"Fever 1793" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Matilda "Mattie" Cook

Mattie is the main character and the protagonist of "Fever 1793." The story revolves around her experiences and struggles during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793.

Lucille Cook

Lucille is Mattie's mother, who initially discourages Mattie's dreams but later becomes a supportive and caring figure.

Grandfather

Grandfather is a former soldier who offers guidance and wisdom to Mattie throughout the story.

Eliza

Eliza is a free black woman who is Mattie's friend and serves as a source of inspiration and strength.

Nathaniel "Nate" Benson

Nate is a young man who works as a painter and becomes Mattie's love interest. He provides support and encouragement to Mattie during the epidemic.

Joseph "Joe"

Joe is a free black man who helps Mattie and her grandfather in various ways. He offers them shelter and protection during the epidemic.

Polly Logan

Polly is Mattie's childhood friend who falls ill and dies from yellow fever, highlighting the severity of the epidemic.

Silas

Silas is a blacksmith's apprentice who assists Mattie and her grandfather in their journey to safety.

Dr. Benjamin Rush

Dr. Rush is a prominent physician who plays a significant role in the treatment of yellow fever patients and offers guidance to Mattie.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates

Mrs. Coates is a wealthy woman who takes in orphans and provides shelter for Mattie and others during the epidemic.

Captain William Farnsworth

Captain Farnsworth is the leader of the militia and plays a crucial role in maintaining order and enforcing quarantine measures during the epidemic.

Character Descriptions

Matilda "Mattie" Cook

Mattie is a fourteen-year-old girl who dreams of running her own coffeehouse. She is initially portrayed as somewhat self-centered and naive but matures and becomes resilient as she faces the challenges of the yellow fever epidemic. Mattie is resourceful, determined, and compassionate, often putting others' needs before her own.

Lucille Cook

Lucille is a caring mother who initially prioritizes societal norms and discourages Mattie's ambitions. However, as the epidemic unfolds, Lucille becomes a protective and supportive figure, showcasing her love for her daughter.

Grandfather

Grandfather is a wise and experienced character who provides guidance and support to Mattie. He is a former soldier, which adds depth to his character and influences his decisions during the crisis.

Eliza

Eliza is a strong and independent free black woman who defies societal expectations and offers support to Mattie. She serves as a role model for Mattie, encouraging her to be brave and resilient.

Nathaniel "Nate" Benson

Nate is a talented painter and Mattie's love interest. He is depicted as kind, caring, and understanding. Nate provides emotional support to Mattie and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Joseph "Joe"

Joe is a free black man who helps Mattie and her grandfather during the epidemic. He demonstrates bravery and selflessness, offering them shelter and protection. Joe's character highlights the importance of community and solidarity during times of crisis.

Polly Logan

Polly is Mattie's childhood friend who falls victim to the yellow fever epidemic. Her death serves as a reminder of the severity and devastating consequences of the disease.

Silas

Silas is a hardworking blacksmith's apprentice who assists Mattie and her grandfather in their journey to safety. His loyalty and dedication make him a valuable ally during the crisis.

Dr. Benjamin Rush

Dr. Rush is a prominent physician who plays a significant role in treating yellow fever patients. He is passionate about finding a cure and offers guidance and medical advice to Mattie.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates

Mrs. Coates is a wealthy woman who provides shelter and care for orphans during the epidemic. She demonstrates kindness and generosity, highlighting the importance of community support during times of crisis.

Captain William Farnsworth

Captain Farnsworth is a leader who takes charge during the epidemic, enforcing quarantine measures and maintaining order. His character represents authority and the need for organized efforts in times of crisis.

Character Traits

• Matilda "Mattie" Cook: Determined, compassionate, resourceful
• Lucille Cook: Caring, protective, supportive
• Grandfather: Wise, experienced, supportive
• Eliza: Strong, independent, inspirational
• Nathaniel "Nate" Benson: Kind, caring, understanding
• Joseph "Joe": Brave, selfless, supportive
• Polly Logan: Childhood friend, victim of the epidemic
• Silas: Hardworking, loyal, dedicated
• Dr. Benjamin Rush: Prominent, passionate, knowledgeable
• Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates: Wealthy, kind, generous
• Captain William Farnsworth: Leader, authoritative, organized

Character Background

• Matilda "Mattie" Cook comes from a family that runs a coffeehouse in Philadelphia.
• Lucille Cook is a traditional woman who adheres to societal norms.
• Grandfather is a former soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War.
• Eliza is a free black woman who defies societal expectations and works as a cook.
• Nathaniel "Nate" Benson is a young painter who becomes Mattie's love interest.
• Joseph "Joe" is a free black man who helps Mattie and her grandfather during the epidemic.
• Polly Logan is Mattie's childhood friend who falls victim to yellow fever.
• Silas is a blacksmith's apprentice who assists Mattie and her grandfather.
• Dr. Benjamin Rush is a prominent physician known for his medical expertise.
• Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates is a wealthy woman who provides shelter for orphans during the epidemic.
• Captain William Farnsworth is the leader of the militia responsible for enforcing quarantine measures.

Character Arcs

• Matilda "Mattie" Cook starts as a naive and self-centered teenager but matures into a resilient and compassionate young woman as she faces the challenges of the epidemic.
• Lucille Cook undergoes a transformation from a traditional and restrictive mother to a protective and supportive figure for Mattie.
• Grandfather provides guidance and wisdom to Mattie throughout the story, showcasing his role as a mentor and source of strength.
• Eliza serves as an inspirational character who empowers Mattie and encourages her to be brave and independent.
• Nathaniel "Nate" Benson's arc revolves around his growing affection for Mattie and his support for her dreams and aspirations.
• Joseph "Joe" demonstrates bravery and selflessness as he helps Mattie and her grandfather, showing the importance of community and solidarity during difficult times.
• Polly Logan's character arc is cut short by her untimely death, serving as a reminder of the severity of the epidemic.
• Silas evolves from a blacksmith's apprentice to a loyal and dedicated ally, assisting Mattie and her grandfather on their journey to safety.
• Dr. Benjamin Rush plays a pivotal role in treating yellow fever patients and offers guidance to Mattie, showcasing his character's dedication to his profession.
• Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates provides shelter and care for orphans, demonstrating the importance of community support during the epidemic.
• Captain William Farnsworth's arc revolves around his leadership role in maintaining order and enforcing quarantine measures during the crisis.

Relationships

• Mattie's relationship with Lucille evolves from a strained mother-daughter dynamic to a strong bond built on love and support.
• Grandfather's relationship with Mattie showcases the importance of intergenerational connections and the wisdom passed down from older generations.
• Eliza and Mattie's friendship provides emotional support and empowerment for Mattie during the epidemic.
• Mattie's relationship with Nathaniel "Nate" Benson represents young love and provides a source of comfort and encouragement for Mattie.
• Joseph "Joe" becomes a trusted friend and ally to Mattie and her grandfather, highlighting the power of community and solidarity.
• Polly Logan's friendship with Mattie emphasizes the impact of the epidemic on their close-knit community.
• Silas's loyalty and dedication to Mattie and her grandfather showcase the bonds formed during times of crisis.
• Dr. Benjamin Rush's relationship with Mattie is one of mentorship and guidance, as he provides medical expertise and advice during the epidemic.
• Mrs. Elizabeth "Eliza" Coates's relationship with Mattie highlights the importance of community support and care for the vulnerable during times of crisis.
• Captain William Farnsworth's relationship with Mattie represents the authority and enforcement necessary during the epidemic.