"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" Character Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Eleanor Oliphant

Eleanor Oliphant is the protagonist of "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine." She is a socially awkward woman who works in an office and struggles with past trauma.

Raymond Gibbons

Raymond Gibbons is a supporting character in the novel who works in the same office as Eleanor. He becomes an unexpected friend to Eleanor and plays a crucial role in her life.

Sammy Thom

Sammy Thom is another supporting character who plays a significant role in Eleanor's life. He is an elderly man whom Eleanor helps and forms a connection with.

Laura

Laura is an antagonistic figure in the novel. She is portrayed as a judgmental and condescending character who adds to Eleanor's emotional struggles.

Character Descriptions

Eleanor Oliphant

Eleanor Oliphant is a complex character who is socially isolated and struggles with loneliness. She has a straightforward and regimented daily routine, often finding solace in her habits. Her physical appearance is often described as plain and unremarkable, which aligns with her desire to remain unnoticed and uninvolved with others.

Raymond Gibbons

Raymond is portrayed as a kind and friendly individual who takes an interest in Eleanor's well-being. He is described as somewhat unkempt in appearance but exudes warmth and authenticity, which draws Eleanor out of her shell.

Sammy Thom

Sammy Thom is depicted as a vulnerable and gentle character. Despite his limited interactions with Eleanor, he leaves a lasting impact on her, highlighting her capacity for empathy and compassion.

Laura

Laura is characterized as someone who embodies societal norms and expectations. She is critical of Eleanor, often belittling her and reinforcing Eleanor's feelings of inadequacy.

Character Traits

Eleanor Oliphant

• Socially awkward
• Intelligent
• Honest
• Resilient
• Vulnerable

Raymond Gibbons

• Compassionate
• Unassuming
• Supportive
• Patient
• Empathetic

Sammy Thom

• Gentle
• Trusting
• Lonely
• Kind-hearted
• Vulnerable

Laura

• Judgmental
• Superficial
• Materialistic
• Condescending
• Self-centered

Character Background

Eleanor Oliphant

Eleanor's background is marked by a traumatic childhood, the details of which are gradually revealed throughout the novel. Her experiences have left her emotionally scarred and have contributed to her difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships.

Raymond Gibbons

Raymond comes from a working-class background and is depicted as someone who is content with his life despite its challenges. His background contrasts with Eleanor's, providing a different perspective on life and relationships.

Sammy Thom

Sammy Thom's background is not extensively explored in the novel, but it is evident that he has experienced his own share of struggles, particularly as an elderly individual in need of assistance.

Laura

Laura's background is portrayed as conventional and privileged. She represents societal norms and expectations, often looking down upon those who do not fit within her narrow definition of acceptability.

Character Arcs

Eleanor Oliphant

Eleanor undergoes a transformative character arc throughout the novel. She starts as a deeply isolated and emotionally wounded individual but gradually learns to open herself up to others, allowing for meaningful connections and personal growth.

Raymond Gibbons

Raymond's character arc revolves around his evolving friendship with Eleanor. As he becomes more involved in her life, he learns about her past and provides her with the support and understanding she desperately needs.

Sammy Thom

Sammy Thom's character arc is brief but impactful. His brief interactions with Eleanor serve as a catalyst for her to examine her own life and priorities, leading to significant personal revelations.

Laura

While Laura does not undergo a traditional character arc, her interactions with Eleanor serve to highlight Eleanor's growth and resilience in the face of judgment and criticism.

Relationships

Eleanor and Raymond

Eleanor's relationship with Raymond evolves from a casual acquaintance to a deep and meaningful friendship. Raymond's non-judgmental nature and genuine care for Eleanor provide her with the support she has long been missing.

Eleanor and Sammy

Eleanor's interactions with Sammy highlight her capacity for empathy and kindness. Despite their brief encounters, Sammy's impact on Eleanor is profound, demonstrating the power of human connection.

Eleanor and Laura

Eleanor's relationship with Laura is fraught with tension and judgment. Laura's critical and dismissive attitude towards Eleanor serves as a contrast to the genuine connections Eleanor forms with Raymond and Sammy.

This character analysis provides an in-depth exploration of the key characters in "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine," delving into their roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships. Each character contributes to the rich tapestry of the novel, shaping Eleanor's journey of self-discovery and personal growth.