"Paper Moon" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the novel "Paper Moon" by Joe David Brown, the main characters are Moses Pray and Addie Loggins. Moses, a charming and cunning con artist, takes on the role of a father figure to Addie, a wise-beyond-her-years young girl. Together, they embark on a journey through Depression-era America, engaging in various scams and adventures.

Character Descriptions

Moses Pray

Moses Pray is a smooth-talking, middle-aged man with a knack for swindling people. He has a disarming smile, a quick wit, and a way with words. Moses is portrayed as a scrappy and resourceful individual, always on the lookout for opportunities to make a quick buck. He dresses in shabby clothes and drives a beat-up car, using his appearance to his advantage in his cons.

Addie Loggins

Addie Loggins is a fiercely independent and street-smart eleven-year-old girl. With her dark hair and serious expression, she often appears older than her age. Addie is intelligent and observant, quickly learning the tricks of the con artist trade from Moses. Despite her tough exterior, she longs for stability and a sense of belonging.

Imogene

Imogene is a young woman who becomes involved with Moses and Addie during their journey. She is described as attractive, with a flirtatious personality. Imogene is initially attracted to Moses but later develops a genuine affection for Addie.

Deputy Hardin

Deputy Hardin is a law enforcement officer who occasionally crosses paths with Moses and Addie. He is suspicious of their activities and makes it his mission to catch them in the act. Deputy Hardin is determined and relentless in his pursuit of justice.

Miss Ollie

Miss Ollie is a kind-hearted woman who takes Moses and Addie in during their travels. She provides them with a temporary home and offers them a sense of stability and family.

The Professor

The Professor is a fellow con artist whom Moses and Addie encounter during their journey. He is older and more experienced in the art of deception, and Moses looks up to him as a mentor figure. The Professor teaches Moses and Addie new tricks and helps them refine their con artist skills.

Mr. Robertson

Mr. Robertson is a wealthy businessman who falls victim to Moses and Addie's con. He is portrayed as gullible and easily manipulated, making him the perfect target for their schemes.

Mr. Moses

Mr. Moses is Addie's deceased father, who Moses Pray claims to have known. His presence looms over Addie throughout the story, as she seeks to uncover the truth about her father and find a sense of connection to him.

Leroy

Leroy is a young boy who briefly joins Moses and Addie on their journey. He is portrayed as naive and easily influenced, becoming a temporary companion for Addie.

Trixie Delight

Trixie Delight is a burlesque dancer whom Moses meets during their travels. She adds a touch of glamour and excitement to the story and briefly becomes involved in their cons.

Character Traits

Moses Pray

• Charismatic
• Resourceful
• Opportunistic
• Charming
• Quick-witted

Addie Loggins

• Independent
• Observant
• Intelligent
• Street-smart
• Longing for stability

Imogene

• Attractive
• Flirtatious
• Caring
• Affectionate

Deputy Hardin

• Suspicious
• Determined
• Relentless
• Law-abiding

Miss Ollie

• Kind-hearted
• Motherly
• Supportive
• Generous

The Professor

• Experienced
• Mentor figure
• Wise
• Skilled in deception

Mr. Robertson

• Gullible
• Wealthy
• Easily manipulated

Mr. Moses

• Deceased
• Mysterious
• Father figure to Addie

Leroy

• Naive
• Easily influenced
• Temporary companion for Addie

Trixie Delight

• Glamorous
• Exciting
• Briefly involved in cons

Character Background

Moses Pray

Moses Pray is a drifter, constantly on the move and seeking opportunities to make money. He is a skilled con artist who has perfected the art of manipulation and deception. Moses grew up without a stable family or home, which has shaped his resourceful and self-reliant nature. He claims to have known Addie's father, Mr. Moses, and takes it upon himself to look after Addie as a way to honor his memory.

Addie Loggins

Addie Loggins is the daughter of Mr. Moses, a man she never knew. She lives with her aunt in a small town and spends most of her time fending for herself. Addie is intelligent and perceptive, quickly learning the tricks of Moses' trade. She yearns for a sense of family and stability, which drives her to stay by Moses' side on their journey.

Imogene

Imogene is a young woman who becomes entangled in Moses and Addie's adventures. She is attracted to Moses' charm and initially joins them out of infatuation. Imogene is searching for excitement and a break from her mundane life, but she ultimately develops a genuine affection and care for Addie, becoming a surrogate sister figure to her.

Deputy Hardin

Deputy Hardin is a local law enforcement officer who comes across Moses and Addie during their cons. He is suspicious of their activities and makes it his mission to catch them in the act. Deputy Hardin has a strong sense of justice and believes in upholding the law, which puts him at odds with Moses and Addie.

Miss Ollie

Miss Ollie is a kind-hearted woman who takes in Moses and Addie during their journey. She provides them with a temporary home and a sense of stability. Miss Ollie is a motherly figure who sees the potential for goodness in Moses and Addie, and she offers them guidance and support.

The Professor

The Professor is an older con artist who takes Moses and Addie under his wing. He becomes a mentor figure to Moses, teaching him new tricks and refining his skills. The Professor has a wealth of experience in the world of deception and sees potential in Moses and Addie. He becomes a pivotal figure in their journey, shaping their con artist abilities and providing them with guidance.

Mr. Robertson

Mr. Robertson is a wealthy businessman who falls victim to Moses and Addie's cons. He is portrayed as gullible and easily manipulated, making him the perfect target for their schemes. Mr. Robertson's wealth and naivety make him a tempting mark for Moses and Addie, who see him as an opportunity to make a substantial profit.

Mr. Moses

Mr. Moses is Addie's deceased father, a man she never knew. Moses Pray claims to have known him and uses this connection to gain Addie's trust. Addie is constantly seeking information about her father and yearns to uncover the truth about him. The presence of Mr. Moses looms over Addie throughout the story, driving her desire for a sense of connection and identity.

Leroy

Leroy is a young boy who briefly joins Moses and Addie on their journey. He is naive and easily influenced, making him a temporary companion for Addie. Leroy serves as a reminder of the vulnerability and innocence of childhood, contrasting with the cunning and street-smart nature of Moses and Addie.

Trixie Delight

Trixie Delight is a burlesque dancer whom Moses meets during their travels. She adds a touch of glamour and excitement to the story, briefly becoming involved in their cons. Trixie represents a different world from the one Moses and Addie usually inhabit, introducing them to a more extravagant and risky lifestyle.

Character Arcs

Moses Pray

Throughout the novel, Moses Pray experiences a significant character arc. Initially motivated solely by personal gain, Moses gradually develops a genuine affection and sense of responsibility towards Addie. His journey with Addie forces him to confront his own desires for stability and family. By the end of the novel, Moses undergoes a transformation from a self-serving con artist to a caring and protective father figure.

Addie Loggins

Addie's character arc revolves around her search for a sense of belonging and identity. Through her experiences with Moses, she learns about the complexities of the world and the importance of trust. Addie matures emotionally and gains a deeper understanding of herself and the people around her. She evolves from a lonely and independent young girl to someone who values the connections she forms with others.

Imogene

Imogene's character arc is marked by her journey from infatuation with Moses to a genuine bond with Addie. Initially attracted to Moses' charm, she becomes involved in their adventures seeking excitement. However, as she spends more time with Addie, Imogene develops a deep affection for the young girl and becomes a supportive sister figure. Imogene's experiences with Moses and Addie teach her about love and the importance of genuine connections.

Deputy Hardin

Deputy Hardin's character arc revolves around his pursuit of justice. Throughout the story, he becomes increasingly determined to catch Moses and Addie in the act of their cons. However, as he interacts with them more, Deputy Hardin begins to see their humanity and struggles with his own sense of right and wrong. By the end of the novel, Deputy Hardin's character arc leads him to question his own beliefs and the nature of justice.

Relationships

Moses and Addie

The relationship between Moses and Addie is at the core of the story. Initially brought together by circumstance, they develop a deep bond as they navigate the challenges of their con artist lifestyle. Moses becomes a father figure to Addie, offering her guidance and protection, while Addie brings a sense of purpose and connection to Moses' life. Their relationship is dynamic, filled with moments of trust, conflict, and growth.

Moses and Imogene

Moses and Imogene's relationship begins with attraction and a shared sense of adventure. However, as they spend more time together, their connection deepens. Imogene becomes an important emotional support for Moses, and he finds comfort in her presence. Their relationship represents a brief respite from their transient lifestyles, offering a glimpse of the stability they both crave.

Moses and The Professor

The relationship between Moses and The Professor is one of mentorship and admiration. The Professor takes Moses under his wing, teaching him the tricks of the trade and offering guidance. Moses looks up to The Professor and values his wisdom and experience. Their relationship is one of shared knowledge and mutual respect.

Moses and Miss Ollie

Moses and Miss Ollie's relationship is characterized by Miss Ollie's kindness and generosity. She offers Moses and Addie a temporary home and becomes a motherly figure to them. Moses appreciates Miss Ollie's support and stability, valuing her as a rare source of goodness in his life.

Addie and Mr. Moses

Although Mr. Moses is deceased and never physically present in the story, his presence looms large over Addie's life. She longs to uncover the truth about her father and find a sense of connection to him. Addie's relationship with Mr. Moses is one of longing and curiosity, driving her search for identity and belonging.

Addie and Imogene

Addie and Imogene's relationship evolves from a brief rivalry to a genuine friendship. Initially wary of each other's intentions, they eventually come to understand and support one another. Imogene becomes a trusted confidante for Addie, offering her emotional support and companionship.

Addie and Deputy Hardin

Addie and Deputy Hardin's relationship is characterized by conflict and suspicion. Deputy Hardin is determined to catch Moses and Addie in their cons, while Addie views him as an obstacle to their freedom. Their relationship is marked by a constant push-and-pull dynamic, as Deputy Hardin tries to keep Addie on the right side of the law.

Conclusion

The characters in "Paper Moon" are complex and multi-dimensional, each contributing to the story in their unique way. Moses Pray and Addie Loggins form a central relationship that drives the narrative forward, while the supporting characters add depth and complexity to the world they inhabit. Through their various character arcs and relationships, the characters in "Paper Moon" navigate themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in a challenging and uncertain world.