"Gem of the Ocean" Characters Analysis

Gem of the Ocean Character Analysis

In the play "Gem of the Ocean" by August Wilson, a rich cast of characters is brought to life, each playing a significant role in the narrative. This character analysis will delve into the various characters, their roles, descriptions, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships within the play.

List of Characters

Role Identification

1. Aunt Ester: The central protagonist of the play, Aunt Ester serves as a spiritual guide and healer within the community.
2. Citizen Barlow: Another protagonist, Citizen seeks redemption and guidance from Aunt Ester after a traumatic experience.
3. Solly Two Kings: A former conductor in the Underground Railroad, Solly serves as a mentor figure for Citizen and is deeply connected to his African roots.
4. Black Mary: A strong-willed and independent woman, Black Mary is Aunt Ester's housekeeper and helps maintain order in the household.
5. Eli: A young man who is eager to become a leader within the community, Eli struggles with his own insecurities and desires.
6. Caesar Wilks: The primary antagonist of the play, Caesar represents the oppressive forces of the law and seeks to control and exploit the community.
7. Rutherford Selig: A white businessman who acts as a go-between for the community, Selig's role is minor but still significant in the narrative.

Character Descriptions

1. Aunt Ester: Aunt Ester is a wise and elderly woman, over 285 years old, who is deeply connected to her African heritage. She exudes a strong sense of spirituality and acts as a beacon of hope and guidance for those who seek her help.
2. Citizen Barlow: Citizen is a young man who is burdened by guilt and a traumatic event from his past. He is restless and searching for redemption, which leads him to Aunt Ester's home.
3. Solly Two Kings: Solly is an elderly man who was once a conductor in the Underground Railroad. He is proud of his African heritage and serves as a mentor to Citizen, imparting wisdom and teaching him about his roots.
4. Black Mary: Black Mary is a strong and no-nonsense woman who is fiercely loyal to Aunt Ester and takes care of her household. She is unafraid to speak her mind and is often the voice of reason within the community.
5. Eli: Eli is a young man who aspires to be a leader within the community. He is confident but struggles with his own doubts and insecurities, particularly in comparison to his older brother.
6. Caesar Wilks: Caesar is a white lawman who represents the oppressive forces of authority. He is driven by power and control and seeks to exploit the community for his own gain.
7. Rutherford Selig: Selig is a white businessman who acts as a middleman between the community and the outside world. Though his role is minor, he plays a significant part in the narrative.

Character Traits

1. Aunt Ester: Wise, spiritual, compassionate, resilient.
2. Citizen Barlow: Troubled, seeking redemption, lost, vulnerable.
3. Solly Two Kings: Proud, wise, knowledgeable, connected to his roots.
4. Black Mary: Strong-willed, loyal, practical, assertive.
5. Eli: Ambitious, confident, insecure, eager to prove himself.
6. Caesar Wilks: Power-hungry, manipulative, authoritative, exploitative.
7. Rutherford Selig: Opportunistic, business-minded, middleman.

Character Background

1. Aunt Ester: Born into slavery, Aunt Ester has lived an incredibly long life and has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of her community. She has developed her spiritual powers and is respected and revered by everyone who knows her.
2. Citizen Barlow: Citizen is a young man who has experienced profound trauma in his past, leading him to feel lost and disconnected. He seeks Aunt Ester's help to find redemption and healing.
3. Solly Two Kings: Solly was once a conductor in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom. He carries the weight of his past and uses his knowledge and experiences to guide Citizen.
4. Black Mary: Black Mary is a hardworking woman who takes care of Aunt Ester's house. Her strong spirit and practical nature have made her a pillar of the community.
5. Eli: Eli is a young man who dreams of becoming a leader within the community, following in the footsteps of his father. He struggles with self-doubt and the pressure to live up to his father's legacy.
6. Caesar Wilks: Caesar is a white lawman who seeks to exert control over the community and exploit its resources for personal gain. He represents the oppressive forces of authority and racism.
7. Rutherford Selig: Selig is a white businessman who acts as a middleman, helping the community navigate the outside world. He is opportunistic and profit-driven.

Character Arcs

1. Aunt Ester: Aunt Ester's character arc revolves around her role as a spiritual guide and healer. She imparts wisdom and helps Citizen find redemption and healing, ultimately leading to her own transformation and passing on her legacy.
2. Citizen Barlow: Citizen's character arc is one of self-discovery and redemption. Through his interactions with Aunt Ester and Solly, he confronts his past trauma and finds the strength to move forward and reconnect with his community.
3. Solly Two Kings: Solly's character arc is tied to his role as a mentor and guide for Citizen. He imparts his wisdom and experiences, helping Citizen find his own path to redemption and healing.
4. Black Mary: Black Mary's character arc is one of strength and loyalty. She remains steadfast in her support for Aunt Ester and the community, providing stability and practicality in the face of adversity.
5. Eli: Eli's character arc revolves around his aspirations to become a leader within the community. He grapples with his own insecurities and desires, ultimately learning the importance of community and working together.
6. Caesar Wilks: Caesar's character arc is driven by his thirst for power and control. He seeks to exploit the community but faces resistance from Aunt Ester and the community members, leading to his downfall.
7. Rutherford Selig: Selig's character arc is minimal but serves as a reminder of the outside world and the challenges faced by the community.

Relationships

1. Aunt Ester and Citizen: Aunt Ester serves as a spiritual guide and mentor for Citizen, helping him find redemption and healing. Their relationship is one of trust and respect, with Aunt Ester providing the guidance Citizen desperately needs.
2. Solly Two Kings and Citizen: Solly takes on the role of a mentor for Citizen, helping him connect with his African roots and navigate his journey towards redemption. Their relationship is one of teacher and student, with Solly imparting wisdom and guidance.
3. Black Mary and Aunt Ester: Black Mary acts as Aunt Ester's caretaker and housekeeper. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and loyalty, with Black Mary providing practical support and stability for Aunt Ester.
4. Eli and Citizen: Eli and Citizen have a complex relationship as brothers. Eli looks up to Citizen but also feels overshadowed by him. Their relationship undergoes growth and transformation as they both navigate their own journeys.
5. Caesar Wilks and the Community: Caesar represents the oppressive forces of authority and seeks to exploit the community. The community members resist his control and form a united front against his attempts to exploit them.
6. Rutherford Selig and the Community: Selig acts as a middleman between the community and the outside world. His relationships with the community members are transactional, driven by business and profit.

In "Gem of the Ocean" by August Wilson, the rich and diverse cast of characters serves to explore themes of spirituality, redemption, community, and the struggle against oppressive forces. Each character plays a specific role within the narrative, with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Through their character arcs, they undergo personal growth and transformation, ultimately contributing to the larger story of the community's fight for justice and healing.