"Something Strange and Deadly" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Something Strange and Deadly" by Susan Dennard, the characters play various roles that drive the plot and contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Eleanor, faces supernatural challenges and seeks to uncover the truth behind the mysterious occurrences in her city. Daniel, the love interest, becomes an ally to Eleanor in her quest. Jie, Eleanor's friend and confidant, provides support and advice. Joseph, Eleanor's brother, acts as her protector. Marcus emerges as the main antagonist, creating obstacles for Eleanor and the other characters. Clarence, Eleanor's father, has a significant impact on the story, even though he is absent for most of it.

Character Descriptions

• Eleanor: Eleanor is a young woman living in Philadelphia during the late 19th century. She has a strong sense of curiosity and determination. With her striking red hair and green eyes, she stands out in a crowd. Eleanor is independent and resourceful, often taking matters into her own hands.
• Daniel: Daniel is a charming and mysterious young man who captures Eleanor's attention. He exudes confidence and has a knack for solving puzzles. Daniel is tall with dark hair and captivating blue eyes. Despite his initial secrecy, he proves to be reliable and loyal to Eleanor.
• Jie: Jie is a skilled and witty Chinese-American girl who quickly becomes Eleanor's closest friend. She is petite with an air of confidence and a mischievous smile. Jie is knowledgeable about the supernatural and provides crucial insights to Eleanor throughout their adventure.
• Joseph: Joseph is Eleanor's older brother who assumes the role of the protective sibling. He is tall and muscular, with a serious and stoic demeanor. Joseph has a deep sense of responsibility towards his family and will do anything to keep them safe.
• Marcus: Marcus is the main antagonist of the story. He is a necromancer who controls the Dead and uses his powers for his own gain. Marcus is tall and thin, with a pale complexion and dark, menacing eyes. He manipulates others to achieve his twisted goals.
• Clarence: Clarence is Eleanor's father, who is initially absent for unknown reasons. He is described as a wealthy and influential man, known for his business acumen. Despite his physical absence, his actions and decisions greatly impact Eleanor and the events of the story.
• Eleanor's Mother: Eleanor's mother is deceased at the start of the novel. Though she does not appear as an active character, she is mentioned throughout the book and serves as a motivator for Eleanor's actions.

Character Traits

• Eleanor: Courageous, inquisitive, determined, independent, resourceful
• Daniel: Charming, intelligent, mysterious, reliable, loyal
• Jie: Witty, knowledgeable, supportive, mischievous, loyal
• Joseph: Protective, responsible, stoic, selfless, strong
• Marcus: Manipulative, power-hungry, sinister, cunning, relentless
• Clarence: Wealthy, influential, distant, secretive, impactful
• Eleanor's Mother: Loving, motivating, influential, deceased

Character Background

• Eleanor: Eleanor comes from a privileged background, but her family's fortune has dwindled. She is determined to prove herself and find a way to save her family from ruin. Eleanor possesses a strong curiosity about the supernatural, fueled by her mother's interest in spiritualism before her death.
• Daniel: Daniel's background remains largely mysterious throughout the book. He is associated with a secret society and has a deep understanding of the supernatural. Despite his enigmatic past, he is driven by a desire to protect others and make a difference.
• Jie: Jie is a Chinese-American immigrant who works as a seamstress. She moved to Philadelphia to escape a difficult past and build a better life. Jie's experiences have made her resourceful and resilient, and she acts as a valuable ally to Eleanor.
• Joseph: Joseph is the eldest sibling in the Fitts family. He dropped out of school to support his family after their father's disappearance. Joseph takes on the role of protector, both physically and emotionally, for Eleanor and their younger sister.
• Marcus: Marcus is a necromancer who uses his powers for personal gain. His background is shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that he is a dangerous and manipulative individual. Marcus seeks to control the Dead and use them to further his own ambitions.
• Clarence: Clarence is Eleanor's father and a prominent businessman. He is often absent from Eleanor's life due to his business dealings and travels. Clarence's actions and decisions have a significant impact on the direction of the story, revealing hidden secrets and motives.
• Eleanor's Mother: Eleanor's mother was deeply interested in spiritualism and the supernatural. Her death motivates Eleanor to seek answers and uncover the truth behind the supernatural occurrences in Philadelphia.

Character Arcs

• Eleanor: Eleanor's character arc revolves around her journey from a curious and unaware young woman to a determined and empowered individual. She begins by seeking answers to the supernatural events plaguing her city but ultimately discovers her own strength and resilience.
• Daniel: Daniel's character arc is tied to his mysterious past and his association with the secret society. As the story progresses, Daniel reveals more about his background and his motivations, ultimately proving his loyalty and commitment to Eleanor.
• Jie: Jie's character arc centers around her growth as a friend and confidant to Eleanor. She starts as a supportive ally, but her role expands as she becomes more involved in the supernatural world and embraces her own abilities.
• Joseph: Joseph's character arc is primarily focused on his role as Eleanor's protector. He transitions from a stoic and responsible older brother to someone who is willing to take risks and confront the supernatural threats alongside Eleanor.
• Marcus: Marcus's character arc revolves around his pursuit of power and control. He becomes increasingly ruthless and unhinged as the story progresses, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation with Eleanor and the other characters.
• Clarence: Clarence's character arc is revealed through his actions and decisions, which have a significant impact on the story. As secrets are uncovered, Clarence's motivations and true nature are revealed, shaping the direction of the narrative.
• Eleanor's Mother: While Eleanor's mother is deceased, her character arc is unveiled through Eleanor's memories and the impact she had on her daughter. Her interest in spiritualism and the supernatural sets the stage for Eleanor's journey.

Relationships

• Eleanor and Daniel: Eleanor and Daniel's relationship begins with curiosity and develops into a deep bond of trust and love. They rely on each other as they navigate the supernatural challenges they face.
• Eleanor and Jie: Eleanor and Jie's friendship is built on trust, support, and shared adventures. Jie provides valuable insights and emotional support to Eleanor throughout the story.
• Eleanor and Joseph: Eleanor and Joseph's relationship is characterized by a strong sibling bond and a shared sense of responsibility. Joseph acts as Eleanor's protector, often putting himself in harm's way to keep her safe.
• Eleanor and Marcus: Eleanor and Marcus have an adversarial relationship, driven by Marcus's desire to control and manipulate her. Their interactions are fraught with tension and danger.
• Eleanor and Clarence: Eleanor's relationship with her father, Clarence, is complicated by his absence and mysterious actions. Their connection is revealed through hidden secrets and the impact of Clarence's decisions on Eleanor's life.

In "Something Strange and Deadly," Susan Dennard crafts a compelling cast of characters who drive the narrative through their roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Each character undergoes their own arc, contributing to the overall development of the story and the growth of the protagonist, Eleanor. As readers delve into the book, they will witness the evolution of these characters and their impact on Eleanor's quest for truth and survival.