"Roots: The Saga of an American Family" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

• Kunta Kinte: Central figure connected to the African roots of the family.
• Kizzy Kinte: Represents the struggle and resilience of African Americans during slavery.
• Chicken George: Depicts the perseverance and adaptability amidst hardship.
• Tom Lea: Embodies the oppressive nature of slavery.
• Belle Reynolds: Provides emotional support and stability to Kunta.
• William Waller: Illustrates the complexities of slave ownership.
• Matilda: Symbolizes love and unity within the family.
• Tom Murray: Continues the family legacy of seeking freedom.

Character Descriptions

Kunta Kinte

Kunta Kinte is introduced as a young man from Juffure, West Africa. He is captured and sold into slavery in America. He is characterized by his strong African identity and determination to maintain his heritage. Kunta's story represents the initial link between African roots and American descendants.

Kizzy Kinte

Kizzy is Kunta Kinte's daughter. Her life is marked by the pain of separation from her family when she is sold away. Despite the hardships, she remains resilient, passing on her father's stories and values to her son, Chicken George.

Chicken George

Chicken George, Kizzy's son, is known for his skills in cockfighting, which he uses to gain a semblance of autonomy. His character illustrates the ability to adapt and survive in a hostile environment. He eventually earns his freedom and works toward reuniting his family.

Tom Lea

Tom Lea is a plantation owner who buys Kizzy. He is depicted as both cruel and complex, embodying the oppressive nature of the slave system. His relationship with Chicken George is fraught with tension but also mutual dependence.

Belle Reynolds

Belle is Kunta Kinte's wife and a fellow slave on the plantation. She is a nurturing figure who provides emotional support to Kunta and helps him adapt to his new life. Belle’s character highlights the importance of family bonds.

William Waller

William Waller is Kizzy’s master after she is sold away. He is portrayed as a man who is both a product and propagator of the slavery system. His interactions with Kizzy reveal the complexities and contradictions of slave ownership.

Matilda

Matilda becomes Chicken George's wife. She is a strong and loving partner who helps to keep the family united through difficult times. Matilda’s character represents hope and resilience.

Tom Murray

Tom Murray, Chicken George’s son, continues the family's struggle for freedom. His character depicts the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for African Americans.

Character Traits

Character Background

Kunta Kinte

Kunta Kinte is a Mandinka warrior from Juffure, West Africa. His upbringing is steeped in rich cultural traditions that he strives to uphold even after his capture and enslavement. His story begins in the late 18th century and is a poignant depiction of the transatlantic slave trade’s impact on individuals.

Kizzy Kinte

Born on the American plantation where Kunta is enslaved, Kizzy grows up with her father's stories about Africa. Her life takes a drastic turn when she is sold to another plantation, where she faces new challenges and abuses. Her background is instrumental in maintaining the family’s connection to their African heritage.

Chicken George

Raised on a plantation, Chicken George is known for his cockfighting prowess, gaining favor with his owner, Tom Lea. His background is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience needed to survive and navigate the oppressive system.

Tom Lea

Tom Lea is a former overseer who rises to become a landowner. His background reflects the volatile nature of power and wealth in the antebellum South. He sees slaves as property, yet his relationship with Chicken George reveals contradictions in his character.

Belle Reynolds

Belle is a slave on the Reynolds plantation where she meets Kunta Kinte. Her background is less detailed, but her life is marked by the struggles of slavery and her role as a stabilizing force within the family.

William Waller

William Waller is a plantation owner who inherits Kizzy. His background reveals the societal norms of the time, which dictate his actions and attitudes towards slavery.

Matilda

Matilda's background is rooted in her role as a supportive partner to Chicken George. Her life is primarily focused on her family and ensuring their unity and survival.

Tom Murray

Tom Murray’s background is shaped by his father’s determination and his own aspirations for freedom. He represents the new generation’s fight for civil rights and justice.

Character Arcs

Kunta Kinte

Kunta’s journey from a free man in Africa to an enslaved individual in America is marked by his steadfast refusal to relinquish his cultural identity. Over time, he adapts to his circumstances but never loses his core values. His arc highlights the enduring human spirit.

Kizzy Kinte

Kizzy’s arc is one of survival and resilience. She transitions from a hopeful child to a woman determined to preserve her family’s history. Her character embodies the struggle against the dehumanization of slavery.

Chicken George

Chicken George evolves from a young boy trying to understand his place in the world to a man who fights for his family's freedom. His arc is characterized by growth, adaptability, and eventual liberation.

Tom Lea

Tom Lea’s arc is a descent into moral ambiguity. Initially a figure of authority, his interactions with Chicken George reveal his complex nature, torn between economic interests and personal connections.

Belle Reynolds

Belle’s arc is more static, focused on her role as a caregiver and emotional anchor for Kunta. Her character underscores the importance of familial support in maintaining one's identity.

William Waller

Waller’s arc is emblematic of the entrenched attitudes of the time. His character shows little growth, reflecting the rigid social structures that perpetuate slavery.

Matilda

Matilda’s arc is centered on her commitment to her family. Her strength and support enable her family to endure and ultimately overcome their hardships.

Tom Murray

Tom Murray’s arc is one of empowerment and advocacy. He takes the lessons from his ancestors and channels them into action, representing the ongoing fight for equality.

Relationships

Kunta Kinte and Belle Reynolds

Kunta and Belle share a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and love. Their relationship is a source of strength for both, helping them endure the trials of slavery.

Kizzy Kinte and Chicken George

Kizzy and Chicken George share a strong mother-son relationship. Kizzy instills in George the importance of heritage and resilience, which he carries throughout his life.

Chicken George and Tom Lea

Their relationship is complex and multifaceted. While George is technically Lea's property, their interactions reveal a nuanced dynamic of dependency and conflict.

Chicken George and Matilda

Their marriage is built on love and mutual support. Matilda’s unwavering loyalty and strength provide George with the foundation needed to strive for freedom.

Tom Murray and the Family Legacy

Tom’s relationship with his family history is central to his character. He honors the legacy of his ancestors by continuing their fight for justice and equality.

Conclusion

"Roots: The Saga of an American Family" is a rich tapestry of characters who embody the struggles and triumphs of African Americans from slavery to emancipation. Each character's journey reflects the resilience and strength needed to overcome oppression and maintain cultural identity. Through their arcs and relationships, the novel paints a vivid picture of the enduring human spirit and the importance of family and heritage.