"The Always War" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Always War" by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the main character, Tessa, finds herself living in a world where war is constant and peace is nothing more than a distant memory. Tessa's role is that of the protagonist, as she navigates the dangers and challenges of a society consumed by conflict. Alongside Tessa, there are several other characters that play significant roles in the story, including her brother Gideon, her sister Margie, the Commander as the antagonist, and Mr. Dabrowski as the leader of the resistance.

Character Descriptions

• Tessa: Tessa is a young and determined girl who refuses to accept the world as it is. She is intelligent, resourceful, and brave, constantly seeking answers and solutions to the ongoing war. Tessa has a strong sense of justice and is willing to risk everything to create a better future for herself and those around her.
• Gideon: Tessa's older brother Gideon is fiercely protective of his family. He is skilled in survival tactics and often takes charge in dangerous situations. Gideon's loyalty and dedication to his loved ones make him an important ally for Tessa.
• Margie: Tessa's younger sister Margie is curious and observant. Despite her young age, Margie often surprises Tessa and Gideon with her insights and ability to adapt to their challenging circumstances.
• Commander: The Commander is the primary antagonist of the story, responsible for perpetuating the war and maintaining control over society. He is ruthless and power-hungry, willing to do whatever it takes to stay in charge.
• Mr. Dabrowski: Mr. Dabrowski is the leader of the resistance, a group of individuals fighting against the never-ending war. He is wise, strategic, and deeply committed to the cause. Mr. Dabrowski becomes a mentor and guide for Tessa, helping her understand the complexities of the world they live in and the importance of fighting for peace.
• Captain Williams: Captain Williams is the Commander's right-hand man. He is fiercely loyal to the Commander and carries out his orders without question. While not a central character, Captain Williams represents the blind obedience and lack of critical thinking that characterizes the society in which Tessa lives.
• Henry: Henry is Tessa's childhood friend who joins the resistance. He is brave and determined, willing to risk his life for the cause. Henry provides emotional support to Tessa during their challenging journey, and their friendship strengthens their resolve to fight for a better future.
• Sarah and Jacob: Sarah and Jacob are members of the resistance who join Tessa and Henry in their mission. They each bring unique skills and perspectives to the group, contributing to the overall strength and diversity of the resistance.

Character Traits

• Tessa: Intelligent, resourceful, brave, determined
• Gideon: Protective, skilled, loyal
• Margie: Curious, observant, adaptable
• Commander: Ruthless, power-hungry, controlling
• Mr. Dabrowski: Wise, strategic, committed
• Captain Williams: Loyal, obedient, lacking critical thinking
• Henry: Brave, determined, supportive
• Sarah: Skilled, dedicated, resilient
• Jacob: Quick-thinking, resourceful, team player

Character Background

Tessa, Gideon, and Margie come from a family that has experienced the devastating effects of war firsthand. Their parents were killed in a battle, leaving them orphaned and forced to fend for themselves. Growing up in this war-torn world, they have learned to be self-reliant and cautious, always aware of the dangers lurking around them.

The Commander, on the other hand, represents the oppressive regime that has perpetuated the war. He maintains control through fear and manipulation, ensuring that the citizens remain obedient and unquestioning. His background remains mostly unknown, but his desire for power and control is evident in his actions.

Mr. Dabrowski, the leader of the resistance, has a mysterious past. He has witnessed the destruction caused by the war and is determined to put an end to it. Mr. Dabrowski has dedicated his life to guiding and protecting those who are willing to fight for peace.

Character Arcs

Tessa begins her journey as a young girl who believes there must be more to life than constant war. Throughout the story, she undergoes a transformation as she gains knowledge and experiences that shape her understanding of the world. Tessa's arc is one of empowerment and growth, from a curious and determined girl to a strong and resilient leader.

Gideon starts as a protective older brother, but his arc involves learning to trust others and embrace the strength of teamwork. Margie, being the youngest, grows from an innocent child to a capable and brave member of the resistance.

The Commander's arc revolves around his increasing desperation to maintain control as the resistance gains momentum. He becomes more ruthless and paranoid, leading to his ultimate downfall.

Mr. Dabrowski's arc is one of mentorship and guidance. He helps Tessa develop her skills and understanding of the war, ultimately preparing her to take on a leadership role within the resistance.

Relationships

Tessa and Gideon share a strong sibling bond, relying on each other for support and protection. Their relationship is characterized by trust and loyalty, as they navigate the dangerous world together.

Tessa's friendship with Henry is built on shared experiences and a common goal. They provide emotional support to each other and motivate one another to continue fighting for peace.

The relationship between Tessa and Mr. Dabrowski is one of mentorship and guidance. He becomes a father figure to Tessa, teaching her valuable skills and imparting wisdom that helps shape her into a strong leader.

The resistance as a whole forms a tight-knit community, with members supporting and relying on one another. Sarah and Jacob, along with other resistance members, become Tessa's allies and friends, working together to bring an end to the war.

Overall, "The Always War" explores the complexities of relationships in a world consumed by conflict, highlighting the importance of trust, loyalty, and unity in the face of adversity.