"I Married a Communist" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"I Married a Communist" by Philip Roth is a novel that delves into the life and experiences of Ira Ringold, the protagonist. The story is narrated by Ira's brother, Murray Ringold, who provides insights into Ira's life and the impact he has on those around him. The book explores Ira's journey as a member of the Communist Party and the consequences it has on his relationships and personal life.

Character Descriptions

1. Ira Ringold: Ira is the central character of the novel. He is initially portrayed as a charismatic and passionate individual who is deeply committed to his beliefs as a Communist. Ira has a commanding presence and is admired by many for his oratory skills. However, as the story progresses, Ira's flaws and complexities are revealed, showcasing his inner turmoil and the consequences of his choices.
2. Murray Ringold: Murray is Ira's younger brother and the narrator of the story. He idolizes Ira in his youth but becomes disillusioned with him as he witnesses the impact of Ira's actions on their family and society. Murray provides a critical perspective on Ira's life and serves as a lens through which readers can analyze Ira's character.
3. Eve Frame: Eve is Ira's first wife, and their relationship is portrayed as passionate and tempestuous. Eve is initially drawn to Ira's charisma but later struggles with his radical beliefs and the toll it takes on their marriage.
4. Sylphid Newman: Sylphid is Ira's second wife, and their relationship begins during Ira's political downfall. She is a former Hollywood starlet and provides a stark contrast to Ira's working-class background. Sylphid's character highlights the complexities of Ira's desires and the power dynamics within their relationship.
5. Murray's Wife: Murray's wife is a secondary character who offers insights into Murray's personal life and serves as a sounding board for his thoughts and observations about Ira.
6. Billy Baggs: Billy is Ira's childhood friend and fellow Communist Party member. He represents the unwavering loyalty and idealism that Ira once had but eventually loses.
7. Tommy Donnelly: Tommy is another childhood friend of Ira's who becomes a prominent figure in the anti-communist movement. He serves as a foil to Ira's character, representing the opposing side of the political spectrum.
8. Leon Trotsky: Although not a fictional character, Leon Trotsky plays a significant role in the narrative as the historical figure who inspires Ira's political beliefs. Trotsky's influence on Ira's character and the consequences of Ira's idealism are explored throughout the book.

Character Traits

Ira Ringold possesses a range of character traits that shape his journey and interactions with others. At the beginning of the novel, Ira is depicted as charismatic, passionate, and persuasive. His ability to captivate audiences with his oratory skills reflects his strong convictions and the magnetism of his personality. However, as the story progresses, Ira's flaws are exposed. He becomes increasingly rigid in his beliefs, leading to fanaticism and the alienation of those closest to him. Ira's stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise contribute to his downfall and the disintegration of his relationships. Additionally, Ira struggles with his own identity, torn between his working-class roots and his aspirations for a different life. This internal conflict manifests in his relationships and his pursuit of success.

Murray Ringold, as the narrator, possesses a different set of character traits. He begins the story idolizing his older brother Ira but gradually becomes disillusioned as he witnesses the destructive consequences of Ira's actions. Murray is introspective, observant, and reflective. He provides a critical perspective on Ira's character and actions, often questioning Ira's motivations and the impact of his choices. Murray's loyalty to his brother is tested as he grapples with his own values and the need to confront the truth about Ira's flaws.

Character Background

Ira Ringold and Murray Ringold come from a working-class Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey. Their upbringing is marked by poverty and the struggles of the Great Depression. Ira's early experiences shape his worldview and fuel his desire for social and economic justice. The brothers share a strong bond, with Ira serving as a role model and mentor for Murray. Ira's radicalization begins during his time at Columbia University, where he becomes involved in student activism and encounters Marxist ideologies. This sets the stage for his later involvement in the Communist Party and his fervent dedication to the cause.

Character Arcs

Ira Ringold experiences a significant character arc throughout the novel. Initially, he is portrayed as an idealistic and passionate individual committed to fighting for social justice. However, as the story progresses, Ira's beliefs become increasingly dogmatic, leading to his downfall. He faces professional and personal consequences as his political activities and radicalism are exposed. The once-charismatic and admired figure becomes ostracized and isolated. Ira's character arc highlights the dangers of uncompromising idealism and the impact it can have on personal relationships and one's own well-being.

Murray Ringold also undergoes a character arc as the narrator of the story. He begins the novel idolizing Ira and sharing his political beliefs. However, as he witnesses the destructive consequences of Ira's actions and the toll it takes on their family, Murray's perspective shifts. He becomes more critical of Ira's choices and begins to question his own allegiance to the Communist Party. Murray's character arc showcases the complexities of loyalty, family dynamics, and the personal growth that comes from confronting uncomfortable truths.

Relationships

The relationships in "I Married a Communist" play a crucial role in shaping the characters and driving the narrative forward. The most significant relationships are between:

1. Ira and Murray: Their brotherly bond is at the core of the story. Murray's admiration for Ira gradually turns into disillusionment as he witnesses the consequences of Ira's choices. The complexities of their relationship explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of personal beliefs on family dynamics.
2. Ira and Eve: Ira's relationship with Eve Frame, his first wife, is passionate yet tumultuous. Their marriage becomes strained as Ira's radicalism intensifies, and Eve struggles with his unwavering commitment to his political beliefs.
3. Ira and Sylphid: Ira's relationship with Sylphid Newman, his second wife, offers a glimpse into the power dynamics between Ira and the women in his life. Sylphid's Hollywood background and her contrasting lifestyle highlight the tensions between Ira's working-class roots and his aspirations for a different life.
4. Ira and Billy: Billy Baggs, Ira's childhood friend and fellow Communist Party member, represents loyalty and steadfastness. Their relationship showcases the camaraderie and idealism shared by members of the Communist Party.
5. Ira and Tommy: Tommy Donnelly, Ira's childhood friend who becomes a prominent figure in the anti-communist movement, represents the opposing side of the political spectrum. His relationship with Ira highlights the ideological divide and the personal consequences of political beliefs.

The relationships in the novel contribute to the exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, idealism, and the impact of political ideologies on personal lives. They serve as vehicles for character development and the examination of the consequences of one's choices.