Estimated read time: 14 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role in Story | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| David Champlain | Protagonist | African-American lawyer and activist |
| Sara Kent | Love interest, secondary lead | White social worker |
| Doctor Champlain | David’s grandfather | Role model, patriarch |
| Charles Champlain | David’s father | Absent father figure |
| Clio Champlain | David’s grandmother | Loving, supportive family member |
| Missy | Family friend, mentor figure | Strong, protective presence |
| Lillian Kent | Sara’s mother | Barrier to interracial relationship |
| Charles Kent | Sara’s father | More accepting of David |
| Johnny | David’s childhood friend | Dealing with racism and violence |
| Reverend Green | Civil rights leader | Mentor and inspiration |
Role Identification
| Character Name | Role in the Narrative |
|---|---|
| David Champlain | Central protagonist, symbol of hope |
| Sara Kent | Love interest, bridge between worlds |
| Doctor Champlain | Elder, source of wisdom and guidance |
| Charles Champlain | Absent parental influence |
| Clio Champlain | Matriarch, nurturer |
| Missy | Surrogate mother figure, protector |
| Lillian Kent | Antagonist to relationship, symbol of prejudice |
| Charles Kent | Complex, evolving figure |
| Johnny | Reflection of trauma and struggle |
| Reverend Green | Community leader, moral compass |
Character Descriptions
David Champlain
David Champlain is the heart of "Five Smooth Stones." Born in New Orleans, he is a gifted African-American who overcomes poverty and racism to attend Harvard and become a lawyer. David is intelligent, charismatic, and driven by a strong sense of justice. He is both an idealist and a realist, navigating the oppressive structures of the Jim Crow South and later, the broader American society.
Sara Kent
Sara Kent is a white social worker from a privileged background. She is deeply empathetic and open-minded, drawn to social issues. Her relationship with David is central to the narrative, representing the complexities of interracial love during the civil rights era.
Doctor Champlain
David's grandfather, Doctor Champlain, is a dignified and wise elder. He is an anchor for David, instilling values of dignity, education, and perseverance. Doctor Champlain serves as a living connection to the family’s past and the struggle for respect.
Charles Champlain
David's father, Charles Champlain, is largely absent from David's life. His absence shapes David's sense of responsibility and independence.
Clio Champlain
Clio, David’s grandmother, is nurturing and loving. Her presence provides comfort and stability, countering the external turmoil of David’s world.
Missy
Missy is a family friend and acts as a mother figure. She is fiercely protective of David, guiding him through the challenges of childhood and adolescence.
Lillian Kent
Sara’s mother, Lillian, embodies the prejudices of her time and is a significant barrier to Sara and David’s relationship. She is complex, sometimes sympathetic, but ultimately unable to transcend her biases.
Charles Kent
Sara’s father, Charles Kent, is more open-minded but not free from internalized racism. He evolves during the story as he witnesses his daughter's commitment.
Johnny
Johnny is David’s childhood friend who suffers from the brutal realities of racism. His tragic arc underscores the dangers faced by African-Americans.
Reverend Green
A civil rights leader, Reverend Green is a mentor to David. He inspires David’s activism and offers spiritual and moral direction.
Character Traits
| Character Name | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| David Champlain | Intelligent, compassionate, resilient, idealistic |
| Sara Kent | Empathetic, courageous, principled |
| Doctor Champlain | Wise, dignified, patient |
| Charles Champlain | Absent, troubled, distant |
| Clio Champlain | Nurturing, loving, supportive |
| Missy | Protective, strong, maternal |
| Lillian Kent | Prejudiced, conflicted, protective |
| Charles Kent | Evolving, open-minded, cautious |
| Johnny | Traumatized, loyal, vulnerable |
| Reverend Green | Inspirational, principled, passionate |
Character Background
| Character Name | Background Summary |
|---|---|
| David Champlain | Born in the segregated South, raised by grandparents after father’s absence |
| Sara Kent | Raised in a wealthy, white family in the North, educated, interested in social justice |
| Doctor Champlain | Former slave’s descendant, esteemed community member |
| Charles Champlain | Left David at a young age, struggles with his own failures |
| Clio Champlain | Raised several generations, maintains family unity |
| Missy | Endured personal hardship, supports Champlain family |
| Lillian Kent | Product of her time, resistant to changing norms |
| Charles Kent | Businessman, less rigid than his wife |
| Johnny | Grows up in poverty, faces violence and discrimination |
| Reverend Green | Leader in the local church, active in civil rights |
Character Arcs
David Champlain
David’s journey is one of self-discovery and sacrifice. Rising from poverty, he achieves academic and professional success. Yet, he is drawn back to the South, compelled to fight for civil rights. David’s arc is marked by increasing commitment to justice, even at great personal cost. His relationship with Sara tests the boundaries of love and society’s restrictions. Ultimately, David faces tragic consequences, but his moral courage inspires those around him.
| Stage | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Childhood | Faces racism, raised by grandparents, early signs of brilliance |
| Education | Earns scholarship to Harvard, experiences wider world |
| Professional | Becomes a lawyer, successful career, returns to the South |
| Activism | Joins civil rights movement, leads protests, faces violence |
| Tragedy | Endures personal loss, ultimate sacrifice |
Sara Kent
Sara’s arc is one of awakening and resilience. Initially sheltered, she is drawn to David and the cause he represents. Her love for David forces her to confront her privilege and her family's prejudices. Sara’s growth is seen in her willingness to defy her family and society, enduring ostracism for her beliefs.
| Stage | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Protected upbringing, social worker, meets David |
| Falling in Love | Struggles with societal expectations, falls for David |
| Family Conflict | Faces opposition from mother, stands by her convictions |
| Commitment | Joins David in the South, supports the movement |
| Aftermath | Suffers loss, grows stronger in her convictions |
Doctor Champlain
Doctor Champlain remains a steady, guiding presence. He represents the wisdom of past generations, encouraging David while fearing for his safety. His arc is less about change and more about endurance and legacy.
Charles Champlain
Charles’s absence is itself an arc, shaping David’s independence and drive. His failures serve as a counterpoint to David’s achievements.
Clio Champlain
Clio’s arc is one of enduring love and support. She remains a pillar throughout the story, her steadfastness helping David weather life’s storms.
Missy
Missy’s arc is similar to Clio’s, marked by sacrifice and protection. She is a silent force, her strength shaping David’s resilience.
Lillian Kent
Lillian’s arc is one of internal conflict. Though she loves her daughter, she cannot overcome her prejudice. Her inability to change highlights the deep-rooted nature of racism.
Charles Kent
Charles Kent evolves from passive tolerance to reluctant acceptance. He is a more nuanced figure, illustrating the possibility of change.
Johnny
Johnny’s arc is tragic. He embodies the dangers faced by young Black men in the South. His fate is a sobering reflection of entrenched racism.
Reverend Green
Reverend Green’s arc is one of steadfast leadership. He inspires others and stands as a beacon of hope, even as he faces threats and violence.
Relationships
| Character 1 | Character 2 | Nature of Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| David Champlain | Sara Kent | Romantic, challenged by racism and societal norms |
| David Champlain | Doctor Champlain | Grandson-grandfather, mentor-mentee, deep respect |
| David Champlain | Clio Champlain | Grandson-grandmother, nurturer, emotional anchor |
| David Champlain | Missy | Surrogate mother, protector |
| David Champlain | Johnny | Childhood friends, shared trauma |
| Sara Kent | Lillian Kent | Mother-daughter, conflict over racial issues |
| Sara Kent | Charles Kent | Father-daughter, growing understanding |
| Doctor Champlain | Clio Champlain | Husband-wife, shared history and hardship |
| David Champlain | Reverend Green | Mentee-mentor, shared commitment to civil rights |
| David Champlain | Charles Champlain | Father-son, marked by absence and longing |
| Sara Kent | David Champlain | Love across racial lines, their relationship is central to the plot |
In-Depth Character Analyses
David Champlain: The Reluctant Hero
David represents both the promise and peril of African-American advancement in the 20th century. His life is shaped by the legacies of slavery and segregation. Raised by his loving grandparents after his father leaves, David is instilled with the values of education, self-respect, and dignity. His grandfather, Doctor Champlain, is a towering influence, teaching David to move through the world with intelligence and pride.
David’s intelligence earns him a scholarship to Harvard, where he excels academically and socially. However, his achievements never fully shield him from racism. The pull of his heritage and the injustices his people face draw him back to the South. Here, David becomes a prominent civil rights lawyer, risking everything for the cause of justice.
David’s relationship with Sara Kent is both a source of comfort and a flashpoint for conflict. Their love is genuine, but societal condemnation and violence threaten them at every turn. David’s arc is defined by sacrifice; he gives up personal happiness for the dream of a better future. His tragic end is not a defeat but a testament to courage and hope.
Sara Kent: The Bridge
Sara is a complex, compelling character. Raised in privilege, she could have lived a comfortable, conventional life. Instead, she chooses to work as a social worker, drawn to the struggles of the marginalized. Sara’s relationship with David transforms her. She defies her mother’s bigotry and her own ingrained assumptions.
Sara’s courage is quiet but profound. She follows David into the heart of the civil rights movement, facing ostracism and danger. Through Sara, Fairbairn explores the costs of standing against one’s own community and the possibility of change. Sara’s love for David is steadfast, even in the face of tragedy.
Doctor Champlain: The Patriarch
Doctor Champlain is the living link to the past. His wisdom, dignity, and humor sustain the family. A respected figure in the Black community, he has seen the worst of America’s racism but never surrendered to bitterness. He worries for David, understanding both the necessity and the peril of the struggle for justice.
Doctor Champlain’s strength is quiet. He supports David’s choices, even when afraid for his safety. His presence in the narrative is a reminder of generational survival and the progress that each generation must make.
Clio Champlain and Missy: Strength in Silence
Clio and Missy are the emotional backbone of David’s life. Clio’s nurturing enables David to take risks, while Missy’s fierce loyalty offers protection. Both women endure hardship with grace, their love unwavering. They are not passive victims but quiet warriors, ensuring the next generation has the tools to fight for freedom.
Lillian and Charles Kent: Two Sides of Privilege
Lillian Kent is the embodiment of genteel racism. She loves her daughter but cannot accept her love for a Black man. Lillian’s inability to change highlights the intractable nature of prejudice. Her arc is tragic in its own way; she loses her daughter because she cannot let go of her beliefs.
Charles Kent, on the other hand, is more open. Though initially hesitant, he grows to respect David. His gradual acceptance suggests that change, though difficult, is possible.
Johnny: The Price of Injustice
Johnny’s story is a microcosm of Black suffering in America. As David’s childhood friend, he experiences the worst of racism: poverty, violence, and ultimately, tragedy. His fate is a stark reminder of the dangers facing African-American men, and his arc adds urgency to David’s mission.
Reverend Green: The Voice of Hope
Reverend Green is an inspirational figure, galvanizing the community into action. He mentors David and leads with both passion and compassion. His presence is a source of hope, even as violence threatens to overwhelm the movement.
Character Interactions and Themes
Love and Sacrifice
David and Sara’s love is the beating heart of the novel. Their relationship is tender, passionate, and fraught with danger. Fairbairn uses their story to explore the costs of loving across racial lines. Their union is both a personal and political act, challenging both families and society itself.
Family and Legacy
The Champlain family is central to David’s identity. The wisdom of Doctor Champlain and the love of Clio and Missy provide David with resilience. Family is both a source of strength and a source of pain, as seen through the absence of Charles Champlain.
Racism and Resistance
Every character, to varying degrees, is shaped by racism. From Lillian Kent’s bigotry to Johnny’s victimization, the novel explores the many faces of prejudice. Characters resist in different ways: David through activism, Sara through loyalty, Doctor Champlain through dignity.
Community and Leadership
Reverend Green and Doctor Champlain provide leadership and inspiration. Their guidance is essential, not just to David, but to the wider community. The novel emphasizes the importance of collective action and intergenerational strength.
Character Relationships Table
| Character | Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| David & Sara | Romantic, tragic | Love challenged by racism, central to the plot |
| David & Doctor Champlain | Mentorship, familial | Deep respect, guiding influence |
| David & Clio | Nurturing, familial | Emotional support, source of comfort |
| David & Missy | Surrogate parent | Strong protector, offers wisdom |
| Sara & Lillian | Familial conflict | Prejudice vs. love, source of pain |
| Sara & Charles | Familial, evolving | Moves from cautious to accepting |
| David & Johnny | Friendship, loss | Shared trauma, reflection of dangers faced by Black men |
| David & Reverend Green | Mentorship, activism | Shared mission, spiritual connection |
Summary Table: Character Arcs
| Character Name | Starting Point | Key Turning Point | Ending Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Champlain | Gifted but poor, hopeful | Commits to activism, faces violence | Sacrifices for justice, becomes a martyr |
| Sara Kent | Sheltered, privileged | Chooses David over family | Strengthened by loss, committed to cause |
| Doctor Champlain | Wise elder, fearful for David | Supports David’s activism | Continues as moral backbone |
| Clio Champlain | Nurturer, steady | Supports David’s choices | Remains pillar of support |
| Missy | Protector, stoic | Guides David through hardship | Continues as silent strength |
| Lillian Kent | Prejudiced, controlling | Confronts Sara’s choices | Ultimately estranged from daughter |
| Charles Kent | Cautious, reserved | Witnesses Sara’s resolve | Accepts David, evolves morally |
| Johnny | Innocent, hopeful | Faces violence, racism | Tragic loss, symbol of injustice |
| Reverend Green | Leader, inspirational | Guides David, faces threats | Endures, continues to inspire |
Conclusion
"Five Smooth Stones" by Ann Fairbairn is a sweeping narrative built upon the strength and complexity of its characters. Each character embodies a facet of the struggle for justice, love, and dignity in a divided America.
David Champlain is a hero forged by hardship, guided by love and principle. Sara Kent is a courageous bridge, facing her own transformation. The supporting cast, from Doctor Champlain to Missy, Lillian, Johnny, and Reverend Green, add depth and realism to the story. Their relationships, arcs, and interactions illuminate the personal and collective costs of change.
Through these characters, Fairbairn crafts a powerful meditation on the enduring fight for equality and the sacrifices demanded by both love and justice. The novel’s characters linger in the reader’s mind, testifying to the ongoing relevance of their struggles and triumphs.
