"Running with Scissors" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Augusten Burroughs: The protagonist and narrator of the story, providing insight into his experience growing up in a unique and challenging environment.

Dr. Finch: Acts as a guardian and father figure to Augusten, while also being an eccentric and unconventional psychiatrist.

Natalie Finch: Dr. Finch's daughter, whose tumultuous relationship with her family impacts the dynamics within the household.

Hope Finch: Dr. Finch's wife, who struggles with her mental health and plays a significant role in the family's unconventional lifestyle.

Deirdre Burroughs: Augusten's mother, whose instability and neglect contribute to his tumultuous upbringing.

Neil Bookman: A patient and friend of Dr. Finch, who becomes involved in the unconventional dynamics of the Finch household.

Agnes Finch: Another daughter of Dr. Finch, who is influenced by her family's unorthodox lifestyle.

Fern Stewart: Another patient and friend of Dr. Finch, contributing to the unconventional community within the household.

Greer: A friend of Augusten's who provides support and companionship during his tumultuous upbringing.

Character Descriptions

Augusten Burroughs: A resilient and introspective young boy who navigates a tumultuous and unconventional upbringing with a mixture of vulnerability and strength.

Dr. Finch: An eccentric and unorthodox psychiatrist who becomes a central figure in Augusten's life, introducing him to a world filled with eccentric characters and unconventional practices.

Natalie Finch: A complex and troubled individual whose struggles with her family and mental health contribute to the unpredictable atmosphere within the Finch household.

Hope Finch: A character struggling with her mental health, whose erratic behavior adds to the unconventional environment in which Augusten is raised.

Deirdre Burroughs: Augusten's mother, whose neglect and instability play a significant role in shaping his tumultuous upbringing.

Neil Bookman: A patient of Dr. Finch who becomes entangled in the unorthodox dynamics of the Finch household, providing additional complexity to the story.

Agnes Finch: Another member of the Finch family, influenced by the unconventional lifestyle fostered by her father.

Fern Stewart: Another individual drawn into the unconventional community within the Finch household, contributing to the eccentric environment in which Augusten grows up.

Greer: A friend who offers companionship and support to Augusten, providing a sense of stability amidst the chaos of his upbringing.

Character Traits

Augusten Burroughs: Resilient, introspective, vulnerable, and adaptive.

Dr. Finch: Eccentric, unorthodox, charismatic, and enigmatic.

Natalie Finch: Troubled, volatile, conflicted, and emotionally turbulent.

Hope Finch: Fragile, unpredictable, distressed, and erratic.

Deirdre Burroughs: Neglectful, unstable, self-absorbed, and unpredictable.

Neil Bookman: Charismatic, enigmatic, impressionable, and conflicted.

Agnes Finch: Influenced, impressionable, conflicted, and unconventional.

Fern Stewart: Eccentric, enigmatic, supportive, and unpredictable.

Greer: Supportive, stable, reliable, and compassionate.

Character Background

Augusten Burroughs: Raised in a tumultuous and unconventional environment, Augusten's childhood is marked by neglect and instability due to his mother's struggles.

Dr. Finch: An unorthodox psychiatrist with a charismatic and eccentric personality, Dr. Finch creates an unconventional household that becomes a formative part of Augusten's upbringing.

Natalie Finch: Reeling from her own personal struggles, Natalie grapples with her identity and role within the complex dynamics of the Finch family.

Hope Finch: Battling her own mental health issues, Hope's erratic behavior further complicates the already unconventional environment in which Augusten is raised.

Deirdre Burroughs: Augusten's mother, whose neglect and instability create a challenging and unpredictable upbringing for him.

Neil Bookman: Drawn into the unorthodox dynamics of the Finch household, Neil's friendship with Dr. Finch and involvement with the family adds complexity to the narrative.

Agnes Finch: Influenced by her father's unorthodox practices, Agnes struggles with her own identity within the unconventional environment of her family.

Fern Stewart: Another individual immersed in the unconventional community within the Finch household, contributing to the eccentric environment in which Augusten grows up.

Greer: Offering stability and support, Greer becomes a source of comfort and companionship for Augusten amidst the chaos of his upbringing.

Character Arcs

Augusten Burroughs: From a vulnerable and neglected child, Augusten matures into a resilient and introspective individual who navigates the challenges of his upbringing with strength and adaptability.

Dr. Finch: Despite his eccentricity, Dr. Finch's character evolves as he grapples with the consequences of his unconventional practices and their impact on those around him.

Natalie Finch: Natalie's tumultuous journey involves a struggle to find stability and purpose amidst the chaos of her family's dynamics, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.

Hope Finch: Battling her mental health issues, Hope's arc is marked by moments of instability and vulnerability, ultimately leading to a path of self-realization and acceptance.

Deirdre Burroughs: While her impact is felt throughout the narrative, Deirdre's character arc is defined by her absence and the lasting effects of her neglect on Augusten's upbringing.

Neil Bookman: Neil's involvement with the Finch family leads to a complex character arc as he grapples with the consequences of his entanglement in their unorthodox world.

Agnes Finch: Influenced by her father's unconventional practices, Agnes undergoes a journey of self-discovery and conflict, shaped by the unorthodox environment in which she is raised.

Fern Stewart: As a part of the unconventional community within the Finch household, Fern's character arc is marked by her dynamic interactions and contributions to the eccentric environment.

Greer: Serving as a stabilizing force for Augusten, Greer's character arc is defined by her unwavering support and the role she plays in his journey towards resilience and self-discovery.

Relationships

The relationships in "Running with Scissors" are intricate and pivotal to the narrative's development. They shape the characters' experiences and contribute to the unconventional environment in which they navigate their lives. From Augusten's complex bond with Dr. Finch to the tumultuous dynamics within the Finch family, each relationship adds depth and complexity to the story.

The bond between Augusten and Dr. Finch is central, as the unorthodox psychiatrist becomes a significant influence in the young boy's life. Meanwhile, the interactions between Natalie, Hope, and Agnes Finch contribute to the unpredictable atmosphere within the household, influencing the trajectory of the characters' arcs. Additionally, the friendships formed by Augusten, particularly with Neil Bookman and Greer, provide crucial support and stability amidst the chaos of his upbringing.

The relationships in "Running with Scissors" underscore the impact of unconventional dynamics on the characters' development, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences and emotions.

Overall, "Running with Scissors" delves into the complexities of the human experience through its diverse and multifaceted characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Their interactions, development, and relationships intertwine to create a compelling exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the enduring impact of a tumultuous upbringing.