"Strong Medicine" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Strong Medicine" by Arthur Hailey, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall plot and themes of the story. The primary protagonist is Celia Jordan, a determined and talented physician who faces numerous challenges in her career. The main antagonist is Peter Clemens, a corrupt pharmaceutical executive who puts profits above patient well-being. Additionally, there are several supporting characters who are doctors and medical professionals, including Dr. Andrew Jordan, Dr. Raymond Jordan, Dr. David Coleman, Dr. Erica Coleman, Dr. Elizabeth Hayes, and Dr. William Briggs.

Character Descriptions

1. Celia Jordan: Celia is a highly skilled and dedicated physician who works tirelessly to provide quality healthcare to her patients. She is passionate about her profession and always puts her patients' well-being first. Celia is portrayed as intelligent, compassionate, and determined.
2. Peter Clemens: Peter is a cunning and ruthless pharmaceutical executive who is solely driven by financial gains. He is willing to cut corners and compromise patient safety to maximize profits for his company. Peter is depicted as manipulative, unethical, and devoid of empathy.
3. Dr. Andrew Jordan: Andrew is Celia's father and a respected surgeon. He serves as a mentor figure to Celia and provides guidance throughout her medical career. Dr. Andrew Jordan is portrayed as wise, experienced, and deeply committed to his patients.
4. Dr. Raymond Jordan: Raymond is Celia's brother and an accomplished cardiologist. He shares a close bond with Celia and often collaborates with her on medical cases. Dr. Raymond Jordan is depicted as intelligent, knowledgeable, and supportive of his sister.
5. Dr. David Coleman: David is a talented surgeon and Celia's love interest. He is portrayed as charismatic, driven, and compassionate. Dr. David Coleman plays a significant role in Celia's personal and professional life.
6. Dr. Erica Coleman: Erica is a skilled anesthesiologist and David's sister. She forms a close friendship with Celia and supports her throughout the challenges she faces. Dr. Erica Coleman is depicted as caring, dependable, and a valuable ally to Celia.
7. Dr. Elizabeth Hayes: Elizabeth is a respected physician and Celia's mentor. She is a trailblazer in the medical field and inspires Celia to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Dr. Elizabeth Hayes is portrayed as strong-willed, knowledgeable, and determined.
8. Dr. William Briggs: William is a brilliant researcher and scientist who works closely with Celia to develop groundbreaking medical treatments. He is portrayed as meticulous, innovative, and dedicated to advancing medical science.

Character Traits

1. Celia Jordan: Intelligent, compassionate, determined, hardworking, empathetic.
2. Peter Clemens: Manipulative, ruthless, unethical, ambitious, profit-driven.
3. Dr. Andrew Jordan: Wise, experienced, committed, mentor.
4. Dr. Raymond Jordan: Intelligent, knowledgeable, supportive, collaborative.
5. Dr. David Coleman: Charismatic, driven, compassionate, supportive.
6. Dr. Erica Coleman: Caring, dependable, supportive, loyal.
7. Dr. Elizabeth Hayes: Strong-willed, knowledgeable, determined, trailblazer.
8. Dr. William Briggs: Meticulous, innovative, dedicated, research-oriented.

Character Background

Celia Jordan comes from a family of accomplished physicians. Her father, Dr. Andrew Jordan, is a respected surgeon, and her brother, Dr. Raymond Jordan, is a renowned cardiologist. Growing up in a medical environment, Celia was inspired to follow in her family's footsteps and pursue a career in medicine. She attended prestigious medical schools and gained expertise in various medical fields.

Peter Clemens, on the other hand, has a background in business and pharmaceuticals. He climbed the corporate ladder through cunning tactics and an unwavering focus on profits. His unethical behavior and disregard for patient safety stem from his desire to succeed at any cost.

Dr. Andrew Jordan and Dr. Elizabeth Hayes have extensive experience in their respective fields, having dedicated their lives to providing exceptional medical care. Dr. David Coleman and Dr. Erica Coleman come from a family of medical professionals, and their background fosters their dedication and passion for medicine. Dr. William Briggs is a brilliant scientist who has spent years researching and developing cutting-edge medical treatments.

Character Arcs

Celia Jordan undergoes a significant character arc throughout the book. At the beginning, she is a talented and compassionate physician, but she faces numerous obstacles and challenges that test her resolve. As the story progresses, Celia becomes more resilient and learns to navigate the complex healthcare system. She confronts Peter Clemens and exposes his corrupt practices, advocating for patient safety and ethical medical practices. Celia's character arc highlights her growth as a professional and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her patients.

Relationships

Celia Jordan shares a close bond with her father, Dr. Andrew Jordan, and her brother, Dr. Raymond Jordan. They provide support, guidance, and mentorship throughout her medical career. Celia's relationship with Dr. David Coleman evolves from a professional collaboration to a romantic one, adding depth and complexity to her personal life. She also forms a strong friendship with Dr. Erica Coleman, who becomes a trusted ally and confidante.

Celia's interactions with other doctors, such as Dr. Elizabeth Hayes and Dr. William Briggs, shape her understanding of medicine and push her to strive for excellence. However, her most significant relationship is with Peter Clemens, the antagonist. Their confrontations and clashes of ideology drive the narrative and highlight the stark contrast between Celia's dedication to patient care and Peter's greed-driven motives.

In conclusion, "Strong Medicine" by Arthur Hailey presents a diverse cast of characters who play crucial roles in shaping the story's themes and plot. The protagonist, Celia Jordan, undergoes a compelling character arc as she confronts challenges and fights for ethical medical practices. The relationships she forges with other characters, both supportive and antagonistic, add depth and complexity to the narrative. Through the analysis of the characters' traits, backgrounds, and roles, the book explores the complexities of the medical profession and the moral dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals.