"Straight Man" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

William Henry Devereaux Jr., also known as Hank, is the protagonist and the English Department Chair at the fictional West Central Pennsylvania University. The other characters in the book are his colleagues, family members, and friends.

Character Descriptions

• William Henry Devereaux Jr. (Hank): He is a middle-aged man, known for his sarcastic wit and dry sense of humor. Hank is frustrated with the state of his personal and professional life, and often finds himself caught in absurd situations.
• Hank Devereaux Sr.: The father of William, he is a former mayor of the town. Hank Sr. is a larger-than-life character who still holds influence in the community.
• Janet Rossi: The Dean of the college, Janet Rossi is a strict and no-nonsense administrator who clashes with Hank over budget cuts and departmental issues.
• Ted Swensen: A fellow English professor and Hank's best friend, Ted is supportive and understanding. He serves as a confidant for Hank throughout the book.
• Grace Devereaux: Hank's wife, Grace is a patient and caring woman who tries to keep the peace in their tumultuous household.
• Jack Crispin: An eccentric and unpredictable English professor, Jack often pushes the boundaries of acceptable behavior. He frequently clashes with Hank and provides comic relief in the story.
• Fred Russo: Another English professor, Fred is known for his eccentricities and unusual teaching methods.
• Emily Devereaux: Hank and Grace's daughter, Emily is a college student who is trying to find her own path in life.
• Tom Henderson, Edward French, Gloria Sullivan, Alice Gromer, and Genevieve Schultz: These are other members of the English department who interact with Hank throughout the story.

Character Traits

• Hank is intelligent, witty, and quick with his words. He uses humor as a defense mechanism to cope with the challenges in his life.
• Hank Sr. is charismatic and influential, but also stubborn and set in his ways.
• Janet Rossi is authoritative, rigid, and focused on maintaining the college's budget and reputation.
• Ted is loyal, understanding, and always there for Hank when he needs support.
• Grace is patient, loving, and tries to keep the peace in their household.
• Jack Crispin is unpredictable, unconventional, and often challenges the status quo.
• Fred Russo is eccentric, unconventional, and has a unique teaching style.
• Emily is independent, intelligent, and is trying to find her own path in life.
• The other members of the English department have their own distinct personalities and quirks.

Character Background

Hank Devereaux Jr. is an English professor who has been the Chair of the English Department at West Central Pennsylvania University for over 20 years. He is struggling with the pressures of his job, as budget cuts threaten the existence of his department. Hank is also dealing with personal issues, including his strained relationship with his father and the challenges of raising a teenage daughter.

Hank Sr. was a beloved mayor of the town and still holds influence in the community. He is a prominent figure and often overshadows his son, creating a sense of resentment between them.

Janet Rossi, as the Dean of the college, is responsible for making difficult decisions that affect the faculty and students. She is focused on maintaining the college's reputation and financial stability.

Character Arcs

Throughout the book, Hank experiences a transformation in his personal and professional life. He starts off as a sarcastic and cynical character, but as the story progresses, he begins to reflect on his own behavior and the impact it has on those around him. He learns to be more compassionate and understanding, and develops a deeper appreciation for his colleagues and family.

Hank's relationship with his father goes through a significant change as well. They start off with a strained relationship, but as Hank confronts his own fears and insecurities, he begins to understand his father better and appreciates the influence he has had on his life.

Relationships

Hank's relationship with his colleagues is complex. He has a close friendship with Ted Swensen, who provides support and understanding. He has a contentious relationship with Janet Rossi, as they clash over departmental issues. Hank also has humorous and often adversarial interactions with Jack Crispin and Fred Russo, who challenge his authority and push the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

In his family life, Hank's relationship with his wife Grace is portrayed as loving and supportive. Grace tries to keep the peace in their household and supports Hank through his struggles. Hank's relationship with his daughter Emily is also explored, as he navigates the challenges of parenting a teenager and tries to give her the space to find her own path.

Overall, "Straight Man" by Richard Russo delves into the complexities of relationships, both personal and professional, and showcases the growth and development of its characters in the face of adversity. The book highlights the importance of humor, understanding, and compassion in navigating life's challenges.