"In One Person" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Billy Abbott is the protagonist of the novel "In One Person" by John Irving. He serves as the narrator and central character, sharing his life experiences and struggles with the readers. Billy's journey is the primary focus of the story, and the other characters revolve around his life.

Character Descriptions

Billy Abbott

Billy Abbott is a bisexual man who grows up in a small town in Vermont during the 1950s and 1960s. He is described as introspective and sensitive, with a passion for literature and theater. Billy is known for his androgynous appearance, which becomes a defining characteristic throughout the story. Despite facing societal prejudice and discrimination, Billy remains resilient and determined to live his life authentically.

Miss Frost

Miss Frost, also known as Oona Frost, is a pivotal character in Billy's life. She is a transgender woman and becomes Billy's love interest. Miss Frost is portrayed as confident, intelligent, and supportive of Billy's journey of self-discovery. Her presence challenges societal norms and helps Billy embrace his own identity.

Elaine Abbott

Elaine Abbott is Billy's mother, who works as a nurse. She is a strong and independent woman who supports her son unconditionally. Elaine plays a significant role in shaping Billy's understanding of acceptance and love. Despite her flaws, she remains a loving and influential figure in Billy's life.

Grandpa Harry

Grandpa Harry is Billy's maternal grandfather, and he becomes a crucial mentor to Billy. Harry is an avid reader and instills in Billy a love for literature. He is open-minded and accepting, providing a safe space for Billy to explore his identity. Grandpa Harry's guidance and wisdom have a lasting impact on Billy's character development.

Kittredge

Kittredge is one of Billy's closest friends who shares his passion for literature. He supports Billy throughout his journey, providing a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Kittredge's friendship helps Billy navigate the challenges he faces and encourages him to embrace his true self.

Richard Abbott

Richard Abbott is Billy's father, who works as a writer. He is depicted as a charismatic and unconventional character. Richard struggles with his own sexuality and has a complicated relationship with Billy. Despite their differences, Richard's presence in Billy's life shapes his perspective on relationships and the complexities of human sexuality.

Jacques Kittredge

Jacques Kittredge is Kittredge's uncle and a significant influence on Billy's understanding of his own sexuality. He is an older gay man who introduces Billy to a world of sexual freedom and exploration. Jacques becomes a mentor figure for Billy, guiding him through the challenges of understanding his bisexuality.

Larry Newman

Larry Newman is another close friend of Billy's who supports him throughout his journey. Larry is a transgender man who represents the struggles and triumphs of the transgender community. He provides Billy with valuable insights and empathy, helping him navigate the complexities of his identity.

Laura Dugan

Laura Dugan is a transgender woman and a close friend of Billy's. She represents the resilience and strength of transgender individuals in the face of adversity. Laura's friendship offers Billy a sense of belonging and community, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships in his life.

Transvestites

The transvestites in the novel play a supporting role, representing a marginalized community that Billy becomes a part of. They provide Billy with acceptance and a sense of belonging, showcasing the diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations.

Emily Dickinson

Although not a physical character, Emily Dickinson's poetry serves as a recurring literary influence throughout the novel. Billy finds solace and inspiration in Dickinson's words, which help him navigate his own struggles with identity and self-acceptance.

Character Traits

• Billy Abbott: Introspective, sensitive, resilient, passionate, androgynous
• Miss Frost: Confident, intelligent, supportive, trailblazing
• Elaine Abbott: Loving, independent, accepting
• Grandpa Harry: Wise, supportive, open-minded
• Kittredge: Committed, understanding, literary-minded
• Richard Abbott: Charismatic, unconventional, complex
• Jacques Kittredge: Mentor, experienced, influential
• Larry Newman: Empathetic, insightful, transgender advocate
• Laura Dugan: Resilient, supportive, transgender activist
• Transvestites: Accepting, diverse, marginalized community
• Emily Dickinson: Inspirational, poetic, guiding presence

Character Background

Billy Abbott's background is shaped by his small-town upbringing in Vermont during the 1950s and 1960s. He grows up in a community where societal norms dictate strict gender roles and sexual identities. Billy's exploration of his bisexuality and androgynous identity challenges the expectations of his conservative environment. His mother, Elaine, and his grandfather, Harry, provide him with the love and support necessary to navigate the challenges he faces.

Character Arcs

Billy Abbott's character arc revolves around his journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of personal happiness. He begins as a young boy questioning his identity and sexuality, facing societal pressures and prejudices. Through his relationships with Miss Frost, Kittredge, Jacques Kittredge, Larry Newman, and Laura Dugan, Billy gains a deeper understanding of himself and the complexities of human sexuality. His arc is marked by self-acceptance, resilience, and the ability to embrace his true identity.

Relationships

Billy Abbott's relationships play a significant role in shaping his character and propelling his journey. His relationship with Miss Frost is central to the story, as she becomes his love interest and a catalyst for his self-acceptance. Billy's bond with his mother, Elaine, provides him with unwavering support and love. His friendship with Kittredge, Jacques Kittredge, Larry Newman, and Laura Dugan offers companionship, guidance, and a sense of belonging. The transvestites in the novel represent a supportive community that helps Billy navigate his own identity. Finally, the influence of Emily Dickinson's poetry provides him with solace and inspiration throughout his journey.

In conclusion, "In One Person" by John Irving is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and acceptance. Through the protagonist, Billy Abbott, and a diverse cast of characters, the book offers a poignant portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals who do not conform to societal norms. The character analysis sheds light on the various roles, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships that contribute to the depth and complexity of the story.