"Love Comes Softly" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Love Comes Softly," Marty Claridge is the protagonist and central character of the story. She is a young widow who embarks on a journey of love and self-discovery. Clark Davis, the love interest, enters Marty's life and plays a significant role in her character development. Other characters, such as Missie Davis, Sarah Graham, Ellie Harper, and Aaron Claridge, contribute to the plot and Marty's growth.

Character Descriptions

Marty Claridge

Marty Claridge is a determined and independent young woman. She is described as having long brown hair and gentle blue eyes. Marty is known for her kind heart and willingness to help others. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remains resilient and determined.

Clark Davis

Clark Davis is a handsome and kind-hearted man. He is a widower with a young daughter, Missie. Clark is portrayed as a hardworking and compassionate person who is willing to take risks for the ones he loves.

Missie Davis

Missie Davis is the young daughter of Clark Davis. She is a sweet and innocent girl who forms a bond with Marty. Missie is often a source of joy and inspiration for Marty.

Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham is a close friend of Marty. She is a wise and supportive woman who offers guidance and encouragement to Marty throughout her journey. Sarah is known for her strong faith and positive outlook on life.

Ellie Harper

Ellie Harper is another friend of Marty. She is a lively and spirited character who brings laughter and joy to the story. Ellie is always ready to lend a helping hand and brings a sense of lightness to the narrative.

Aaron Claridge

Aaron Claridge is Marty's young son. He is a curious and adventurous boy who adds a sense of innocence and playfulness to the story. Aaron often looks up to Clark as a father figure.

Willie LaHaye

Willie LaHaye is a kind-hearted neighbor who provides support and friendship to Marty. He is depicted as a wise and gentle man who becomes a trusted confidant to Marty.

Eliza Jane Wilder

Eliza Jane Wilder is a neighbor of Marty. She is a strong and independent woman who serves as a role model for Marty. Eliza Jane's character adds depth and wisdom to the narrative.

Millie Wilder

Millie Wilder is Eliza Jane's daughter. She is a sweet and caring girl who becomes friends with Missie. Millie's character showcases the importance of friendship and companionship.

Mrs. Davis

Mrs. Davis is Clark's mother. She is initially skeptical of Marty but eventually comes to accept and support their relationship. Mrs. Davis adds a familial dynamic to the story.

Character Traits

Marty Claridge is characterized by her resilience, determination, and kindness. Throughout the story, she faces numerous challenges but never loses her spirit and willingness to help others. Marty's strong sense of independence and her ability to adapt to new situations make her an admirable protagonist.

Clark Davis is characterized by his kindness, hard work, and devotion to his daughter. He is a compassionate and selfless man who is willing to make sacrifices for the ones he loves. Clark's character embodies the qualities of a strong and supportive partner.

Missie Davis is characterized by her innocence, curiosity, and ability to bring joy to those around her. She serves as a source of inspiration for Marty and adds a touch of innocence to the story.

Sarah Graham is characterized by her wisdom, faith, and unwavering support for Marty. She provides guidance and encouragement, acting as a mentor figure for Marty throughout her journey.

Ellie Harper is characterized by her liveliness, humor, and ability to bring laughter to the story. She serves as a friend who lightens the mood and reminds Marty to find joy in the little things.

Aaron Claridge is characterized by his curiosity, playfulness, and his admiration for Clark. His character showcases the innocence and resilience of childhood.

Willie LaHaye is characterized by his kindness, wisdom, and willingness to offer support to Marty. He becomes a trusted friend and confidant, providing a sense of stability and companionship.

Eliza Jane Wilder is characterized by her strength, independence, and wisdom. She serves as a role model for Marty, showing her the importance of self-reliance and perseverance.

Millie Wilder is characterized by her kindness, compassion, and friendship. She becomes a close friend to Missie, emphasizing the significance of companionship and support.

Mrs. Davis is characterized by her initial skepticism, which evolves into acceptance and support for Marty. Her character adds a familial dimension to the story.

Character Background

Marty Claridge, a young widow, embarks on a journey to the West to fulfill her late husband's dream of owning land. She faces numerous challenges and hardships along the way but finds solace and strength in the friendships she forms with the other characters.

Clark Davis, a widower, meets Marty when he rescues her during a storm. They eventually develop a deep connection and fall in love. Clark's background includes his struggle to raise his daughter, Missie, and his determination to provide a stable life for her.

Missie Davis is a young girl who lost her mother and has been raised by her father, Clark. Her background includes the challenges of growing up without a mother and adjusting to a new person entering her father's life.

Sarah Graham and Ellie Harper are friends who offer support and friendship to Marty. Their backgrounds include their own experiences of love, loss, and the importance of faith.

Aaron Claridge, Marty's young son, adds a sense of adventure and innocence to the story. His background includes his father's death and his journey alongside Marty.

Willie LaHaye and Eliza Jane Wilder are neighbors who become pillars of support for Marty. Their backgrounds include their own experiences of hardship, resilience, and the importance of community.

Mrs. Davis, Clark's mother, initially doubts Marty but eventually accepts and supports their relationship. Her background includes her own experiences as a mother and the challenges of letting go of her son.

Character Arcs

Marty Claridge undergoes a significant character arc throughout "Love Comes Softly." Initially, she is a vulnerable and grieving widow, struggling to find her place in the world. However, as the story progresses, she becomes stronger and more confident, embracing her independence and finding love and fulfillment in unexpected ways.

Clark Davis also experiences a character arc, moving from a place of grief and solitude to embracing the possibility of love again. Through his relationship with Marty, he learns to trust and open his heart, ultimately finding happiness and a new family.

Missie Davis's character arc focuses on her adjustment to Marty's presence in her life. Initially apprehensive, she grows to love and accept Marty as a mother figure, forming a close bond with her.

Sarah Graham and Ellie Harper serve as supporting characters, but they also undergo smaller character arcs. They provide Marty with friendship and support, and their characters evolve as they witness Marty's growth and find inspiration in her journey.

Relationships

Marty Claridge's relationship with Clark Davis is the central romantic relationship in the story. It develops from a chance meeting to a deep and enduring love. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect, support, and the ability to overcome obstacles together.

Marty's relationship with Missie Davis is one of motherly love and acceptance. Initially, Missie is hesitant to accept Marty, but over time, they form a strong bond based on trust and affection.

Marty's friendships with Sarah Graham and Ellie Harper serve as pillars of support and companionship. These relationships provide Marty with guidance, laughter, and the strength to overcome challenges.

Marty's relationship with Aaron Claridge is one of motherly love and protection. Marty's role as a mother is central to the story, and her relationship with Aaron showcases her dedication and care for her children.

Willie LaHaye and Eliza Jane Wilder become trusted friends and mentors to Marty. Their relationships provide a sense of community and support, emphasizing the importance of friendship and shared experiences.

Overall, "Love Comes Softly" explores the themes of love, resilience, and the power of relationships. The characters' journeys and relationships contribute to a heartwarming and uplifting story of love, growth, and finding happiness in unexpected places.