"Gilead" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

John Ames (Protagonist/Narrator)

John Ames is the central character and the first-person narrator of the novel Gilead. As a 77-year-old retired minister, his role is to reflect on his life, provide insights into his experiences, and pass on his spiritual and personal wisdom to his young son.

Reverend John Ames Boughton (Supporting Character)

Reverend John Ames Boughton, commonly known as Jack, is John Ames' godson and the prodigal son of John's best friend, Reverend Boughton. Jack plays a significant supporting role as he brings past conflicts and complications into John's life, adding depth and tension to the story.

Lila Ames (Supporting Character)

Lila Ames is John's much younger wife and the mother of their son. As a relatively mysterious and reserved character, Lila represents the embodiment of grace and brings a sense of calmness to John's life.

Reverend Boughton (Supporting Character)

Reverend Robert Boughton is John Ames' closest friend and a fellow minister. Despite his old age and declining health, Reverend Boughton plays an integral role in the novel as he provides John with spiritual guidance and emotional support.

Character Descriptions

John Ames

John Ames is depicted as a wise and contemplative man, deeply rooted in his religious beliefs. He is a compassionate individual who prioritizes his faith and the well-being of others. As a preacher, John is highly respected in his community due to his moral integrity and genuine concern for others.

Reverend John Ames Boughton

Reverend John Ames Boughton, Jack, is portrayed as a complex character with a troubled past. He is charismatic and possesses a magnetic personality that draws people towards him. Jack's actions and decisions throughout the novel often reflect his inner struggles, including his strained relationship with his father and his search for redemption.

Lila Ames

Lila Ames is an enigmatic character who exudes an aura of mystery. She is gentle, reserved, and deeply content within herself. Lila is a source of stability in John Ames' life and serves as a vessel for his reflections on love, intimacy, and the challenges of marriage.

Reverend Boughton

Reverend Boughton, a kind-hearted and wise man, is shown as a father figure to John Ames. Despite his physical limitations, he remains devoutly religious and committed to his family. His presence in the novel offers guidance and support to John, providing a glimpse into the importance of friendship and mentorship.

Character Traits

John Ames

• Wise
• Compassionate
• Thoughtful
• Faithful
• Reflective

Reverend John Ames Boughton

• Troubled
• Charismatic
• Seeking redemption
• Complex
• Charming

Lila Ames

• Mysterious
• Reserved
• Content
• Serene
• Supportive

Reverend Boughton

• Kind-hearted
• Wise
• Committed
• Fatherly
• Devout

Character Background

John Ames

John Ames was born into a family of preachers and followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a minister himself. His family heritage, combined with his deep religious convictions, shaped his character into one of strong faith and moral grounding. After losing his first wife and child to childbirth complications, he spent many years alone before finding love again with Lila.

Reverend John Ames Boughton

Reverend John Ames Boughton, as the godson of John Ames, grew up alongside him. While his family held high expectations for him, Jack fell into a troubled lifestyle, causing strain in his relationship with his father and John. Throughout the novel, his complex background and internal struggles are revealed, adding richness to his character.

Lila Ames

Lila Ames' background is shrouded in mystery. She was rescued from a difficult and nomadic childhood by a woman who became her surrogate mother. Her past experiences have shaped her into a reserved and self-reliant individual, which influences her interactions with John and their son.

Reverend Boughton

Reverend Boughton has spent his life as a respected minister and a beloved father to his children, including Jack. Despite facing various personal challenges, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith and his family.

Character Arcs

John Ames

John Ames' character arc primarily revolves around coming to terms with his impending mortality and passing on his wisdom to his young son. As he reflects on his life, his arc is one of acceptance, forgiveness, and finding peace. His character growth lies in embracing his flaws, cherishing his relationships, and reconciling with the transient nature of existence.

Reverend John Ames Boughton

Reverend John Ames Boughton experiences a significant character transformation throughout the novel. Initially depicted as a troubled and complex individual, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking redemption for his past mistakes. His arc explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of grace.

Lila Ames

Lila Ames' character arc revolves around her gradual opening up to love and finding a sense of belonging. As she learns to trust John and embrace the stability he provides, her arc displays the power of love and the profound impact it can have on an individual's life.

Reverend Boughton

While Reverend Boughton does not undergo a substantial character arc in the novel, his presence and guidance serve as a moral compass for both John Ames and Jack, contributing to their character development.

Relationships

John Ames and Reverend John Ames Boughton

The relationship between John Ames and Reverend John Ames Boughton is complex and multifaceted. They share a deep history and unresolved conflicts, primarily stemming from Jack's troubled past. Despite this, John Ames attempts to extend grace and forgiveness to his godson, resulting in a strained yet tender connection between the two characters.

John Ames and Lila Ames

John and Lila Ames share a loving and supportive relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Their relationship provides John with stability and comfort in his final years, allowing him to reflect on the meaning of love, marriage, and companionship.

John Ames and Reverend Boughton

The relationship between John Ames and Reverend Boughton is one of deep friendship and spiritual connection. They provide emotional support and guidance to each other, serving as mentor figures in each other's lives.

Conclusion

In the novel Gilead, the characters John Ames, Reverend John Ames Boughton, Lila Ames, and Reverend Boughton come to life through their distinct roles, personalities, backgrounds, character traits, arcs, and relationships. Each character contributes to the narrative's exploration of faith, love, forgiveness, and the complexities of human existence. Marilynne Robinson skillfully crafts these characters, inviting readers to reflect on the profound themes and the complexities of the human spirit.