"Monsters of Men" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Monsters of Men" by Patrick Ness, the characters play various roles that drive the plot forward and contribute to the overall themes of the book. The two main protagonists, Todd Hewitt and Viola Eade, are caught in the middle of a war between Mayor Prentiss and Mistress Coyle. Mayor Prentiss and Mistress Coyle serve as the primary antagonists, each with their own motives and methods. Other supporting characters, such as Davy Prentiss Jr., Lee Scoresby, The Spackle, and The Ask, also play essential roles in the story.

Character Descriptions

Todd Hewitt: Todd is a young boy who has grown up in a town where everyone can hear each other's thoughts. He is the last boy in Prentisstown, and his unique ability to control his Noise makes him a target for both the Mayor and Mistress Coyle.

Viola Eade: Viola is a young girl who crash-landed on the planet with a scout ship. She is the only girl in a world full of men and becomes Todd's companion and confidante. She brings an outsider's perspective to the town and challenges the existing power dynamics.

Mayor Prentiss: Mayor Prentiss is the charismatic and manipulative leader of Prentisstown. He is determined to control the Noise and maintain his power at any cost. He is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals, including starting a war with Mistress Coyle.

Mistress Coyle: Mistress Coyle is the leader of a resistance movement against Mayor Prentiss. She believes in fighting for justice and equality, even if it means resorting to violence. She opposes the Mayor's oppressive rule and seeks to overthrow him.

Davy Prentiss Jr.: Davy is the son of Mayor Prentiss and serves as a lieutenant in his father's army. He struggles with his loyalty to his father and his growing friendship with Todd. Davy's character undergoes significant development throughout the book.

Lee Scoresby: Lee Scoresby is a skilled pilot who aids Todd and Viola in their quest. He is a brave and loyal friend who provides guidance and support to the protagonists.

The Spackle: The Spackle are an indigenous species on the planet, known for their telepathic abilities. They play a crucial role in the conflict between Mayor Prentiss and Mistress Coyle, as well as in Todd and Viola's journey.

The Ask: The Ask are a mysterious group of beings who communicate through writing. They possess knowledge and wisdom that can change the course of the war. Their role is pivotal in the resolution of the story.

Character Traits

Todd Hewitt: Todd is courageous, resourceful, and determined. He is burdened by guilt and struggles with the decisions he has to make in the midst of the war. He is also compassionate and empathetic, always striving to do what is right.

Viola Eade: Viola is intelligent, resilient, and independent. She adapts quickly to her new surroundings and uses her wit to navigate through challenging situations. She is fiercely loyal to Todd and is willing to risk her life to protect him.

Mayor Prentiss: Mayor Prentiss is manipulative, charismatic, and power-hungry. He is willing to sacrifice the lives of others to maintain control and believes that the end justifies the means. He is also cunning and strategic, using Todd's abilities to his advantage.

Mistress Coyle: Mistress Coyle is determined, passionate, and driven by her ideals. She believes in fighting for justice and equality and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She is also ruthless and does not shy away from violence.

Davy Prentiss Jr.: Davy is initially portrayed as aggressive and loyal to his father. However, as the story progresses, he starts questioning his loyalty and develops a friendship with Todd. He is torn between his duty and his conscience.

Lee Scoresby: Lee Scoresby is brave, loyal, and skilled in his craft. He provides valuable assistance to Todd and Viola and becomes a trusted ally. He is also compassionate and willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

The Spackle: The Spackle are peaceful beings who value harmony and connection with nature. They are telepathic and possess a deep understanding of the planet and its history. They are resilient and courageous in their fight for freedom.

The Ask: The Ask are enigmatic beings with profound knowledge and wisdom. They communicate through writing and play a significant role in guiding the protagonists and influencing the outcome of the war.

Character Background

Todd Hewitt: Todd grew up in Prentisstown, a town where everyone's thoughts are audible. He never knew his mother and was raised by his adoptive parents. He is the last boy in a town where all women were killed by a virus. Todd's upbringing in a male-dominated society and his unique ability to control his Noise shape his character and experiences throughout the book.

Viola Eade: Viola is a native of another planet and crash-landed on Todd's planet with a scout ship. She was separated from her parents during the crash and is the only girl in a world full of men. Her outsider status and her determination to reunite with her parents drive her actions and decisions.

Mayor Prentiss: Mayor Prentiss was the leader of Prentisstown for many years. He used fear and manipulation to maintain control over the town's inhabitants. His desire for power and his belief that controlling the Noise is the key to maintaining order and dominance shape his character and motivations.

Mistress Coyle: Mistress Coyle was once a member of Prentisstown but later became the leader of a resistance movement against Mayor Prentiss. Her experiences in the town and her belief in fighting for justice and equality drive her actions and decisions. She sees Mayor Prentiss as a tyrant who must be overthrown.

Davy Prentiss Jr.: Davy is the son of Mayor Prentiss and serves as a lieutenant in his father's army. He has grown up in a position of privilege but starts questioning his father's methods and motives. His conflicting loyalties and desire for independence shape his character arc.

Lee Scoresby: Lee Scoresby is an experienced pilot who has traveled to different worlds. He becomes involved in Todd and Viola's journey and offers his assistance. His experiences, skills, and loyalty to his friends shape his character and actions.

The Spackle: The Spackle are an indigenous species on the planet who have been oppressed and enslaved by Mayor Prentiss. They have a deep connection to the land and possess ancient knowledge and wisdom. Their history and experiences shape their character and their involvement in the war.

The Ask: The Ask are a mysterious group of beings who possess great knowledge and wisdom. They communicate through writing and offer guidance to the protagonists. Their origins and purpose remain enigmatic throughout the book.

Character Arcs

Todd Hewitt: Todd starts the story as a young boy trying to survive in a hostile environment. Throughout the book, he goes through a transformation, learning to trust his instincts and make difficult choices. He develops a deeper understanding of the world and his role in it, ultimately becoming a leader.

Viola Eade: Viola begins as a lost and vulnerable girl in a strange world. As the story progresses, she becomes more independent and resilient, learning to navigate through the challenges and dangers. She becomes a crucial ally to Todd and plays an active role in the resolution of the conflict.

Mayor Prentiss: Mayor Prentiss remains a ruthless and power-hungry antagonist throughout the book. His character arc revolves around his escalating desperation to maintain control and the lengths he is willing to go to achieve it. His actions eventually lead to his downfall.

Mistress Coyle: Mistress Coyle's character arc revolves around her commitment to her cause and her methods of achieving it. She becomes more ruthless and willing to sacrifice lives for the greater good. However, she also experiences moments of doubt and reflection, questioning the consequences of her actions.

Davy Prentiss Jr.: Davy's character arc centers around his loyalty to his father and his growing friendship with Todd. He starts questioning his father's methods and struggles with his conflicting loyalties. His arc culminates in a pivotal decision that defines his character.

Lee Scoresby: Lee Scoresby's character arc is more limited compared to the other characters. He serves as a steadfast and loyal friend to Todd and Viola, offering guidance and support. His arc concludes with a selfless act that aids the protagonists in their final battle.

The Spackle: The Spackle's character arc focuses on their fight for freedom and their desire to reclaim their land. They transition from being oppressed and enslaved to becoming active participants in the conflict. Their arc represents resilience, unity, and the pursuit of justice.

The Ask: The Ask's character arc is intertwined with their mysterious nature. They provide guidance and information to the protagonists, but their true purpose and motivations remain ambiguous. Their arc adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the story.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Monsters of Men" play a significant role in the development of the plot and the characters themselves.

Todd and Viola's relationship is the central bond in the story. They rely on each other for support, companionship, and survival. Their friendship evolves into a deep trust and love that drives their actions and decisions.

Todd's relationship with Mayor Prentiss is complex. Initially, Todd sees the Mayor as an enemy, but as the story progresses, they develop a twisted mentor-student dynamic. Todd struggles with conflicting feelings of admiration and repulsion towards the Mayor.

Viola's relationship with Mistress Coyle is one of resistance and alliance. Viola joins Mistress Coyle's movement and becomes a valuable asset in the fight against Mayor Prentiss. Their relationship is characterized by shared goals and a desire for justice.

Davy Prentiss Jr.'s relationship with Todd is one of conflict and growth. Initially, they are adversaries, but their shared experiences and developing friendship lead to a shift in their dynamic. Davy's relationship with his father is strained as he questions his loyalty and becomes disillusioned with his father's methods.

Lee Scoresby's relationship with Todd and Viola is one of friendship and support. He becomes a mentor figure, offering guidance and assistance in their journey. His loyalty to them is unwavering, and he ultimately sacrifices himself for their cause.

The Spackle's relationship with Todd and Viola is one of mutual understanding and collaboration. They share a common enemy in Mayor Prentiss and work together to achieve their goals. The Spackle's connection to the land and their history adds depth to their relationship with the protagonists.

The Ask's relationship with Todd and Viola is one of mystery and guidance. They provide crucial information and insight, guiding the protagonists in their quest. Their true motivations and intentions remain elusive, adding intrigue to their relationship.

Overall, the relationships in "Monsters of Men" shape the characters' actions, motivations, and growth throughout the book.