"Footloose" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Name	Role
Ren McCormack	Protagonist
Ariel Moore	Love Interest
Reverend Shaw Moore	Antagonist
Vi Moore	Supporting Character
Willard Hewitt	Supporting Character
Rusty	Supporting Character

Ren McCormack: The Protagonist

Ren McCormack is the central character and the protagonist in "Footloose." He is a rebellious teenager who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Ren is a charismatic and determined individual who challenges the strict rules and regulations imposed by the town's authorities.

Ariel Moore: The Love Interest

Ariel Moore is the daughter of Reverend Shaw Moore and becomes the love interest of Ren McCormack. She is a vibrant and spirited character who is initially drawn to Ren's rebellious nature. Ariel is torn between her desire for independence and her loyalty to her father and the conservative values of the town.

Reverend Shaw Moore: The Antagonist

Reverend Shaw Moore serves as the primary antagonist in "Footloose." He is the influential leader of the community and holds strong religious beliefs. Reverend Moore is initially against Ren's presence and fights to uphold the town's strict ban on dancing, which he believes is corrupting the youth.

Vi Moore: The Supporting Character

Vi Moore is Reverend Shaw Moore's wife and a supporting character in the story. She initially aligns with her husband's beliefs but later questions the strict rules imposed on the town. Vi becomes a source of support for Ariel and plays a crucial role in the development of the story.

Willard Hewitt: The Supporting Character

Willard Hewitt is Ren's best friend and a supporting character in "Footloose." He is initially portrayed as a simple-minded and uneducated individual. However, as the story progresses, Willard evolves and becomes a pivotal figure in challenging the town's ban on dancing.

Rusty: The Supporting Character

Rusty is Ariel's best friend and another supporting character in the book. She is a sassy and outgoing individual who supports Ariel's rebellion against the town's rules. Rusty showcases loyalty, humor, and a willingness to challenge authority.

Character Traits and Background

Ren McCormack is characterized by his rebellious nature, determination, and charisma. He comes from a broken family and has a troubled past, which adds depth to his character. Ren's background in the city contrasts sharply with the conservative atmosphere of Bomont, making him an outsider who challenges the status quo.

Ariel Moore is depicted as vivacious, independent, and conflicted. She is rebellious and seeks excitement in her life. Ariel's background as the daughter of a strict reverend gives her a unique perspective, torn between her personal desires and the expectations placed upon her.

Reverend Shaw Moore is portrayed as a stern and authoritative figure. His character is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and the desire to protect the community. Reverend Moore's background as a spiritual leader and his influence over the townspeople make him a formidable antagonist.

Vi Moore's character evolves throughout the story. Initially, she aligns with her husband's beliefs, but as she witnesses the impact of the town's strict rules, she questions them. Vi's background as a supportive wife and mother adds depth to her character and allows her to play a pivotal role in the story's development.

Willard Hewitt is initially portrayed as a simple-minded individual, but his character evolves as he befriends Ren. Willard's background as a local resident and his loyalty to his friends make him a relatable and endearing character.

Rusty's character is characterized by her loyalty, humor, and willingness to challenge authority. Her background as Ariel's best friend adds depth to her character, and she serves as a source of support and comic relief throughout the story.

Character Arcs

Ren McCormack undergoes a significant character arc throughout the book. Initially, he is a rebellious outsider who challenges the town's ban on dancing. However, as the story progresses, Ren becomes a unifying figure and manages to change the perspectives of the townspeople, leading to a resolution that allows dancing in Bomont.

Ariel Moore's character arc revolves around her struggle between her personal desires and her loyalty to her father and the town's values. She experiences personal growth as she confronts her conflicting emotions and makes choices that ultimately lead to her finding her own voice.

Reverend Shaw Moore undergoes a transformation as well. Initially rigid in his beliefs, he gradually realizes the impact of his actions on the community and his relationship with his daughter. Reverend Moore's character arc showcases his journey from strict adherence to tradition to a more open-minded and compassionate perspective.

Relationships

Ren McCormack and Ariel Moore's relationship forms the central love story in "Footloose." They are drawn to each other by their shared desire for freedom and individuality. Their relationship challenges the boundaries set by the town and ultimately inspires change.

Reverend Shaw Moore's relationship with his daughter, Ariel, is strained due to their differing perspectives on life. However, as the story progresses, their relationship evolves, and they find common ground, allowing for a resolution and a deeper understanding between them.

Vi Moore's relationship with her husband, Reverend Shaw Moore, is initially portrayed as harmonious. However, as Vi questions the strict rules imposed on the town, their relationship faces challenges. Vi's support for Ariel's desires and her willingness to challenge her husband's beliefs adds complexity to their relationship.

Willard Hewitt's friendship with Ren McCormack is a key relationship in the book. Their bond evolves as Willard learns from Ren's rebellious nature and gains the confidence to challenge the town's ban on dancing.

In conclusion, "Footloose" by Rudy Josephs features a diverse cast of characters who undergo personal growth and challenge the strict rules of their small town. The characters' relationships and character arcs add depth to the story, making it a compelling read.