"The Adventures of Augie March" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Character	Role
Augie March	Protagonist
Simon March	Augie's brother
Grandma Lausch	Augie's grandmother
Einhorn	Augie's mentor
Thea Fenchel	Love interest
Manny Cole	Augie's friend
Caligula March	Augie's brother
Stella	Augie's first wife
Mimi Villars	Augie's second wife
Einhorn Jr.	Augie's son
Mintouchian	Augie's employer

Role Identification

"The Adventures of Augie March" by Saul Bellow follows the life and experiences of the titular character, Augie March. Augie serves as the main character and serves as the lens through which the story unfolds. As the protagonist, he undertakes a journey of self-discovery, seeking meaning and purpose amidst the challenges and adventures he encounters.

Character Descriptions

Augie March

Augie March is a young man with an adventurous spirit, constantly yearning for new experiences. He is depicted as an active and intuitive individual, always eager to explore the world around him. Augie possesses a lively and inquisitive mind, displaying a penchant for reading books and absorbing knowledge. He embraces a sense of curiosity that fuels his journey.

Simon March

Simon March is Augie's elder brother, known for his rebellious nature and mischievous antics. He often leads Augie into trouble, but ultimately becomes a source of inspiration for him. Simon's boldness and often unconventional approach to life leave a lasting impact on Augie.

Grandma Lausch

Grandma Lausch is Augie's grandmother and primary caretaker during his childhood. Despite her strict and harsh demeanor, she deeply cares for Augie's well-being. Her old-world values and tough love contribute to shaping Augie's character.

Einhorn

Einhorn serves as Augie's mentor and influential figure in his life. He guides Augie through various jobs and imparts his wisdom and insights. Einhorn becomes a crucial force in Augie's growth and development.

Thea Fenchel

Thea Fenchel is a love interest in Augie's life. She is an intelligent and independent woman with a strong sense of self. Thea's relationship with Augie ignites a passion within him and prompts him to confront his own desires and aspirations.

Manny Cole

Manny Cole is a loyal friend of Augie's who remains by his side throughout their adventures. Despite their different temperaments, Manny's steadfast support and unwavering friendship provide Augie with comfort and stability.

Caligula March

Caligula March is Augie's half-brother, characterized by his eccentric and unpredictable behavior. He adds a touch of unpredictability to the narrative and challenges Augie's views and expectations.

Stella

Stella is Augie's first wife, and their relationship is marked by passion and turbulence. Stella's allure and allurements tempt Augie, contributing to the complexity of his character.

Mimi Villars

Mimi Villars becomes Augie's second wife, influencing a new phase of his life. Her sophistication and intellect provide Augie with emotional and intellectual companionship.

Einhorn Jr.

Einhorn Jr. is Augie's son, representing both a familial tie and a responsibility that shapes Augie's decisions and priorities. His presence influences Augie's actions and choices.

Mintouchian

Mintouchian is Augie's employer, who provides him with employment opportunities. Augie's experiences working for Mintouchian expose him to different parts of society and further his growth.

Character Traits

Augie March

• Adventurous
• Curious
• Intuitive
• Inquisitive
• Persistent
• Adaptive

Simon March

• Rebellious
• Mischievous
• Inspirational

Grandma Lausch

• Strict
• Harsh
• Caring

Einhorn

• Wise
• Mentor
• Experienced
• Supportive

Thea Fenchel

• Intelligent
• Independent
• Passionate

Manny Cole

• Loyal
• Supportive
• Reliable

Caligula March

• Eccentric
• Unpredictable

Stella

• Alluring
• Tempting
• Turbulent

Mimi Villars

• Sophisticated
• Intellectual

Einhorn Jr.

• Familial
• Influential

Mintouchian

• Employer
• Exposing

Character Backgrounds

Augie March

Augie March was born into a poor family in Chicago. Growing up without a father figure and losing his mother at a young age, Augie developed resilience and adaptability through his varied experiences. His childhood was shaped by the influence of his strict grandmother, Grandma Lausch, whose values left a lasting impact on his character.

Simon March

Simon March, Augie's brother, also had a difficult upbringing. Augie was often influenced by Simon's rebellious nature, which led them into many adventures together.

Grandma Lausch

Grandma Lausch took on the responsibility of raising Augie and Simon. Her strict and harsh nature molded Augie's character and influenced the choices he made throughout his life.

Einhorn

Einhorn becomes a mentor figure for Augie, guiding him through different jobs and imparting his wisdom. His experiences and insights help Augie navigate the complexities of life.

Thea Fenchel

Thea Fenchel is a German immigrant who catches Augie's eye. Her intelligence and independence impact Augie, leading him towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Character Arcs

Augie March

Augie March undergoes significant character development throughout the story. He starts as a curious young boy longing for adventure, and his journey takes him through various jobs and relationships that shape his perspectives and priorities. Augie gradually matures, finding his sense of self and purpose amidst the challenges and experiences he encounters.

Relationships

Augie March and Simon March

The relationship between Augie and Simon March is marked by brotherly camaraderie. Augie often follows Simon into adventures and learns from his rebellious spirit.

Augie March and Thea Fenchel

The relationship between Augie and Thea Fenchel serves as a catalyst for Augie's personal growth. Their connection sparks a passion within Augie and compels him to reflect on his desires and aspirations.

Augie March and Manny Cole

Augie and Manny Cole share a strong bond of friendship. Manny's constant support and loyalty provide Augie with stability and companionship throughout their journeys.

Augie March and Stella

Augie's relationship with Stella is intense and turbulent. Stella's allure and temptations play a significant role in shaping Augie's character, as he navigates the complexities of their relationship.

Augie March and Mimi Villars

After Stella, Augie marries Mimi Villars. Mimi's sophistication and intellectual pursuits offer Augie a new phase of emotional and intellectual companionship.

Conclusion

In "The Adventures of Augie March," Augie March embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating through various adventures, jobs, and relationships. Augie's character undergoes significant development, shaped by his experiences and the influential individuals he encounters along the way. Through his relationships with family, friends, and love interests, Augie learns valuable lessons about himself and the world around him. Saul Bellow paints a vibrant and dynamic portrayal of Augie and those who impact his life in this remarkable literary work.