"Pigs in Heaven" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Taylor Greer

Taylor Greer is the protagonist of the novel "Pigs in Heaven." She is a strong-willed and independent woman who struggles to balance her personal desires with her responsibilities as a mother.

Turtle

Turtle is a central character in the story, adopted by Taylor when she was a child. She is a young Cherokee girl with a traumatic past, and her struggles with identity and belonging are explored throughout the narrative.

Alice Greer

Alice Greer is Taylor's mother and a supporting character in the novel. She provides guidance and support to Taylor, while also experiencing her own personal growth as a mother and grandmother.

Jax

Jax is a supporting character and Taylor's love interest. He offers stability and a loving presence in Taylor's life, despite some of the challenges they face together.

Annawake Fourkiller

Annawake Fourkiller is a secondary character and a Cherokee lawyer. She plays a significant role in the story as she tries to reunite Turtle with her Cherokee heritage, raising questions about identity, family, and cultural preservation.

Cash Stillwater

Cash Stillwater is another secondary character who is a Native American artist. He is an important figure in Turtle's life, helping her connect with her Cherokee heritage through art.

Character Descriptions

Taylor Greer

Taylor Greer is a young woman in her early thirties, described as pragmatic and resilient. She is of European descent and grew up in rural Kentucky. Taylor has dark hair, a determined expression, and an athletic build. She often dresses in practical clothing, reflecting her no-nonsense personality.

Turtle

Turtle is a seven-year-old Cherokee girl, adopted by Taylor when she was found abandoned as a child. She is typically portrayed with a curious and intense gaze, dark hair, and a quiet demeanor. Turtle has endured trauma in her early years, leaving scars that impact her behavior and emotional development.

Alice Greer

Alice Greer is Taylor's mother and a middle-aged woman with silver hair and a warm smile. She exudes a calm and nurturing presence, contrasting with Taylor's more fiery personality. Alice is often seen wearing comfortable attire, emphasizing her nurturing and supportive nature.

Jax

Jax is a tall and ruggedly handsome man in his late thirties. He has a kind face, with expressive eyes that reflect both pain and kindness. Jax often wears casual clothing, reflecting his laid-back nature. He is supportive of Taylor and plays an important role in the lives of Turtle and Taylor.

Annawake Fourkiller

Annawake Fourkiller is a Cherokee lawyer in her early forties. She is portrayed as a strong and determined woman, with dark hair and a confident demeanor. Annawake often wears professional attire, highlighting her role as a legal advocate for her Cherokee community.

Cash Stillwater

Cash Stillwater is a Native American artist in his early fifties. He has a slender build, shoulder-length black hair, and a weathered face that reflects a deep connection to nature and his artistic pursuits. Cash's attire often reflects his creativity and Native American heritage.

Character Traits

Taylor Greer

• Determined
• Independent
• Resourceful
• Pragmatic
• Protective

Turtle

• Resilient
• Observant
• Brave
• Traumatized
• Reserved

Alice Greer

• Calm
• Nurturing
• Supportive
• Wise
• Reflective

Jax

• Kind-hearted
• Loyal
• Encouraging
• Patient
• Understanding

Annawake Fourkiller

• Tenacious
• Strong-minded
• Proud
• Empathetic
• Committed

Cash Stillwater

• Free-spirited
• Artistic
• Spiritual
• Appreciative of nature
• Wise

Character Background

Taylor Greer

Taylor grew up in rural Kentucky and had aspirations of escaping her small town to pursue her dreams. She left home after high school, eventually settling in Arizona and adopting Turtle. Despite her difficult upbringing and limited resources, Taylor is determined to provide a better life for her daughter.

Turtle

Turtle's early years remain a mystery until her past catches up with her. Abandoned on a highway at a young age, she is adopted by Taylor. Turtle's traumatic experiences have shaped her character, leaving her wary of others, particularly men.

Alice Greer

Alice is a loving mother and grandmother. She raised Taylor with care and understanding, instilling in her daughter a sense of strength and self-reliance. Alice is supportive of Taylor's choices but also wonders about the importance of heritage and family connections.

Jax

Jax is a local man who captures Taylor's heart. He provides emotional support and stability in Taylor's life. Jax has experienced his own share of hardships, which have made him compassionate and understanding. He serves as a loving presence in Turtle's life as well.

Annawake Fourkiller

Annawake is a Cherokee lawyer who is passionate about preserving the traditions and rights of her tribe. She becomes involved in Turtle's case as she tries to ensure Turtle maintains her cultural identity. Annawake has a deep connection to her heritage and fights for justice for her people.

Cash Stillwater

Cash is a well-known Native American artist who has found solace and inspiration in his creative pursuits. He forms a connection with Turtle and helps her explore and embrace her Cherokee heritage through art.

Character Arcs

Taylor Greer

Throughout the novel, Taylor's character arc focuses on her growth as a mother and her exploration of identity. She learns to balance her independence with the responsibilities of parenthood, ultimately finding a sense of belonging and understanding the importance of family connections.

Turtle

Turtle's character arc revolves around her healing and self-discovery. Through the support of Taylor, Alice, Jax, and others, Turtle gradually opens up, learning to trust and embrace her Cherokee heritage and cultural identity.

Alice Greer

Alice undergoes a personal transformation in the novel as she questions her own beliefs and values. Through Taylor and Turtle's experiences, she reflects on the importance of heritage and family connections, allowing her to grow and evolve as a mother and grandmother.

Jax

Jax serves as a stable presence in Taylor's and Turtle's lives, providing unwavering support. His character arc primarily involves his commitment to both Taylor and Turtle, as he learns to navigate the complexities of their lives together.

Annawake Fourkiller

Annawake's character arc centers around her determination and passion for preserving her Cherokee heritage. Through her involvement in Turtle's case, Annawake confronts her own cultural biases and learns to appreciate the significance of family and identity.

Cash Stillwater

Although a secondary character, Cash plays an important role in Turtle's journey of self-discovery. He encourages her artistic expression and helps her reconnect with her Cherokee heritage, guiding her toward healing and a better understanding of herself.

Relationships

Taylor Greer and Turtle

Taylor and Turtle share a deep mother-daughter bond. Taylor's love and protection shape Turtle's journey of healing, while Turtle's presence reminds Taylor of the importance of family and connection.

Taylor Greer and Alice Greer

Taylor and Alice's relationship evolves throughout the novel. From a more traditional mother-daughter dynamic to a supportive and understanding bond, Alice becomes an essential source of guidance and wisdom for Taylor.

Taylor Greer and Jax

Taylor and Jax's relationship provides stability and love for Taylor and Turtle. Despite their ups and downs, their connection strengthens as they support each other through life's challenges.

Turtle and Annawake Fourkiller

Turtle's relationship with Annawake is complex. Annawake seeks to protect and reconnect Turtle with her Cherokee heritage, but Turtle's traumatic past creates barriers. However, this relationship helps Turtle discover her identity and cultural roots.

Turtle and Cash Stillwater

Cash's relationship with Turtle revolves around art and her exploration of her Cherokee heritage. He becomes a mentor figure, supporting Turtle's artistic endeavors and helping her connect with her cultural identity.

In conclusion, "Pigs in Heaven" offers a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and character arcs. Through their relationships and personal growth, the novel explores themes of identity, family, and the importance of cultural heritage. As readers delve into this captivating story, they witness the transformative journeys of Taylor, Turtle, and the other characters, provoking introspection and reflection on their own lives.