"Mary Coin" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Mary Coin" by Marisa Silver, the main characters are Mary Coin, Vera Dare, and Walker Dodge. Mary Coin is the central character and the book revolves around her life. Vera Dare is a photographer who captures an iconic photograph of Mary Coin during the Dust Bowl. Walker Dodge is a historian who becomes obsessed with finding out the true identity of the woman in the photograph.

Character Descriptions

• Mary Coin: Mary Coin is a resilient and strong-willed woman who endures hardships during the Great Depression. She is described as having weathered skin and haunted eyes, reflecting the difficult life she has led.
• Vera Dare: Vera Dare is an ambitious and talented photographer who captures the famous photograph of Mary Coin. She is determined to record the harsh reality of the Dust Bowl and its impact on the lives of individuals like Mary.
• Walker Dodge: Walker Dodge is a historian who becomes fascinated by the photograph of Mary Coin. He is driven to uncover the truth behind the woman's identity and the story of her life. He is described as a meticulous and detail-oriented researcher.

Character Traits

• Mary Coin: Mary Coin is resourceful, resilient, and fiercely protective of her family. She possesses a quiet strength and determination that allows her to endure unimaginable hardships.
• Vera Dare: Vera Dare is ambitious, passionate, and dedicated to her craft. She is willing to take risks to capture powerful images that tell important stories.
• Walker Dodge: Walker Dodge is curious, persistent, and driven by a desire for truth and historical accuracy. He is meticulous in his research and willing to dig deep to uncover the stories behind the photographs.

Character Background

• Mary Coin: Mary Coin grew up in a poor farming family in California during the Great Depression. She was forced to leave school at a young age to help support her family. Her life is marked by struggle, loss, and the constant battle to survive.
• Vera Dare: Vera Dare is a skilled photographer who travels across the country during the Dust Bowl, documenting the lives of those affected by the devastating conditions. She is driven by a desire to capture the truth and create awareness about the hardships faced by ordinary people.
• Walker Dodge: Walker Dodge grew up in a privileged background, but his fascination with photography and history leads him to pursue a career as a historian. He becomes obsessed with the photograph of Mary Coin and spends years researching and uncovering the truth behind her story.

Character Arcs

• Mary Coin: Mary Coin's character arc is one of resilience and self-discovery. Throughout the book, she confronts her past, grapples with the pain of loss, and finds a sense of purpose in sharing her story. She learns to let go of the shame and guilt she has carried and finds redemption in her own strength.
• Vera Dare: Vera Dare's character arc is one of artistic growth and personal transformation. Through her encounters with Mary Coin and her exploration of the Dust Bowl, she becomes more aware of the impact her photographs can have on the world. She learns to balance her ambition with empathy and compassion.
• Walker Dodge: Walker Dodge's character arc is one of obsession and enlightenment. His relentless pursuit of the truth behind the photograph leads him to confront his own biases and assumptions. He learns that history is not always as neat and tidy as it appears and that the power of storytelling lies in the complex and nuanced narratives.

Relationships

• Mary Coin and Vera Dare: Mary Coin and Vera Dare form a complex and symbiotic relationship. Vera's photograph of Mary becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and survival. Mary's trust in Vera allows her story to be told and shared with the world.
• Mary Coin and Walker Dodge: Walker Dodge's obsession with Mary Coin's photograph leads him to develop a deep connection with her. Through his research and interviews, he becomes a witness to her pain and triumphs. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and a shared dedication to uncovering the truth.
• Walker Dodge and Frances Perkins: Walker Dodge forms a professional relationship with Frances Perkins, a renowned historian. They collaborate to uncover the truth behind Mary Coin's story, challenging existing narratives and shedding light on forgotten voices.

Overall, "Mary Coin" delves into the lives of individuals affected by the Great Depression, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling. The characters of Mary Coin, Vera Dare, and Walker Dodge each play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries behind a single photograph and discovering the untold stories of those who lived through one of America's darkest periods.