"Ragtime" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Protagonists

The protagonists in "Ragtime" include Mother, Father, Younger Brother, and Coalhouse Walker Jr. Their stories intertwine to showcase different perspectives on the societal issues and transformations of the era.

Supporting Characters

Sarah, Tateh, Emma Goldman, Houdini, and Evelyn Nesbit play significant roles in supporting the development of the main characters and the overarching narrative.

Antagonists

J.P. Morgan and Willie Conklin serve as antagonists, embodying the oppressive forces and prejudices prevalent in the society during the time period depicted in the book.

Character Descriptions

Mother

Mother is a strong and independent woman who becomes increasingly involved in social causes, challenging the traditional gender roles of the early 20th century.

Father

Father represents the typical upper-middle-class man of the era, but his curiosity and willingness to question societal norms lead him on a transformative journey.

Younger Brother

Younger Brother is idealistic and passionate, often struggling to find his place in the rapidly changing world. His infatuation with Evelyn Nesbit drives his actions and decisions.

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Coalhouse Walker Jr. is a proud and talented African American musician whose experiences with racism and injustice drive him to seek justice in a society that denies it to him.

Sarah

Sarah is Coalhouse Walker Jr.'s love interest and the mother of his child. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Coalhouse's radicalization and pursuit of justice.

Tateh

Tateh is a Jewish immigrant who undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a struggling artist to a successful film director, reflecting the immigrant experience in America.

Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman is a political activist and anarchist whose ideologies influence several characters in the story, contributing to the exploration of radical politics and social change.

Houdini

Houdini, the renowned illusionist, symbolizes the theme of reinvention and the elusive nature of identity in a rapidly evolving society.

Evelyn Nesbit

Evelyn Nesbit, a famous chorus girl, captivates the hearts and minds of many characters, embodying the allure and perils of celebrity culture in the early 20th century.

J.P. Morgan

J.P. Morgan represents the epitome of wealth and power, embodying the oppressive forces of capitalism and the stark class divides of the era.

Willie Conklin

Willie Conklin personifies the racism and prejudice prevalent in the society, perpetuating the injustices faced by Coalhouse Walker Jr. and other marginalized characters.

Character Traits

Mother

• Strong-willed
• Compassionate
• Progressive
• Empathetic

Father

• Curious
• Open-minded
• Traditional
• Adaptive

Younger Brother

• Idealistic
• Impulsive
• Passionate
• Rebellious

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

• Proud
• Talented
• Determined
• Righteous

Sarah

• Loving
• Vulnerable
• Resilient
• Tragic

Tateh

• Resourceful
• Ambitious
• Adaptive
• Empathetic

Emma Goldman

• Radical
• Influential
• Uncompromising
• Inspirational

Houdini

• Mysterious
• Adaptive
• Charismatic
• Resilient

Evelyn Nesbit

• Captivating
• Vulnerable
• Manipulated
• Symbolic

J.P. Morgan

• Powerful
• Ruthless
• Authoritative
• Elitist

Willie Conklin

• Racist
• Violent
• Entitled
• Prejudiced

Character Background

Mother

Mother comes from a privileged background but evolves from a traditional homemaker to a progressive activist, challenging the societal norms of her time.

Father

Father's background is rooted in the upper-middle-class values of the early 20th century, but his encounters with societal changes lead him to question and adapt his perspectives.

Younger Brother

Younger Brother's background is one of privilege, but his idealism and struggles with identity drive him to seek purpose and meaning outside the confines of his societal status.

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Coalhouse Walker Jr. comes from a background of musical talent and pride, but the racial injustices he faces compel him to fight against the oppressive social structures.

Sarah

Sarah's background is characterized by love and tragedy, and her experiences reflect the challenges faced by African Americans in a racially divided society.

Tateh

Tateh's background as a Jewish immigrant mirrors the experiences of many newcomers to America, marked by poverty, discrimination, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman's background as a political activist and anarchist shapes her unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for radical social change.

Houdini

Houdini's background as an illusionist and master of reinvention reflects the themes of transformation and identity prevalent throughout the narrative.

Evelyn Nesbit

Evelyn Nesbit's background as a chorus girl thrust into the spotlight illuminates the complexities of fame, beauty, and vulnerability in the evolving landscape of celebrity culture.

J.P. Morgan

J.P. Morgan's background as a titan of industry epitomizes the unyielding power and influence of the upper class during the Gilded Age.

Willie Conklin

Willie Conklin's background as a symbol of racism and prejudice embodies the oppressive and discriminatory attitudes pervasive in the society at the time.

Character Arcs

Mother

Mother's arc revolves around her transformation from a traditional homemaker to an activist challenging gender and societal norms, culminating in her newfound independence and purpose.

Father

Father's arc encompasses his journey from a complacent upper-middle-class man to someone who questions and adapts to the changing world, ultimately finding a new sense of purpose.

Younger Brother

Younger Brother undergoes an arc of idealism and disillusionment, grappling with his identity and values in the face of societal upheaval, leading to his pursuit of meaning and belonging.

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Coalhouse Walker Jr.'s arc is defined by his experiences of racial injustice, driving him from a proud musician to a radicalized figure seeking justice and equality through unconventional means.

Sarah

Sarah's arc is tragically brief, yet her impact drives Coalhouse Walker Jr.'s transformation, symbolizing the profound consequences of racial prejudice and societal oppression.

Tateh

Tateh's arc follows his evolution from a struggling immigrant artist to a successful film director, embodying the immigrant experience and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman's arc portrays her unwavering commitment to radical activism and social change, influencing and inspiring several characters throughout the narrative.

Houdini

Houdini's arc revolves around his mastery of illusion and reinvention, reflecting the theme of transformation and the elusive nature of identity in a rapidly changing society.

Evelyn Nesbit

Evelyn Nesbit's arc delves into the complexities of fame and vulnerability, as she navigates the perils of celebrity culture and grapples with the consequences of her allure.

J.P. Morgan

J.P. Morgan's arc embodies the unyielding power and influence of the upper class, representing the oppressive forces of capitalism and the stark class divides of the era.

Willie Conklin

Willie Conklin's arc symbolizes the pervasive racism and prejudice of the time, perpetuating the injustices faced by marginalized characters and embodying the societal ills that must be confronted.

Relationships

Mother and Father

Mother and Father's relationship evolves from a traditional dynamic to one of mutual respect and understanding, as they navigate the societal transformations and find common ground in their shared experiences.

Younger Brother and Evelyn Nesbit

Younger Brother's infatuation with Evelyn Nesbit drives his actions and decisions, shaping his character and illustrating the complexities of idolization and disillusionment.

Coalhouse Walker Jr. and Sarah

Coalhouse Walker Jr.'s love for Sarah and their tragic fate serve as a catalyst for his radicalization, underscoring the profound impact of racial prejudice and injustice on personal relationships.

Tateh and Mother

Tateh and Mother's encounter reflects the immigrant experience and the shared struggles of individuals seeking to redefine themselves in the rapidly changing American landscape.

Emma Goldman and Younger Brother

Emma Goldman's influence on Younger Brother highlights the power of radical ideologies in shaping individual beliefs and actions, driving his pursuit of meaning and purpose.

J.P. Morgan and Coalhouse Walker Jr.

J.P. Morgan's embodiment of elitist power and Coalhouse Walker Jr.'s defiance against oppression culminate in a confrontation that encapsulates the societal tensions of the era.

Willie Conklin and Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Willie Conklin's racist actions and their impact on Coalhouse Walker Jr. exemplify the deep-seated prejudices that fuel the conflicts and injustices faced by marginalized characters.

In "Ragtime," E.L. Doctorow masterfully weaves together the lives and interactions of a diverse cast of characters, each representing the tumultuous societal changes and challenges of the early 20th century. The complex relationships and character arcs provide a profound exploration of identity, activism, and the enduring impact of historical injustices.