"Mommie Dearest" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

The book "Mommie Dearest" by Christina Crawford revolves around the life of Christina and her tumultuous relationship with her adoptive mother, Joan Crawford. Christina serves as the protagonist, while Joan Crawford takes on the role of the antagonist. Other supporting characters, such as Christopher Crawford, Carol Ann, Greg Savitt, and Christina's father, play significant roles in Christina's life and her experiences with her mother.

Character Descriptions

Christina Crawford

Christina Crawford is the central character of the book. She is the adopted daughter of Joan Crawford and is the author of the memoir. Christina is depicted as a resilient and determined individual who endured years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her mother. Despite the challenges she faced, Christina displays strength and courage throughout the book.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford, a renowned Hollywood actress, is Christina's adoptive mother and the primary antagonist in the book. She is portrayed as a highly controlling and manipulative figure who is obsessed with her public image. Joan's actions towards Christina are characterized by emotional and physical abuse, leading to a strained and toxic relationship between mother and daughter.

Christopher Crawford

Christopher Crawford is Christina's adopted brother and plays a supporting role in the book. He also experiences the abusive nature of Joan Crawford but has a somewhat different relationship with her compared to Christina. Christopher serves as a source of support and understanding for Christina throughout their shared experiences.

Carol Ann

Carol Ann is a close friend of Christina's and provides emotional support during her difficult times with Joan Crawford. She offers a contrasting perspective to Christina's life, having grown up in a loving and nurturing environment. Carol Ann's presence highlights the stark contrast between Christina's experiences and those of other children.

Greg Savitt

Greg Savitt is Christina's first husband, and their relationship is briefly explored in the book. His presence allows for insight into Christina's personal life, showing the impact of her upbringing on her adult relationships. Greg serves as a catalyst for Christina's journey towards self-discovery and healing.

Christina's Father

Christina's biological father is not a prominent character in the book, but his absence and lack of involvement in her life are mentioned. This absence contributes to Christina's feelings of abandonment and further emphasizes the toxic relationship between her and Joan Crawford.

Character Traits

Christina Crawford

• Resilient
• Determined
• Courageous
• Empathetic
• Reflective

Joan Crawford

• Controlling
• Manipulative
• Abusive
• Obsessed with public image
• Self-centered

Christopher Crawford

• Supportive
• Understanding
• Protective
• Resilient
• Compassionate

Carol Ann

• Loving
• Nurturing
• Supportive
• Empathetic
• Balanced

Greg Savitt

• Supportive
• Challenging
• Patient
• Caring
• Insightful

Christina's Father

• Absent
• Distant
• Emotionally unavailable
• Contributed to feelings of abandonment

Character Background

Christina Crawford

Christina Crawford is born to unknown parents and spends her early years in foster care. She is eventually adopted by Joan Crawford and grows up in a wealthy and privileged environment. However, behind closed doors, Christina experiences a life of emotional and physical abuse, leading to a fractured relationship with her mother.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford, born Lucille Fay LeSueur, rises to fame as a Hollywood actress despite her challenging background. Her troubled childhood and early experiences shape her desire for control and perfection. Joan adopts Christina and her brother Christopher, but as time passes, her abusive behavior towards Christina becomes increasingly apparent.

Christopher Crawford

Christopher Crawford is adopted alongside Christina by Joan Crawford. He shares many of the same experiences of abuse but develops a different coping mechanism. Christopher ultimately finds solace in his own pursuits and becomes a successful businessman.

Carol Ann

Carol Ann is a childhood friend of Christina's who provides a contrasting perspective on family dynamics. Growing up in a loving and nurturing environment, Carol Ann serves as a support system for Christina during her challenging times with Joan Crawford.

Greg Savitt

Greg Savitt enters Christina's life as her first husband. He becomes a significant catalyst for her personal growth and healing. Greg's patience and understanding help Christina navigate her traumatic past and move towards a healthier future.

Christina's Father

The absence of Christina's biological father contributes to her sense of abandonment and adds to the strained relationship between her and Joan Crawford. His lack of involvement in her life leaves a void that shapes Christina's experiences and perspectives.

Character Arcs

Christina Crawford

Christina's character arc in "Mommie Dearest" is one of resilience and self-discovery. She begins as a victim of abuse, trapped in a toxic relationship with her mother. As the book progresses, Christina finds the strength to confront her past, share her story, and ultimately move towards healing and forgiveness.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford's character arc is one of control and manipulation. From the beginning, she exerts dominance over Christina, using emotional and physical abuse as tools to maintain power. Although Joan's behavior remains consistent throughout the book, her actions ultimately lead to her downfall as Christina finds the courage to expose the truth.

Christopher Crawford

Christopher's character arc is one of survival and independence. He endures the same abusive environment as Christina but develops a different approach to cope. Christopher's resilience allows him to build a successful life for himself, separate from the toxic influence of Joan Crawford.

Carol Ann

Carol Ann's character arc highlights the importance of a supportive environment. She provides a contrasting example of a loving family, serving as a source of comfort and understanding for Christina. Carol Ann's unwavering support helps Christina realize the extent of her mother's abusive behavior and encourages her journey towards healing.

Greg Savitt

Greg's character arc revolves around being a supportive partner and catalyst for Christina's growth. He helps Christina confront her traumatic past and encourages her to share her story. Greg's role in Christina's life signifies the importance of having a caring and understanding presence to facilitate healing.

Christina's Father

Although not present in the book, Christina's father's absence contributes to her character development. His lack of involvement emphasizes the impact of Joan Crawford's dominance and further shapes Christina's experiences and relationships.

Relationships

Christina and Joan Crawford

The relationship between Christina and Joan Crawford is the central focus of the book. It is characterized by emotional and physical abuse, control, and manipulation. Christina's journey towards healing revolves around her efforts to break free from the toxic influence of her mother.

Christina and Christopher Crawford

As siblings, Christina and Christopher share a bond forged through their shared experiences of abuse. While their relationship is not explored in great detail, Christopher serves as a source of support and understanding for Christina, offering solace in their shared understanding.

Christina and Carol Ann

Carol Ann's friendship with Christina provides a contrasting perspective on family dynamics. Her unwavering support and understanding offer Christina a glimpse of a more loving and nurturing environment, highlighting the stark contrast between her experiences and those of others.

Christina and Greg Savitt

Greg Savitt plays a significant role in Christina's life as her first husband. Their relationship serves as a catalyst for Christina's personal growth and healing. Greg's support and understanding enable Christina to confront her traumatic past and move towards a healthier future.

Christina and Christina's Father

The relationship between Christina and her biological father is not explored in detail in the book. However, his absence contributes to Christina's feelings of abandonment and further emphasizes the impact of Joan Crawford's dominance in her life.

In conclusion, "Mommie Dearest" by Christina Crawford delves into the complex dynamics of family relationships, particularly the toxic and abusive relationship between Christina and her adoptive mother, Joan Crawford. The book highlights the resilience and courage of Christina as she confronts her traumatic past and seeks healing. The contrasting characters and relationships provide insight into the impact of abuse and the importance of supportive environments in the process of recovery.