Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Katherine Johnson | Protagonist |
| Dorothy Vaughan | Supporting Character |
| Mary Jackson | Supporting Character |
| John Glenn | Supporting Character |
Role Identification
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson is the protagonist of "Hidden Figures," a brilliant mathematician and physicist who works for NASA. She plays a crucial role in the calculations for the success of the first manned spaceflights.
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan is a supporting character in the book, also a mathematician, and one of the first African-American women to work as a professional in the West Area Computers division at the Langley Research Center.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson is another supporting character, an engineer at NASA and one of the first African-American female engineers to work at the organization.
John Glenn
John Glenn, a renowned astronaut and senator, is a supporting character in the book. He becomes the first American to orbit the Earth and relies on Katherine Johnson's calculations for a successful mission.
Character Descriptions
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson is portrayed as a dedicated and brilliant mathematician who faces discrimination due to her race and gender. She is determined and resilient, consistently proving her capabilities and intelligence.
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan is depicted as a strong and intelligent woman who takes on a leadership role, guiding her colleagues and advocating for opportunities for African-American women at NASA.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson is portrayed as a determined and passionate individual, demonstrating exceptional talent in the field of engineering. She challenges racial and gender barriers to pursue her goals.
John Glenn
John Glenn is depicted as a pioneering astronaut, driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to push the boundaries of space exploration. He values the expertise of the African-American women at NASA.
Character Traits
Katherine Johnson
- Intelligent
- Determined
- Resilient
- Trailblazing
- Dedicated
Dorothy Vaughan
- Strong leader
- Intelligent
- Compassionate
- Trailblazer
- Persistent
Mary Jackson
- Passionate
- Ambitious
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Trailblazing
John Glenn
- Adventurous
- Resilient
- Supportive
- Visionary
- Courageous
Character Background
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson grew up with a passion for mathematics and pursued a career in a male-dominated field. She overcame significant obstacles to join NASA and make invaluable contributions to the space program.
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan was a trailblazer, breaking barriers for African-American women in mathematics and engineering. Her determination and leadership paved the way for future generations.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson's background reflects a strong interest in math and science from an early age. She pursued her dreams despite facing discrimination and became a respected engineer at NASA.
John Glenn
John Glenn's background as a distinguished pilot and astronaut led him to become a prominent figure in space exploration. His collaboration with Katherine Johnson and other African-American women was pivotal in achieving NASA's goals.
Character Arcs
Katherine Johnson
Katherine's character arc involves overcoming societal and institutional barriers to gain recognition for her exceptional mathematical abilities. Her journey includes proving her worth, earning respect, and contributing significantly to the success of NASA's missions.
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy's character arc revolves around her transition from being a talented mathematician to becoming a respected leader and advocate for equality at NASA. She demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Mary Jackson
Mary's character arc showcases her determination to challenge racial and gender biases in the field of engineering. Her journey involves breaking down barriers and achieving recognition for her skills and expertise.
John Glenn
John Glenn's character arc highlights his reliance on the expertise of Katherine Johnson and the other African-American women at NASA. His trust in their abilities contributes to the success of the space missions and fosters a spirit of inclusivity.
Relationships
Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan
Katherine and Dorothy share a close professional relationship, supporting and inspiring each other in their pursuits at NASA. They collaborate to overcome challenges and pave the way for future generations of women in STEM.
Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson
Katherine and Mary develop a strong bond based on mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents. They support one another in their endeavors and contribute to each other's professional growth.
Katherine Johnson and John Glenn
Katherine's pivotal role in John Glenn's space missions establishes a professional relationship based on trust and collaboration. Their partnership demonstrates the power of breaking down racial and gender barriers for the greater good of the space program.
Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson
Dorothy and Mary share a mentorship dynamic, with Dorothy providing guidance and support to Mary as she navigates the challenges of being an African-American woman in a male-dominated field.
In conclusion, the characters in "Hidden Figures" exhibit resilience, intelligence, and determination in the face of adversity. Their contributions to NASA's success and their impact on breaking down racial and gender barriers make them inspiring figures in history.
