BookBrief Logo
Son of a Trickster
Goodreads ratings
3.82 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"Son of a Trickster" Characters Analysis

A troubled Indigenous teenager navigates family dysfunction, substance abuse, and the supernatural in a gritty and compelling coming-of-age story.

Estimated read time: 7 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
JaredProtagonist
MaggieJared's mother
PhilJared's father
Mr. KesslerJared's grandfather
SarahJared's girlfriend
GeorginaJared's grandmother
TrevorJared's best friend
LisbethJared's aunt
WadeJared's uncle

Role Identification

Jared

Jared is the protagonist of "Son of a Trickster" and the central character of the story. He is a troubled teenager dealing with family issues and his own personal struggles.

Maggie

Maggie is Jared's mother and plays a significant role in the story, providing insight into Jared's upbringing and family dynamics.

Phil

Phil is Jared's father, whose presence and influence have a lasting impact on Jared's life and choices.

Mr. Kessler

Mr. Kessler is Jared's grandfather, and his character brings depth to the intergenerational dynamics within the family.

Sarah

Sarah is Jared's girlfriend, and her character provides a glimpse into Jared's romantic relationships and personal life outside of his family.

Georgina

Georgina is Jared's grandmother, and her role sheds light on the family's history and traditions.

Trevor

Trevor is Jared's best friend, offering a contrast to Jared's character and providing insight into Jared's social circle.

Lisbeth and Wade

Lisbeth and Wade are Jared's aunt and uncle, respectively, and their characters contribute to the family dynamics and history portrayed in the book.

Character Descriptions

Jared

Jared is a complex character who grapples with the challenges of adolescence while navigating a tumultuous family life. He is resourceful, resilient, and often finds himself in difficult situations due to his surroundings and personal choices.

Maggie

Maggie is a strong-willed and caring mother who strives to provide for her family despite the challenges she faces. Her character embodies resilience and a deep maternal love for Jared.

Phil

Phil is a troubled and unpredictable figure in Jared's life, whose actions and choices have a lasting impact on Jared's upbringing and worldview.

Mr. Kessler

Mr. Kessler is a traditional and enigmatic character whose presence influences Jared's understanding of his family's history and cultural heritage.

Sarah

Sarah is a supportive and understanding presence in Jared's life, offering him stability and comfort amidst the chaos of his family dynamics.

Georgina

Georgina is a matriarchal figure within the family, embodying wisdom and tradition while providing insight into Jared's ancestral roots.

Trevor

Trevor is a loyal and steadfast friend to Jared, offering a contrast to Jared's character and providing a sense of camaraderie and support.

Lisbeth and Wade

Lisbeth and Wade contribute to the family dynamic, offering different perspectives on the family's history and the challenges they have faced.

Character Traits

Jared

  • Resourceful
  • Resilient
  • Troubled
  • Rebellious
  • Compassionate

Maggie

  • Strong-willed
  • Caring
  • Resilient
  • Protective
  • Sacrificing

Phil

  • Troubled
  • Unpredictable
  • Emotionally distant
  • Impulsive
  • Conflicted

Mr. Kessler

  • Traditional
  • Enigmatic
  • Wise
  • Mysterious
  • Stoic

Sarah

  • Supportive
  • Understanding
  • Compassionate
  • Empathetic
  • Loyal

Georgina

  • Matriarchal
  • Wise
  • Traditional
  • Insightful
  • Resilient

Trevor

  • Loyal
  • Supportive
  • Comedic
  • Carefree
  • Trustworthy

Lisbeth and Wade

  • Protective
  • Cautious
  • Family-oriented
  • Stoic
  • Supportive

Character Background

Jared

Jared comes from a troubled family background, with a father struggling with addiction issues and a mother working tirelessly to provide for the family. His cultural heritage and family traditions play a significant role in shaping his identity and choices.

Maggie

Maggie has faced numerous challenges as a single mother, striving to create a stable environment for Jared amidst the turmoil caused by Phil's erratic behavior.

Phil

Phil's history of substance abuse and emotional distance has deeply impacted Jared's upbringing, leading to strained familial relationships and personal turmoil.

Mr. Kessler

Mr. Kessler's traditional values and mysterious past contribute to the rich tapestry of Jared's family history, shaping his understanding of his cultural roots.

Sarah

Sarah's background and presence in Jared's life provide a sense of stability and understanding, offering a respite from Jared's tumultuous family life.

Georgina

Georgina's wisdom and connection to cultural traditions offer Jared insights into his ancestral background and the challenges faced by previous generations.

Trevor

Trevor's friendship with Jared provides a window into Jared's social background and the support system he relies on outside of his family.

Lisbeth and Wade

Lisbeth and Wade's roles within the family reflect the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of shared history and struggles.

Character Arcs

Jared

Jared's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story, evolving from a troubled and rebellious teenager to a young adult striving to understand his family's history and his place within it.

Maggie

Maggie's arc revolves around her unwavering dedication to her son and her journey as a mother facing adversity, showcasing her strength and resilience as she navigates the challenges of single parenthood.

Phil

Phil's arc delves into his struggles with addiction and the impact of his choices on Jared and the family, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and personal demons.

Mr. Kessler

Mr. Kessler's enigmatic character unravels throughout the story, revealing layers of wisdom, tradition, and personal history that shape Jared's understanding of his cultural heritage.

Sarah

Sarah's character arc revolves around her relationship with Jared and her role in providing stability and support, showcasing her growth alongside Jared as they navigate their tumultuous lives.

Georgina

Georgina's character arc delves into her role as a matriarch and the keeper of familial traditions, offering guidance and wisdom to Jared as he explores his ancestral roots.

Trevor

Trevor's character arc highlights his unwavering loyalty and support for Jared, showcasing the strength of their friendship amidst the challenges they face.

Lisbeth and Wade

Lisbeth and Wade's character arcs emphasize their roles within the family dynamic and their efforts to protect and support Jared amidst the family's struggles.

Relationships

Jared and Maggie

Jared's relationship with his mother is defined by a deep bond and mutual support, showcasing the strength of their connection amidst the challenges they face.

Jared and Phil

Jared's relationship with his father is tumultuous, marked by the impact of Phil's addiction and emotional distance on their familial bond.

Jared and Mr. Kessler

Mr. Kessler's influence on Jared's understanding of his cultural heritage and family history shapes their relationship, offering Jared a sense of belonging and tradition.

Jared and Sarah

Jared's relationship with Sarah provides him with stability and understanding, offering a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of his family life.

Jared and Georgina

Georgina's role as a matriarch and guardian of familial traditions deepens Jared's connection to his cultural roots, shaping their relationship with wisdom and tradition.

Jared and Trevor

Trevor's friendship with Jared serves as a pillar of support, showcasing the strength of their bond and camaraderie amidst their personal struggles.

Jared and Lisbeth/Wade

Lisbeth and Wade's roles within the family dynamic highlight their protective instincts and support for Jared, showcasing the complexities of familial relationships.

Conclusion

"Son of a Trickster" presents a rich tapestry of characters whose backgrounds, arcs, and relationships contribute to the compelling narrative. Jared's journey, alongside the nuanced portrayals of his family members and friends, offers a poignant exploration of familial dynamics, cultural heritage, and personal growth. As the characters navigate their challenges and relationships, they provide a captivating portrayal of resilience, tradition, and the complexities of the human experience.