Estimated read time: 4 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Verity | Protagonist, young girl navigating family changes |
| May | Verity's mother, central to family dynamics |
| Mrs. Barnard | Housekeeper, represents old values and stability |
| Mr. Barnard | Father, a background figure in family life |
| Verity's siblings | Support Verity's perspective and family interactions |
Role Identification
Verity
Verity is the young protagonist whose perspective shapes the narrative. She experiences the evolving family dynamics with curiosity and confusion.
May
May, Verity’s mother, embodies the tension between maintaining tradition and embracing change. Her character drives much of the emotional conflict.
Mrs. Barnard
As the housekeeper, Mrs. Barnard symbolizes the fading old-world charm and discipline. She influences the children’s understanding of order and respect.
Mr. Barnard
Though less prominent, Mr. Barnard provides a paternal presence. His character adds depth to family interactions and societal expectations.
Verity’s Siblings
They contribute to the familial atmosphere and offer varying reactions to the household’s changes.
Character Descriptions
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Verity | A sensitive and imaginative girl, she observes family life with a mix of innocence and insight. |
| May | Complex and conflicted, May struggles with her roles as mother and woman in a changing era. |
| Mrs. Barnard | Stern but caring, she upholds traditional values and provides stability within the household. |
| Mr. Barnard | A reserved figure whose actions often reflect broader societal norms rather than personal desires. |
| Verity's Siblings | Varied in temperament, they portray typical childhood responses to family upheavals. |
Character Traits
| Character Name | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| Verity | Curious, empathetic, observant, innocent |
| May | Conflicted, nurturing, anxious, determined |
| Mrs. Barnard | Traditional, disciplined, loyal, authoritative |
| Mr. Barnard | Quiet, conventional, distant, authoritative |
| Verity's Siblings | Playful, supportive, sometimes rebellious |
Character Background
Verity is introduced as a member of a middle-class British family in the 1960s. The family’s dynamics are influenced by societal changes and personal challenges.
May’s background includes her role as a mother struggling with identity and societal expectations during a transformative time.
Mrs. Barnard represents an older generation, maintaining customs and order amidst shifting family roles.
Mr. Barnard is portrayed as a traditional patriarch whose background reflects conventional family structures.
The siblings’ backgrounds are less detailed but serve to enrich the family environment.
Character Arcs
| Character Name | Development Through the Story |
|---|---|
| Verity | Grows in understanding, moving from innocence to a nuanced perception of family tensions. |
| May | Struggles with personal desires versus family duties, revealing vulnerability and strength. |
| Mrs. Barnard | Maintains her role but adapts subtly to the changing household dynamics. |
| Mr. Barnard | Remains largely static, symbolizing the enduring traditional male role in the family. |
| Verity's Siblings | Experience minor growth, reflecting typical childhood maturation amid family change. |
Relationships
| Characters Involved | Nature of Relationship | Impact on Story |
|---|---|---|
| Verity and May | Daughter-mother; complex and emotionally charged | Central to exploring family dynamics and personal growth |
| Verity and Mrs. Barnard | Child-housekeeper; respectful yet sometimes tense | Highlights class differences and traditional values |
| May and Mr. Barnard | Married couple; strained by unspoken tensions | Represents traditional marital roles and conflicts |
| Verity and Siblings | Siblings; supportive and occasionally competitive | Adds realism to family dynamics |
| Mrs. Barnard and May | Employer-employee; subtle power balance | Reflects social hierarchy and changing domestic roles |
Summary
Tracy Chevalier’s Falling Angels features a cast rooted in family and societal roles during the 1960s. Verity emerges as a sensitive observer, offering insight into personal and cultural shifts. May’s character embodies the struggle between tradition and progress. Mrs. Barnard’s presence underscores the endurance of old values, while Mr. Barnard represents conventional authority. The siblings provide a backdrop of childhood innocence and adaptability.
Together, these characters create a textured narrative about change, family, and identity. Their interactions and growth reveal broader themes of societal transformation and personal resilience. The detailed portrayal of their traits, backgrounds, and evolving relationships enriches the novel’s exploration of a pivotal era.
