Estimated read time: 7 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Strega Nona | Protagonist |
| Big Anthony | Antagonist |
| Bambolona | Supporting Character |
| Strega Amelia | Supporting Character |
| Strega Graziosa | Supporting Character |
Role Identification
In "Strega Nona" by Tomie dePaola, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonist, Strega Nona, is a wise and beloved witch who uses her magical powers to help the villagers. The antagonist, Big Anthony, is a well-meaning but bumbling character who often causes chaos with his lack of understanding of Strega Nona's magic. Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa are supporting characters who assist Strega Nona in her magical endeavors.
Character Descriptions
Strega Nona
Strega Nona is the central character of the story. She is an elderly, kind-hearted witch with a round face and a warm smile. She wears a black dress and a white apron, which symbolize her role as a traditional Italian witch. Strega Nona has a magical pasta pot, which she uses to prepare delicious pasta dishes for the villagers. Her appearance exudes wisdom and experience, making her respected and admired by the entire community.
Big Anthony
Big Anthony is a tall and clumsy young man who serves as Strega Nona's assistant. He has a jovial face and a perpetual look of mischief in his eyes. Big Anthony often wears a wide-brimmed hat and a simple shirt and pants. Despite his good intentions, he struggles to understand the proper use of Strega Nona's magical tools, leading to humorous mishaps and misunderstandings.
Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa
Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa are three supporting characters who are also witches. Bambolona is a plump and cheerful witch, known for her love of food. Strega Amelia is a tall and elegant witch with a stern expression, often seen wearing a pointed hat. Strega Graziosa is a petite and graceful witch, with a gentle and caring demeanor. These three witches assist Strega Nona with her magical tasks and add depth to the story.
Character Traits
Strega Nona
Strega Nona is characterized by her wisdom, kindness, and magical abilities. She is a mentor figure who uses her knowledge to help others and solve problems. Strega Nona is patient and understanding, always willing to lend a helping hand. She is also resourceful and skilled in her craft, using her magical pasta pot to bring joy and nourishment to the villagers.
Big Anthony
Big Anthony is portrayed as well-meaning but naive and impulsive. He is enthusiastic and eager to assist Strega Nona but often lacks the attention to detail required for handling her magic. His actions are driven by a desire to prove himself, but he often inadvertently causes chaos and trouble. Despite his shortcomings, Big Anthony's good-hearted nature shines through, endearing him to the readers.
Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa
Bambolona is characterized by her love for food and her joyful personality. She adds a light-hearted element to the story, bringing humor and warmth. Strega Amelia is depicted as serious and strict, contrasting with Strega Nona's more lenient approach. Strega Graziosa, on the other hand, embodies gentleness and compassion, providing a sense of comfort and support to Strega Nona and the other characters.
Character Background
Strega Nona
Strega Nona has a rich and mysterious background as a witch. She is highly respected and trusted by the villagers, who seek her assistance whenever they face difficulties. Her magical abilities and knowledge have been passed down through generations, making her a revered figure in the community. Strega Nona has dedicated her life to helping others, using her powers for the greater good.
Big Anthony
Big Anthony's background is less explored in the story, but he is portrayed as a young man eager to prove himself. He becomes Strega Nona's assistant, hoping to learn and master her magical skills. Despite his clumsiness, Big Anthony's willingness to help and his good intentions make him an endearing character.
Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa
The backgrounds of Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa are not explicitly mentioned in the story. However, their roles as fellow witches and helpers to Strega Nona suggest that they have similar backgrounds and magical abilities. They are likely part of the same magical community and have learned from the same traditions.
Character Arcs
Strega Nona
Strega Nona's character arc revolves around her wisdom and the responsibility that comes with it. Throughout the story, she demonstrates her magical abilities, but she also learns the importance of teaching and guiding others. Strega Nona takes Big Anthony under her wing and patiently mentors him, allowing him to grow and learn from his mistakes. By the end of the story, she realizes that sharing her knowledge and empowering others is just as vital as her own magical powers.
Big Anthony
Big Anthony's character arc centers around his growth from a naive and clumsy assistant to a more responsible and understanding individual. Initially, he is fascinated by Strega Nona's magic and eager to prove himself. However, his lack of attention to detail and understanding of the consequences of his actions leads to chaos. Through Strega Nona's guidance, Big Anthony learns the importance of respecting and following instructions, ultimately becoming a more competent assistant.
Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa
As supporting characters, Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa do not have significant character arcs. However, their presence reinforces the importance of community and collaboration. They assist Strega Nona in her magical tasks and provide support and companionship, showcasing the power of teamwork and friendship.
Relationships
Strega Nona and Big Anthony
The relationship between Strega Nona and Big Anthony is one of mentorship and growth. Strega Nona takes Big Anthony under her wing, teaching him the proper use of her magical tools and guiding him through various challenges. Their relationship evolves from one of initial frustration and mistakes to one of mutual respect and understanding.
Strega Nona and Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa
The relationship between Strega Nona and the other witches, Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa, is one of camaraderie and support. They work together to fulfill their magical tasks and provide assistance to one another. Their relationship reflects the importance of a strong community and the value of collaboration.
In "Strega Nona" by Tomie dePaola, the characters play essential roles in driving the story forward. Strega Nona, Big Anthony, Bambolona, Strega Amelia, and Strega Graziosa each contribute unique traits and perspectives, resulting in a captivating and heartwarming narrative. Through their relationships and character arcs, the readers witness the power of wisdom, mentorship, and the strength of community.
