"Long Division" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

City Coldson - Protagonist

City Coldson is the main character and protagonist of the book "Long Division." The story revolves around his experiences and perspectives as he navigates through a complex and thought-provoking journey.

Baize Shephard - Love Interest

Baize Shephard is a significant character in the book and serves as City's love interest. Their relationship plays a crucial role in the development of the plot and City's personal growth.

Shalaya Crump - City's Girlfriend

Shalaya Crump is City's girlfriend and a central character in the book. Her presence and interactions with City contribute to his character development and the exploration of themes such as love and identity.

LaVander Peeler - City's Grandmother

LaVander Peeler, also known as Grandma, is City's grandmother. She plays a vital role in shaping City's understanding of family, heritage, and the importance of storytelling.

Ali Shabazz - City's Best Friend

Ali Shabazz is City's best friend, and their friendship serves as a significant support system for City throughout the book. Ali's character provides insight into the dynamics of friendship and the challenges faced by young Black men in the story.

LaVander Peeler Jr. - City's Father

LaVander Peeler Jr. is City's father. While he plays a minor role in the story, his presence contributes to the exploration of familial relationships, particularly the complexities of father-son dynamics.

LaVander Peeler Sr. - City's Great-Great-Grandfather

LaVander Peeler Sr. is City's great-great-grandfather. Although he is not physically present in the story, his legacy and the story of his disappearance serve as a significant backdrop for City's journey and self-discovery.

LaVander Peeler III - City's Son

LaVander Peeler III is City's son, who appears in the futuristic second part of the book. His character represents the continuation of City's lineage and the potential for change and growth in future generations.

Character Descriptions

City Coldson

City Coldson is a young Black teenager with a sharp intellect and a penchant for storytelling. He possesses a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to make sense of the world around him. City's introspective nature and keen observations allow readers to delve into his thoughts and emotions as he confronts the complexities of race, identity, and family.

Baize Shephard

Baize Shephard is a vibrant and confident young woman who captures City's attention. She is described as having a striking physical appearance and a magnetic personality that draws others to her. Baize's strong presence challenges City's perceptions and encourages him to confront his own insecurities and fears.

Shalaya Crump

Shalaya Crump is City's girlfriend, and her character is portrayed as compassionate and caring. She supports City through his personal struggles and provides a sense of stability and love in his life. Shalaya's unwavering loyalty and understanding make her an essential pillar in City's journey of self-discovery.

LaVander Peeler

LaVander Peeler, also known as Grandma, is described as a wise and resilient woman. She possesses a deep connection to her family's history and uses storytelling as a means of preserving their heritage. Grandma's nurturing presence and powerful storytelling abilities have a profound impact on City's understanding of his roots and the importance of personal narratives.

Ali Shabazz

Ali Shabazz is City's best friend and is depicted as a charismatic and street-smart teenager. He embodies the struggles and experiences shared by many young Black men in their community. Ali's friendship with City serves as a source of strength, camaraderie, and shared experiences, highlighting the importance of friendship in the face of adversity.

LaVander Peeler Jr.

LaVander Peeler Jr., City's father, is described as a complex and flawed character. He carries the weight of his own past and struggles with his role as a father. LaVander Peeler Jr.'s presence in the book allows readers to explore the complexities of parenthood and the impact of family dynamics on individual growth.

LaVander Peeler Sr.

Although LaVander Peeler Sr. does not physically appear in the story, his character is significant in the narrative. He represents a mysterious figure from City's family history whose disappearance sparks City's journey. LaVander Peeler Sr.'s absence serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of loss, legacy, and the power of storytelling.

LaVander Peeler III

LaVander Peeler III, City's son, represents the future generation and the potential for change and growth. His character symbolizes the continuation of City's lineage and the opportunity for breaking free from the burdens and limitations of the past.

Character Traits

City Coldson

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Observant
• Reflective
• Creative
• Insecure

Baize Shephard

• Confident
• Charismatic
• Independent
• Empathetic
• Supportive
• Adventurous

Shalaya Crump

• Compassionate
• Loyal
• Patient
• Understanding
• Resilient
• Loving

LaVander Peeler

• Wise
• Resilient
• Storyteller
• Nurturing
• Proud
• Determined

Ali Shabazz

• Charismatic
• Street-smart
• Loyal
• Supportive
• Adventurous
• Realistic

LaVander Peeler Jr.

• Complex
• Flawed
• Troubled
• Searching
• Regretful
• Protective

LaVander Peeler Sr.

• Mysterious
• Absent
• Enigmatic
• Legendary
• Symbolic
• Influential

LaVander Peeler III

• Symbolic
• Hopeful
• Potential
• Innocent
• Representational
• Future-oriented

Character Background

City Coldson

City Coldson is a teenager living in a small town in Mississippi. He is known for his intelligence and storytelling abilities. City's life is shaped by his experiences as a young Black man in a racially divided society. His family background and heritage play a significant role in his understanding of self and his place in the world.

Baize Shephard

Baize Shephard is a charismatic and independent young woman who captures City's attention. She has her own unique background and experiences that influence her character and interactions with City. Baize's personality and worldview provide a refreshing perspective within the narrative.

Shalaya Crump

Shalaya Crump is City's girlfriend and a source of stability and love in his life. Her background and upbringing contribute to her compassionate and understanding nature. Shalaya's character adds depth to the exploration of relationships and the complexities of young love.

LaVander Peeler

LaVander Peeler, City's grandmother, has a rich family background and a deep connection to her heritage. Her experiences as a Black woman in the South inform her character and shape her storytelling abilities. Grandma's character provides a link to the past and acts as a guiding force for City's journey.

Ali Shabazz

Ali Shabazz, City's best friend, shares a similar background and upbringing with City. Their friendship is grounded in shared experiences and the challenges faced by young Black men. Ali's character sheds light on the realities and complexities of growing up in a racially divided community.

LaVander Peeler Jr.

LaVander Peeler Jr., City's father, has his own personal history and struggles that contribute to his character. His relationship with City is marked by a sense of distance and unresolved issues. LaVander Peeler Jr.'s background and experiences provide insights into the complexities of fatherhood and familial relationships.

LaVander Peeler Sr.

LaVander Peeler Sr. represents a mysterious figure from City's family history. His disappearance serves as a catalyst for City's journey and exploration of identity. Although not much is known about LaVander Peeler Sr.'s background, his character holds immense symbolic and metaphorical significance within the narrative.

LaVander Peeler III

LaVander Peeler III represents the future generation and the potential for change. His character's background is rooted in City's lineage and the experiences of previous generations. LaVander Peeler III's presence signifies hope, renewal, and the opportunity to break free from the burdens of the past.

Character Arcs

City Coldson

City's character arc in "Long Division" is marked by his journey of self-discovery and understanding of his roots. He starts as an intelligent yet insecure teenager, struggling to find his place in a racially divided society. Through his interactions with Baize, Shalaya, and his grandmother, City learns to embrace his heritage, confront his insecurities, and find his voice. His character arc highlights the importance of personal narratives, heritage, and the power of storytelling in shaping one's identity.

Baize Shephard

Baize's character arc revolves around her relationship with City and her own personal growth. Initially portrayed as a confident and independent young woman, Baize's character evolves as she navigates through the challenges and complexities of love and identity. Her experiences with City and the events of the story shape her understanding of herself and the importance of authenticity in relationships.

Shalaya Crump

Shalaya's character arc primarily revolves around her relationship with City and her role as his girlfriend. She starts as a loving and supportive partner, providing stability in City's life. As the story progresses, Shalaya's character undergoes growth and self-discovery, finding her own voice and asserting her needs within the relationship. Her character arc explores themes of love, independence, and the importance of self-empowerment.

LaVander Peeler

LaVander Peeler's character arc is centered around her role as a storyteller and matriarch. Throughout the story, she imparts wisdom and guidance to City, helping him connect with his family's history and heritage. LaVander Peeler's character arc highlights the importance of preserving personal narratives, understanding one's roots, and the power of storytelling as a means of healing and self-discovery.

Ali Shabazz

Ali's character arc in "Long Division" is intertwined with City's journey. As City's best friend, Ali provides unwavering support and camaraderie. His character arc explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the shared experiences of young Black men in a racially divided society. Ali's presence serves as a constant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, while also highlighting the resilience and strength found in these relationships.

LaVander Peeler Jr.

LaVander Peeler Jr.'s character arc is marked by his strained relationship with City and his own personal struggles. Throughout the story, he grapples with the weight of his past and the complexities of fatherhood. Although his character arc is not as prominent as others, LaVander Peeler Jr. serves as a catalyst for City's journey and provides insight into the impact of familial relationships on individual growth.

LaVander Peeler Sr.

While not physically present in the story, LaVander Peeler Sr.'s character arc is symbolically represented through City's journey. His mysterious disappearance sparks City's exploration of his family's history and the power of storytelling. LaVander Peeler Sr.'s character arc represents the search for identity, the weight of ancestral legacies, and the potential for personal growth and transformation.

LaVander Peeler III

LaVander Peeler III's character arc represents the future generation and the potential for change. Although his character appears in the futuristic second part of the book, his presence signifies hope, renewal, and the opportunity to break free from the burdens and limitations of the past. LaVander Peeler III's character arc explores themes of legacy, progress, and the importance of generational shifts in shaping society.

Relationships

City and Baize

City and Baize's relationship serves as a central aspect of the book. Their connection sparks City's journey of self-discovery and understanding. Their interactions explore themes of young love, identity, and the complexities of interracial relationships. City's relationship with Baize challenges his worldview and forces him to confront his own insecurities and biases.

City and Shalaya

City's relationship with Shalaya provides stability and love in his life. Shalaya's unwavering support and understanding serve as a source of comfort for City as he navigates through personal struggles. Their relationship explores themes of loyalty, commitment, and the importance of finding solace in intimate connections.

City and LaVander Peeler

City's relationship with his grandmother, LaVander Peeler, is characterized by a deep bond and shared love for storytelling. LaVander Peeler's guidance and storytelling skills shape City's understanding of his family's history and heritage. Their relationship explores themes of intergenerational connections, the power of storytelling, and the importance of preserving personal narratives.

City and Ali

City's friendship with Ali is a significant support system throughout the book. Their relationship is grounded in shared experiences and the challenges faced by young Black men in their community. Ali's presence highlights the importance of friendship, camaraderie, and the shared struggles and resilience found within marginalized communities.

City and LaVander Peeler Jr.

City's relationship with his father, LaVander Peeler Jr., is strained and marked by unresolved issues. While their interactions are not as prominent in the story, their relationship contributes to the exploration of familial dynamics and the impact of absent or troubled father figures on individual growth.

City and LaVander Peeler Sr.

City's relationship with his great-great-grandfather, LaVander Peeler Sr., is explored through the mystery of his disappearance. Although physically absent, LaVander Peeler Sr.'s character serves as a catalyst for City's journey and understanding of his family's history. Their relationship represents the search for identity, the weight of ancestral legacies, and the power of personal narratives.

City and LaVander Peeler III

City's relationship with his son, LaVander Peeler III, is depicted in the futuristic second part of the book. While their interactions are limited, their connection represents the continuation of City's lineage and the potential for change and growth in future generations. LaVander Peeler III's character symbolizes hope, progress, and the opportunity to break free from the burdens of the past.