"Glory Be" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Glory Beaumont, the protagonist of "Glory Be" by Augusta Scattergood, is a young girl living in Mississippi in the 1960s. The story revolves around her experiences and challenges as she navigates the racial tensions and injustices that surround her during the civil rights movement.

Character Descriptions

Glory Beaumont

Glory is a twelve-year-old girl with wavy red hair and a determined spirit. She is described as having a heart-shaped face and freckles. Glory is curious, compassionate, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends.

Frankie Mills

Frankie is Glory's best friend and classmate. She is a confident and outgoing African American girl who stands up for what she believes in. Frankie's friendship with Glory is tested as they confront the racial prejudice in their community.

Jesslyn Beaumont

Jesslyn is Glory's older sister, who is passionate about civil rights and equality. She is involved in organizing a protest against the town's segregated pool. Jesslyn is an influential figure in Glory's life and inspires her to take a stand for justice.

Aunt Glo

Aunt Glo is Glory's aunt and a strong advocate for civil rights. She encourages Glory to challenge the status quo and fight for what is right. Aunt Glo's wisdom and guidance play a significant role in Glory's character development.

Laura Beaumont

Laura is Glory's mother, who tries to protect her daughters from the harsh realities of racism. She is a loving and caring parent who wants the best for her children. Laura's character reflects the struggles and fears of many parents during the civil rights era.

Emmett Till

Emmett Till is a historical figure mentioned in the book. His brutal murder serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold in the story. Emmett's tragic death highlights the racial violence and injustice prevalent during that time.

Pastor Dobbins

Pastor Dobbins is the town's pastor and a respected community leader. He struggles with the decision to integrate the church and faces opposition from some members of the congregation. Pastor Dobbins represents the internal conflict faced by individuals torn between tradition and progress.

Gwen

Gwen is another friend of Glory's who is sympathetic to the civil rights movement. She supports Glory and Jesslyn in their efforts to challenge segregation. Gwen's character represents the importance of allies in the fight for equality.

Character Traits

• Glory: Curious, compassionate, determined, loyal
• Frankie: Confident, outgoing, courageous
• Jesslyn: Passionate, courageous, inspiring
• Aunt Glo: Wise, supportive, strong-willed
• Laura: Loving, caring, protective
• Pastor Dobbins: Conflicted, influential, respected
• Gwen: Supportive, sympathetic, courageous

Character Background

Glory Beaumont comes from a white family in a small town in Mississippi. Growing up in the 1960s, she witnesses the racial prejudice and segregation that divides her community. Glory's family has always followed the town's traditions, but as she becomes more aware of the injustices around her, she starts questioning the status quo. Her family's background is rooted in the conservative values of the time, which adds complexity to her character development.

Character Arcs

Glory's character arc in "Glory Be" is centered around her journey from naivety to awareness and activism. At the beginning of the story, Glory is unaware of the racial tensions and injustices in her town. As she befriends Frankie and becomes more involved in her sister's activism, Glory's eyes are opened to the harsh realities of racism. She learns about the importance of standing up for what is right and the sacrifices required to bring about change.

Throughout the book, Glory transforms from a curious and compassionate young girl to a brave advocate for equality. She confronts her own prejudices and challenges the discriminatory practices in her community. Glory's character arc emphasizes the power of individual agency and the potential for personal growth in the face of adversity.

Relationships

Glory's relationships with the other characters in "Glory Be" are crucial to her growth and understanding of the world around her. Her friendship with Frankie serves as a bridge between the white and African American communities, challenging societal norms and prejudices. Glory's bond with her sister Jesslyn strengthens her commitment to the civil rights movement and fuels her determination to fight for justice.

Aunt Glo plays a significant role in Glory's life, providing guidance and encouragement. Through Aunt Glo, Glory gains a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement and the importance of challenging injustice. Pastor Dobbins' relationship with Glory highlights the internal conflicts faced by individuals torn between tradition and progress.

Overall, the relationships in "Glory Be" contribute to the development of the characters and the exploration of themes such as friendship, family, and the fight for equality.