"Our Strange New Land" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Our Strange New Land" by Patricia Hermes, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Patience, is a young girl who experiences the journey and settlement of the Pilgrims in the New World. Other significant characters include the leaders of the Pilgrims, Master Brewster and William Bradford, as well as Elder Brewster and Miles Standish who provide guidance and protection. Native Americans, such as Squanto and Samoset, also play pivotal roles in the story, assisting the Pilgrims in their survival and establishing relationships.

Character Descriptions

• Patience: Patience is a young girl who serves as the eyes and ears of the reader, allowing us to witness the challenges and triumphs of the Pilgrims through her perspective. She is curious, brave, and resilient, adapting to the unfamiliar environment and learning from the Native Americans.
• Master Brewster: Master Brewster is the leader of the Pilgrims. He is wise, compassionate, and dedicated to the success of their mission. He provides guidance and support to the settlers, helping them navigate the difficulties of establishing a new colony.
• William Bradford: William Bradford is the Governor of Plymouth Colony. He is a strong and authoritative figure who helps maintain order and lead the settlers through the challenges they face. Bradford is known for his diplomatic skills in establishing relationships with the Native Americans.
• Elder Brewster: Elder Brewster is the spiritual leader of the Pilgrims. He is a devout and wise man who provides spiritual guidance and moral support to the settlers. Elder Brewster plays a significant role in maintaining the faith and unity of the Pilgrims.
• Miles Standish: Miles Standish is the military leader of the Pilgrims. He is brave, strategic, and protective of the settlers. Standish takes on the responsibility of defending the colony from potential threats and building alliances with the Native Americans.
• Priscilla Mullins: Priscilla Mullins is a young woman who becomes the love interest of Miles Standish. She is depicted as intelligent, independent, and kind-hearted. Priscilla forms a bond with the Native Americans and helps bridge the gap between the Pilgrims and the indigenous people.
• Native Americans: The Native Americans in the book represent the indigenous people of the land. They are depicted as resourceful, wise, and welcoming towards the Pilgrims. Squanto, in particular, serves as a guide and interpreter, helping the Pilgrims survive and establish relationships with other tribes.
• Governor Carver: Governor Carver is the first governor of Plymouth Colony. He plays a significant role in the early stages of the settlement before his untimely death. Carver is remembered for his leadership during the challenging early years of the colony.

Character Traits

• Patience: Curious, brave, resilient, adaptable
• Master Brewster: Wise, compassionate, dedicated
• William Bradford: Strong, authoritative, diplomatic
• Elder Brewster: Devout, wise, supportive
• Miles Standish: Brave, strategic, protective
• Priscilla Mullins: Intelligent, independent, kind-hearted
• Native Americans: Resourceful, wise, welcoming
• Governor Carver: Visionary, diligent, respected

Character Background

• Patience: Patience is a young girl who has traveled with her family from England to the New World on the Mayflower. She is part of the group of Pilgrims seeking religious freedom and a fresh start in a new land.
• Master Brewster: Master Brewster is a respected member of the Pilgrim community. He is a leader and a mentor to the other settlers, guiding them through the challenges they face in the unfamiliar territory.
• William Bradford: William Bradford is one of the key figures in the founding of Plymouth Colony. He was elected as the governor and played a crucial role in negotiating with the Native Americans and ensuring the survival of the colony.
• Elder Brewster: Elder Brewster is an esteemed member of the Pilgrim community, known for his religious devotion and leadership. He provides spiritual guidance and moral support to the settlers, helping to maintain their faith and unity.
• Miles Standish: Miles Standish is a military veteran who serves as the military leader of the Pilgrims. He brings his expertise and bravery to protect the settlers and build alliances with the Native Americans.
• Priscilla Mullins: Priscilla Mullins is a young woman who, like Patience, has traveled to the New World with her family. She becomes an important figure in the community and forms a bond with the Native Americans.
• Native Americans: The Native Americans have a rich history and culture in the land that the Pilgrims settle on. They have a deep connection to the land and play a crucial role in assisting the Pilgrims with their survival and integration into the new environment.
• Governor Carver: Governor Carver was the first governor of Plymouth Colony. He was instrumental in the early years of the settlement, making important decisions and establishing the foundation for future governance.

Character Arcs

• Patience: Patience begins the story as a young girl full of curiosity and adaptability. Through her experiences, she grows in resilience and understanding, learning to navigate the challenges of the new land and appreciating the importance of unity and cooperation.
• Master Brewster: Master Brewster starts as a respected leader of the Pilgrims and remains steadfast in his role throughout the story. He provides guidance and support to the settlers, ensuring their survival and helping them build a community in the New World.
• William Bradford: William Bradford's character arc revolves around his growth as a diplomat and leader. He faces numerous challenges in negotiating with the Native Americans and maintaining the unity of the settlers, but ultimately succeeds in establishing a successful colony.
• Elder Brewster: Elder Brewster's character arc focuses on his role as a spiritual leader. He helps the Pilgrims maintain their faith and serves as a moral compass throughout their journey in the strange new land.
• Miles Standish: Miles Standish's character arc centers around his transformation from a military leader to someone who values diplomacy and understanding. He learns to work with the Native Americans and develops a deep respect for their culture.
• Priscilla Mullins: Priscilla's character arc explores her growth from a young woman seeking a fresh start to someone who bridges the gap between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. She develops meaningful relationships and helps foster understanding between the two groups.
• Native Americans: The Native Americans' character arcs are tied to their interactions with the Pilgrims. They start as wary of the newcomers but eventually form alliances and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
• Governor Carver: Governor Carver's character arc is cut short by his untimely death. However, his leadership and vision during the early stages of the settlement lay the foundation for the future success of Plymouth Colony.

Relationships

• Patience forms a close bond with Master Brewster, who becomes a father figure to her throughout the journey.
• William Bradford and Elder Brewster have a strong mentor-student relationship, with Elder Brewster providing spiritual guidance to Bradford.
• Miles Standish and Priscilla Mullins develop a romantic relationship, which helps bridge the gap between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
• The Pilgrims establish relationships with the Native Americans, particularly Squanto and Samoset, who become crucial allies in their survival and integration into the new land.
• Governor Carver is respected by all the Pilgrims and plays a crucial role in the early establishment of Plymouth Colony.

In conclusion, "Our Strange New Land" by Patricia Hermes features a diverse array of characters who play essential roles in the Pilgrims' journey and settlement in the New World. Each character brings unique traits and backgrounds, contributing to the overall narrative and highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the Pilgrims' experience. The relationships formed between the characters, both within the Pilgrim community and with the Native Americans, underscore the importance of unity, understanding, and cooperation in the face of adversity.