Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role in Story |
|---|---|
| Perry L. Crandall | Protagonist |
| Sylvia Crandall | Perry’s Mother |
| Dr. Shirley | Perry’s Therapist |
| Mr. and Mrs. Crandall | Perry’s Parents |
| Lottery Officials | Antagonistic Forces |
| Perry’s Friends | Social Connections |
Role Identification
Perry L. Crandall
Perry is the main character whose journey forms the core of the story. He is intellectually challenged but optimistic and determined.
Sylvia Crandall
Sylvia plays the role of a supportive and loving mother who encourages Perry’s independence.
Dr. Shirley
She represents the professional guidance Perry receives, helping him navigate challenges.
Mr. and Mrs. Crandall
Perry’s parents provide background and family dynamics that shape his character.
Lottery Officials
They embody societal and systemic challenges Perry must face and overcome.
Perry’s Friends
They represent the social environment and peer relationships influencing Perry.
Character Descriptions
| Character | Physical Description | Personality Traits | Role in Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perry L. Crandall | Tall, sturdy, with a gentle face | Kind-hearted, determined, naïve, optimistic | Protagonist struggling for dignity |
| Sylvia Crandall | Middle-aged woman, caring | Loving, protective, nurturing | Supportive mother |
| Dr. Shirley | Middle-aged professional | Intelligent, patient, empathetic | Therapist guiding Perry |
| Mr. and Mrs. Crandall | Elderly couple | Traditional, concerned | Family background |
| Lottery Officials | Formal, authoritative | Bureaucratic, impersonal | Societal obstacle |
| Perry’s Friends | Varied physical traits | Friendly, supportive | Social support |
Character Traits
| Character | Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Perry L. Crandall | Loyal, honest, hardworking, brave | Sometimes gullible, slow to grasp complex ideas |
| Sylvia Crandall | Supportive, caring, patient | Overprotective at times |
| Dr. Shirley | Insightful, compassionate | Occasionally detached |
| Mr. and Mrs. Crandall | Concerned, traditional | Resistant to change |
| Lottery Officials | Efficient, authoritative | Cold, unfeeling |
| Perry’s Friends | Encouraging, friendly | Naïve in some situations |
Character Background
Perry L. Crandall
Born with a mild intellectual disability, Perry has always faced challenges in understanding complex concepts. Despite this, Perry’s upbringing by a supportive family has fostered his resilience and hope. His life changes when he wins a large lottery prize, thrusting him into a world of new opportunities and obstacles. His background highlights themes of perseverance and dignity.
Sylvia Crandall
Sylvia has been a constant pillar in Perry’s life. Her dedication to her son’s welfare is rooted in years of experience managing his needs and protecting him from societal judgment. Sylvia’s background as a nurturing mother shapes her protective nature.
Dr. Shirley
As a therapist, Dr. Shirley’s background is in psychology and counseling. She plays a crucial role in helping Perry adjust to his new circumstances and understand his capabilities and limitations. Her professional experience allows her to provide balanced guidance.
Mr. and Mrs. Crandall
Perry’s parents represent the traditional family structure. Their concern for Perry’s welfare reflects their generational values. Their background provides insight into the challenges faced by families with differently-abled members.
Lottery Officials
These characters represent the bureaucratic machinery that Perry must navigate. Their background is professional and procedural, emphasizing rules over personal considerations.
Perry’s Friends
These characters provide a social backdrop. Their varied backgrounds illustrate the diversity in Perry’s social circle and their collective influence on his journey.
Character Arcs
Perry L. Crandall
Perry’s arc is one of growth and self-discovery. From a life limited by his intellectual disability and social expectations, Perry evolves into a confident individual who asserts his independence. Winning the lottery acts as a catalyst for his transformation, challenging societal stereotypes and personal limitations.
Sylvia Crandall
Sylvia’s arc involves learning to balance protection with allowing Perry autonomy. Her journey reflects a shift from overprotection to trust, enabling Perry’s growth.
Dr. Shirley
Dr. Shirley’s role remains consistent as a supportive figure. However, her arc involves adapting her therapeutic approach to meet Perry’s changing needs.
Mr. and Mrs. Crandall
Their arc is subtle, showing gradual acceptance of Perry’s capabilities and the new reality brought by the lottery win.
Lottery Officials
These characters maintain a static role, embodying the impersonal nature of bureaucracy. Their function is to provide obstacles rather than undergo change.
Perry’s Friends
Their arc is primarily supportive, showing increased understanding and acceptance of Perry’s achievements.
Relationships
| Characters | Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Perry & Sylvia Crandall | Mother and Son | Deeply loving and supportive, Sylvia shields Perry from harm |
| Perry & Dr. Shirley | Therapist and Patient | Professional, guiding, and empathetic |
| Perry & Mr./Mrs. Crandall | Son and Parents | Traditional family dynamics, mixed with concern and love |
| Perry & Lottery Officials | Individual and System | Adversarial, representing systemic challenges |
| Perry & Friends | Social peers | Supportive and encouraging, providing emotional aid |
Conclusion
Patricia Wood’s Lottery presents a rich tapestry of characters centered on Perry L. Crandall’s journey. Each character contributes to the exploration of themes such as dignity, independence, and societal perception of intellectual disability. Perry’s development from a sheltered individual to a confident man challenges stereotypes and highlights the importance of support systems. The relationships he nurtures and the obstacles he faces create a compelling narrative of growth and resilience. This analysis underscores how character dynamics drive the story’s emotional depth and thematic resonance.
