"Raising Stony Mayhall" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Stony Mayhall is the protagonist of "Raising Stony Mayhall" by Daryl Gregory. He is a young boy who is found by Wanda Mayhall in the woods near her home. Stony is unlike any other child because he is a zombie. The story follows Stony's journey as he navigates the challenges of living in a world that fears and rejects him.

Character Descriptions

Stony Mayhall

Stony Mayhall is the central character of the novel, a zombie who appears to be a normal human at first glance. He has pale skin, cold touch, and lacks a heartbeat. Stony has a scar on his chest from the bullet wound that killed him before he "woke up" as a zombie. Despite his undead nature, Stony possesses intelligence, emotions, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him.

Wanda Mayhall

Wanda Mayhall is Stony's mother. She is a strong and resourceful woman who discovers Stony as a baby and decides to raise him as her own. Wanda is fiercely protective of Stony and does everything she can to keep him safe from those who would harm him.

James Mayhall

James Mayhall is Stony's father. He is initially skeptical and fearful of Stony but eventually comes to accept him as his son. James struggles with his own prejudices and fears, but ultimately supports Wanda in her efforts to protect Stony.

Bonnie Mayhall

Bonnie Mayhall is Stony's younger sister. She is curious and accepting of Stony, viewing him as a unique and interesting brother. Bonnie often acts as a bridge between Stony and the rest of the family, helping them understand and accept him.

Nora

Nora is the leader of the resistance movement against the undead. She is a strong-willed and determined woman who believes that all zombies should be killed. Nora sees Stony as a threat to humanity and is determined to eliminate him.

Officer Delgado

Officer Delgado is a police officer who encounters Stony early in the story. Initially suspicious and fearful of Stony, Delgado eventually becomes an ally and helps protect him from those who wish to harm him.

Dr. Simon

Dr. Simon is a scientist who studies zombies and is fascinated by Stony. He conducts experiments on Stony to better understand his condition and the potential implications for the human race.

Maria

Maria is a young woman who becomes Stony's love interest. She is kind-hearted and accepting of Stony, seeing beyond his undead nature to the person he is inside.

Mr. Kellogg

Mr. Kellogg is the main antagonist of the novel. He is a powerful figure who believes that all zombies should be exterminated. He sees Stony as a threat and is determined to eliminate him.

Character Traits

Stony Mayhall

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Empathetic
• Brave
• Resilient

Wanda Mayhall

• Protective
• Resourceful
• Loving
• Strong-willed
• Compassionate

James Mayhall

• Skeptical
• Fearful
• Supportive
• Conflicted
• Open-minded

Bonnie Mayhall

• Curious
• Accepting
• Understanding
• Mediator
• Supportive

Nora

• Determined
• Fearful
• Uncompromising
• Ruthless
• Stubborn

Officer Delgado

• Suspicious
• Fearful
• Protective
• Loyal
• Compassionate

Dr. Simon

• Curious
• Analytical
• Intrigued
• Ethical
• Ambitious

Maria

• Kind-hearted
• Accepting
• Loving
• Supportive
• Brave

Mr. Kellogg

• Ruthless
• Prejudiced
• Fearful
• Powerful
• Manipulative

Character Background

Stony Mayhall's background is shrouded in mystery. He was found as a baby by Wanda Mayhall in the woods near her home. Wanda, who had lost a child of her own, decided to raise Stony as her own despite his undead nature. Stony's origins and the cause of his zombification are never fully explained in the novel.

Wanda and James Mayhall are a loving couple who initially struggle to accept Stony's unique condition. They undergo a journey of acceptance and understanding, eventually embracing Stony as their son. Bonnie, Stony's younger sister, is accepting of Stony from the start and forms a strong bond with him.

Nora is the leader of the resistance movement against the undead and is driven by a deep fear of the zombie threat. Officer Delgado initially sees Stony as a potential danger but gradually becomes an ally. Dr. Simon is a scientist fascinated by Stony's condition and conducts experiments to understand him better.

Maria is a young woman who becomes Stony's love interest. She is accepting of Stony despite societal prejudices and supports him throughout his journey. Mr. Kellogg, the main antagonist, sees Stony as a threat and seeks to eliminate him.

Character Arcs

Stony Mayhall starts his journey as a curious and intelligent young boy who is trying to understand his place in the world. He faces rejection and fear from society but finds acceptance within his family. Stony's character arc is one of self-discovery and acceptance of his undead nature.

Wanda and James Mayhall undergo their own character arcs as they struggle with their fears and prejudices, eventually coming to accept and love Stony as their son. Bonnie acts as a bridge between Stony and the rest of the family, helping them understand and accept him.

Nora's character arc is one of unwavering determination to eliminate the undead threat. She sees Stony as a representation of that threat and is willing to go to extreme measures to eliminate him. Officer Delgado's character arc involves overcoming his initial suspicions and fears to become an ally and protector of Stony.

Dr. Simon's character arc revolves around his scientific curiosity and ethical considerations. He is intrigued by Stony but grapples with the moral implications of his experiments. Maria's character arc involves her journey of acceptance and love for Stony, despite societal prejudices.

Mr. Kellogg's character arc is one of power and manipulation. He sees Stony as a threat to his own position and seeks to eliminate him to maintain his dominance.

Relationships

Stony Mayhall forms various relationships throughout the novel that shape his journey and character development. His relationship with his mother, Wanda, is one of unconditional love and protection. Wanda acts as Stony's anchor, providing him with a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Stony's relationship with his father, James, is initially strained due to James' skepticism and fear. However, as the story progresses, James comes to accept Stony as his son and supports Wanda in her efforts to protect him.

Stony shares a close bond with his younger sister, Bonnie. Bonnie is accepting of Stony from the start and acts as a mediator between Stony and the rest of the family. She helps them understand and accept him.

Stony's relationship with Nora is one of conflict and opposition. Nora sees Stony as a threat and is determined to eliminate him. Their interactions are characterized by tension and ideological differences.

Officer Delgado's relationship with Stony evolves from suspicion and fear to one of trust and protection. Delgado becomes an ally and helps protect Stony from those who wish to harm him.

Dr. Simon's relationship with Stony is one of scientific curiosity. Simon conducts experiments on Stony to better understand his condition, which raises ethical questions about their relationship.

Stony's relationship with Maria is one of love and acceptance. Maria sees beyond Stony's undead nature and supports him throughout his journey, providing him with emotional support and companionship.

Mr. Kellogg's relationship with Stony is one of opposition and antagonism. Mr. Kellogg sees Stony as a threat to his own power and seeks to eliminate him, leading to a tense and dangerous relationship.