"Moving On" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Moving On" by Larry McMurtry, the characters play vital roles in illustrating the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the challenges faced by individuals trying to move on from their past. Each character contributes to the development of the story, offering unique perspectives and experiences that shape the narrative.

Character Descriptions

Patsy Carpenter: As the protagonist of the story, Patsy Carpenter is a middle-aged woman struggling to find fulfillment and happiness in her life. She is described as attractive but unfulfilled, longing for excitement and adventure beyond her mundane existence in a small town. Patsy's restlessness leads her to seek change and explore new relationships.

Jim Carpenter: Patsy's husband, Jim, is a steady and reliable man who loves Patsy deeply. However, their marriage has become stagnant, and Jim is oblivious to Patsy's unhappiness. He represents the comfort and security of a long-term relationship but lacks the passion and spontaneity that Patsy craves.

Hank Murphy: Hank Murphy is Patsy's passionate lover. He offers Patsy the excitement and romance she desires, but their relationship is complicated by his existing marriage to Mrs. Murphy. Hank's presence in Patsy's life creates emotional turmoil and forces her to face difficult decisions about her future.

Sonny Crawford: Sonny Crawford is Patsy's former flame and a symbol of her past. He is married to Emma Crawford, but their relationship is strained. Sonny's reappearance in Patsy's life reignites old feelings and stirs up unresolved emotions.

Emma Crawford: Emma Crawford is Sonny's wife. She is depicted as a traditional and dutiful wife, unaware of Sonny's infidelity. Emma's presence serves as a reminder of the consequences of pursuing forbidden love and the sacrifices made in maintaining a marriage.

Loretta: Loretta is Patsy's loyal and supportive best friend. She offers a listening ear and practical advice to Patsy as she navigates her complicated relationships and search for happiness. Loretta provides a sense of stability and helps Patsy maintain perspective.

Jack McKuen: Jack McKuen is Patsy's ex-boyfriend from her youth. He resurfaces in her life, causing her to reflect on the choices she made and the paths not taken. Jack's character represents nostalgia and the possibilities of a different life.

Billy Barnett: Billy Barnett is Patsy's brother, who struggles with his own personal demons. Although their relationship is strained, Billy provides Patsy with a sense of family and reminds her of the importance of loyalty and forgiveness.

Lizzie Barnett: Lizzie Barnett is Billy's wife and Patsy's sister-in-law. She is a practical and level-headed woman who tries to keep the family together and supports Patsy during her journey of self-discovery.

Wallace: Wallace is Patsy's father, a retired and somewhat distant figure in her life. His presence serves as a reminder of the past and the influence of family on shaping one's identity and choices.

Character Traits

Patsy Carpenter: Patsy is restless, adventurous, and yearns for excitement. She is torn between her desire for freedom and her obligations to her family. Patsy is also compassionate and empathetic, often putting the needs of others before her own.

Jim Carpenter: Jim is dependable, loyal, and devoted to his family. He lacks ambition and fails to understand Patsy's need for change. Jim's character is defined by his steadfastness and resistance to embracing new experiences.

Hank Murphy: Hank is passionate, impulsive, and willing to take risks. He is torn between his love for Patsy and his commitment to his marriage. Hank's character is driven by desire and a longing for something more.

Sonny Crawford: Sonny is nostalgic, regretful, and plagued by a sense of unfulfilled potential. He represents the road not taken and serves as a reminder of the consequences of past choices.

Emma Crawford: Emma is traditional, dutiful, and committed to her marriage. She is unaware of Sonny's infidelity and represents the sacrifices made in maintaining a stable relationship.

Loretta: Loretta is practical, supportive, and fiercely loyal. She provides a stable presence in Patsy's life and offers guidance and perspective during her journey of self-discovery.

Jack McKuen: Jack is nostalgic, adventurous, and represents the allure of a different life. He forces Patsy to confront her past choices and contemplate what might have been.

Billy Barnett: Billy is troubled, conflicted, and struggles with his own demons. He serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the importance of forgiveness.

Lizzie Barnett: Lizzie is practical, level-headed, and supportive of Patsy. She acts as a stabilizing force within the family and offers Patsy a sense of comfort and understanding.

Wallace: Wallace is distant, reflective, and represents the influence of family on shaping one's identity. His character serves as a reminder of the past and the lessons learned from one's upbringing.

Character Background

The characters in "Moving On" are primarily rooted in a small town in Texas, where they navigate the challenges of ordinary life. Patsy Carpenter, the central character, is dissatisfied with her marriage to Jim and yearns for excitement and adventure. This longing for change sets the stage for her interactions with other characters and her journey of self-discovery.

Hank Murphy, Patsy's lover, is caught between his love for Patsy and his commitment to his marriage with Mrs. Murphy. His character represents the complexities of extramarital affairs and the emotional turmoil it can create.

Sonny Crawford, Patsy's former flame, resurfaces in her life, triggering a flood of memories and emotional conflict. His marriage to Emma Crawford highlights the sacrifices made in maintaining a stable relationship and the consequences of past choices.

Patsy's relationships with Loretta, Jack McKuen, Billy Barnett, Lizzie Barnett, and Wallace provide insight into her past, her family dynamics, and the various influences that shape her decisions. Each character contributes to the overall narrative, offering different perspectives on love, loyalty, and personal growth.

Character Arcs

Patsy Carpenter's character arc in "Moving On" is one of self-discovery and personal growth. Dissatisfied with her marriage, she embarks on a journey to find fulfillment and happiness. Through her relationships with Hank, Sonny, Jack, and her own family, Patsy learns valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Ultimately, she must make difficult choices that will shape her future and define her identity.

Hank Murphy's character arc revolves around his struggle to reconcile his love for Patsy with his commitment to his marriage. As the story progresses, Hank is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and weigh the importance of passion against stability.

Sonny Crawford's character arc is one of regret and reflection. Through his interactions with Patsy, he is confronted with the choices he made in his past and the impact they have had on his present. Sonny's character serves as a cautionary tale about the weight of unfulfilled potential.

Relationships

The relationships in "Moving On" are complex and multifaceted. Patsy's marriage to Jim represents stability and comfort, but lacks the passion and excitement she craves. Her affair with Hank Murphy introduces a forbidden love that disrupts the lives of all involved.

Patsy's reconnection with Sonny Crawford forces them both to confront their shared history and the emotional baggage they carry. Sonny's strained marriage to Emma highlights the sacrifices made in maintaining a stable relationship.

Patsy's relationship with Loretta serves as a source of support and guidance, offering Patsy a listening ear and practical advice. Her interactions with Jack McKuen and her family members, including Billy, Lizzie, and Wallace, provide insight into her past and the complexities of familial bonds.

Each relationship in "Moving On" contributes to the character development and thematic exploration of love, loyalty, and personal growth.

In conclusion, "Moving On" by Larry McMurtry presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with their distinct roles, backgrounds, and relationships. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the novel explores themes of love, regret, and the search for fulfillment. The characters' growth and development contribute to a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.