"Smoke" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

The novel "Smoke" by Ellen Hopkins is a coming-of-age story that revolves around the life of Pattyn Von Stratten, a teenage girl living in a strict and oppressive household. Pattyn's journey serves as the central focus of the narrative, and the other characters play significant roles in shaping her experiences and personal growth.

Character Descriptions

1. Pattyn Von Stratten: The protagonist of the story, Pattyn is a seventeen-year-old girl who yearns for freedom and independence. She is intelligent, strong-willed, and curious about the world beyond her restrictive upbringing. Pattyn is described as having long, curly hair and an athletic build.
2. Ethan Von Stratten: Pattyn's younger brother, Ethan is a kind-hearted and sensitive boy. He is often overshadowed by their father's domineering presence but shares a close bond with Pattyn.
3. Jackie Von Stratten: Pattyn's younger sister, Jackie is a rebellious and spirited girl. She often challenges authority and rules, providing Pattyn with a source of inspiration and support.
4. Daddy Von Stratten: Pattyn's father, Daddy is a strict and abusive man. He holds traditional beliefs and enforces a conservative lifestyle upon his family. Daddy's actions and treatment of Pattyn have a profound impact on her development.
5. Momma Von Stratten: Pattyn's mother, Momma is submissive and compliant to Daddy's rules. She initially fails to protect Pattyn from Daddy's abuse but later experiences her own journey of self-discovery.
6. Aunt J: Pattyn's aunt, Aunt J is an independent and free-spirited woman who serves as a role model for Pattyn. She encourages Pattyn to question societal norms and explore her own desires.
7. Mr. Davies: Pattyn's English teacher, Mr. Davies is a compassionate and understanding mentor. He recognizes Pattyn's talent and encourages her to express herself through writing.
8. Justin: Justin is a boy Pattyn meets at her new school. He becomes Pattyn's love interest and supports her in her journey of self-discovery.
9. Sean: Sean is Pattyn's ex-boyfriend, who initially mistreats her and fails to understand her desires for independence. His actions contribute to Pattyn's growing frustration with her limited options.
10. Joanie: Joanie is Pattyn's best friend, who provides emotional support and helps Pattyn navigate the challenges she faces. She is fiercely loyal and encourages Pattyn to follow her dreams.
11. Sister Hilda: Sister Hilda is a nun at the Catholic school Pattyn attends. She is compassionate and understanding, offering guidance and support to Pattyn as she questions her faith.

Character Traits

1. Pattyn Von Stratten: Determined, intelligent, curious, brave, rebellious, resilient.
2. Ethan Von Stratten: Kind-hearted, sensitive, loyal, observant.
3. Jackie Von Stratten: Spirited, rebellious, independent, supportive.
4. Daddy Von Stratten: Strict, abusive, traditional, controlling.
5. Momma Von Stratten: Submissive, compliant, conflicted.
6. Aunt J: Independent, free-spirited, supportive, empowering.
7. Mr. Davies: Compassionate, understanding, mentor.
8. Justin: Caring, supportive, understanding.
9. Sean: Mistreating, unsupportive, unsympathetic.
10. Joanie: Loyal, caring, encouraging, understanding.
11. Sister Hilda: Compassionate, understanding, guiding.

Character Background

Pattyn Von Stratten comes from a highly religious and conservative household. Her father, Daddy, is a strict and abusive man who expects his family to adhere to his rigid beliefs. Pattyn's mother, Momma, is submissive and compliant, failing to protect her children from Daddy's abusive behavior. Pattyn has always felt trapped and suffocated by the oppressive atmosphere of her home.

Throughout her life, Pattyn has witnessed her older sister being married off to a man she does not love and her mother's lack of fulfillment in her marriage. These experiences have fueled Pattyn's desire for independence and freedom.

Character Arcs

1. Pattyn Von Stratten: At the beginning of the novel, Pattyn is a frustrated and rebellious teenager, yearning for a life beyond the confines of her oppressive household. As the story progresses, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms and questioning her faith. Pattyn finds her voice through writing and ultimately finds the strength to escape her abusive home.

Relationships

1. Pattyn and Ethan: Pattyn shares a close bond with her younger brother Ethan. They support and protect each other, finding solace in their shared experiences.
2. Pattyn and Jackie: Pattyn's relationship with her younger sister Jackie is complicated. While Jackie is rebellious and serves as a source of inspiration for Pattyn, their relationship is also marked by sibling rivalry and occasional clashes.
3. Pattyn and Daddy: Daddy's oppressive and abusive behavior deeply affects Pattyn. Their relationship is characterized by fear, control, and Pattyn's desperate desire to break free from his dominance.
4. Pattyn and Aunt J: Aunt J serves as a guiding figure for Pattyn, encouraging her to question societal norms and pursue her dreams. Their relationship provides Pattyn with a sense of hope and inspiration.
5. Pattyn and Mr. Davies: Mr. Davies becomes a mentor to Pattyn, recognizing her talent and encouraging her to express herself through writing. Their relationship offers Pattyn a safe space to explore her thoughts and ideas.
6. Pattyn and Justin: Justin becomes Pattyn's love interest and provides her with emotional support and understanding. Their relationship allows Pattyn to experience love and acceptance, helping her grow as an individual.
7. Pattyn and Sean: Sean is Pattyn's ex-boyfriend, whose mistreatment and lack of understanding contribute to her growing frustration with her limited options. Their relationship highlights the contrast between unhealthy and healthy relationships.
8. Pattyn and Joanie: Joanie is Pattyn's best friend, offering unwavering loyalty and emotional support. Their friendship provides Pattyn with strength and encouragement throughout her journey.
9. Pattyn and Sister Hilda: Sister Hilda, a nun at Pattyn's school, serves as a guiding figure during Pattyn's exploration of her faith. Their relationship is marked by compassion and understanding, helping Pattyn navigate her spiritual journey.

In conclusion, "Smoke" by Ellen Hopkins delves into the life of Pattyn Von Stratten, a young girl trapped in an oppressive environment. Through her relationships and personal growth, Pattyn embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and finding her voice. The characters in the novel play crucial roles in shaping Pattyn's experiences and contribute to her transformation.