"Ramona Blue" Characters Analysis

Ramona Blue: Character Analysis

In Julie Murphy's novel "Ramona Blue," the protagonist, Ramona Blue, is a complex and compelling character who undergoes a significant personal journey. This character analysis will delve into Ramona's role in the story, her physical and emotional characteristics, her background, character traits, arcs, and relationships.

List of Characters

Before delving into Ramona Blue's character analysis, it is essential to provide a list of key characters in the book:

Role Identification

Ramona Blue is the central protagonist in the book, and her journey is the primary focus of the storyline. As a coming-of-age novel, the story revolves around Ramona's exploration of her identity, relationships, and personal growth. Ramona's role is to challenge societal norms, discover her true self, and navigate the complexities of adolescence.

Character Descriptions

Ramona Blue is described as a tall, lanky, and athletic girl with long blue hair. She has freckles, pale skin, and a distinctive birthmark on her lower back. Ramona's physical appearance sets her apart from others, reinforcing her individuality and uniqueness.

Character Traits

Ramona's character is defined by a range of traits that shape her personality and actions throughout the novel:

1. Loyalty: Ramona is fiercely loyal to her family and friends, always putting their needs ahead of her own.
2. Determination: Despite facing numerous challenges, Ramona displays remarkable determination and resilience in pursuing her goals.
3. Selflessness: Ramona consistently prioritizes others' well-being and happiness, often neglecting her own desires.
4. Independence: Ramona values her independence and strives for self-sufficiency, taking on multiple part-time jobs to support her family.
5. Confusion: Throughout the story, Ramona grapples with her sexual orientation and struggles to understand her feelings for both Freddie and Grace.
6. Ambition: Ramona dreams of leaving her small town and pursuing a college education to create a better future for herself and her family.
7. Compassion: Ramona possesses a deep sense of empathy and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Character Background

Ramona Blue comes from a working-class background in Eulogy, a small coastal town in Mississippi. She lives in a trailer park with her father, Saul, and her two sisters, Hattie and Ruthie. Ramona's mother, Pippa, left the family when she was young, adding to the challenges Ramona faces.

Due to financial constraints, Ramona is unable to attend college immediately after high school. Instead, she continues working at the local swimming pool and taking care of her family's needs. This background shapes Ramona's determination to break free from the limitations of her circumstances.

Character Arcs

Ramona Blue's character arc is central to the narrative of the book. At the beginning of the story, Ramona is portrayed as a self-sacrificing and content individual. However, as the plot unfolds, Ramona begins to question her desires, particularly her sexual orientation.

Ramona's journey involves exploring her feelings for both Freddie, her best friend, and Grace, a new girl in town. This exploration leads her to question her identity and confront societal expectations. Ultimately, Ramona discovers that her sexual orientation is fluid and that her feelings for both Freddie and Grace are valid.

Throughout the novel, Ramona undergoes a transformation, embracing her true self and finding the strength to pursue her dreams. Her character arc highlights the importance of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love.

Relationships

Ramona Blue's relationships with other characters in the book play a significant role in her personal growth and development. The key relationships in the story include:

1. Freddie: Ramona's best friend and love interest. Their relationship evolves from friendship to a romantic connection, challenging Ramona's understanding of her own desires.
2. Hattie: Ramona's older sister, who struggles with an unplanned pregnancy. Ramona's close bond with Hattie influences her decisions and priorities.
3. Ruthie: Ramona's younger sister, who looks up to her. Ramona's role as a sister and caretaker shapes her actions and responsibilities.
4. Simon: Ramona's childhood friend, who provides support and understanding during her journey of self-discovery.
5. Grace: A new girl in town with whom Ramona develops a romantic connection. Grace's presence challenges Ramona's understanding of her sexual orientation and leads to significant personal growth.
6. Shelby: Ramona's best friend, who offers support and acts as a sounding board throughout Ramona's journey.
7. Meeker: Ramona's coach and mentor, who encourages her to pursue her dreams and provides guidance during critical moments.

These relationships serve as catalysts for Ramona's character development, allowing her to explore different aspects of her identity and challenge societal expectations.

In conclusion, Ramona Blue is a multi-dimensional character who undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and embracing her true self. Through her relationships, character traits, and personal growth, Ramona becomes an inspiring protagonist who navigates the complexities of adolescence and finds the courage to pursue her dreams.