Woodson skillfully crafts a cast of characters that highlight the importance of empathy, kindness, and the consequences of unkind behavior. Maya's resilience and empathy serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of missed opportunities for connection, while Chloe's transformation represents the potential for growth and regret. Through the characters' relationships and arcs, Woodson effectively conveys the book's central themes, leaving readers with a powerful message about the significance of each act of kindness.