"The Animators" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Animators" by Kayla Rae Whitaker, the main characters, Sharon Kisses and Mel Vaught, are both protagonists and animators. They are the driving force of the story, as they navigate their personal lives and careers in the animation industry.

Character Descriptions

Sharon Kisses

Sharon Kisses is one of the central characters in "The Animators." She is a talented animator who co-owns an animation studio with her partner, Mel Vaught. Sharon is described as short and stocky, with curly hair and a distinctive tattoo sleeve on her arm. She has a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, which often serves as a defense mechanism.

Mel Vaught

Mel Vaught is Sharon's best friend and animation partner. She is a bold and charismatic character, known for her unconventional style and wild behavior. Mel has a striking appearance, with messy hair and a punk aesthetic. She is fiercely passionate about her work and is often the driving force behind the duo's creative projects.

Teddy

Teddy is Sharon's boyfriend and plays a significant role in the story. He is a kind and supportive character, providing stability and emotional support to Sharon throughout the ups and downs of her life and career. Teddy is a contrast to Sharon and Mel's wild and unpredictable personalities, offering a calming presence in their lives.

Harper

Harper is the owner of the animation studio where Sharon and Mel work. She is a tough and ambitious woman who recognizes the talent and potential in Sharon and Mel. Harper becomes an important figure in their lives, guiding and mentoring them in their careers.

Susan

Susan is Sharon's mother. She is portrayed as a complex character with a troubled past. Susan struggles with addiction and has a strained relationship with her daughters. Her presence in the story adds depth and explores the impact of family dynamics on Sharon's life and choices.

Gerald

Gerald is Mel's father. He is a retired coal miner and a source of inspiration for Mel's artistic endeavors. Gerald is portrayed as a hardworking and resilient character who has faced his own share of challenges. His relationship with Mel shapes her artistic vision and influences her approach to life.

Tina

Tina is Sharon's younger sister. She is a free-spirited character who often challenges Sharon's more reserved nature. Tina's presence adds a dynamic element to the story, highlighting the contrast between the two sisters' personalities and choices.

Character Traits

Sharon Kisses

• Talented: Sharon is a skilled animator, known for her attention to detail and unique artistic style.
• Quick-witted: Sharon possesses a sharp sense of humor and often uses it to deflect difficult situations.
• Reserved: She is more introverted and tends to keep her emotions guarded, sometimes struggling to express herself fully.

Mel Vaught

• Charismatic: Mel has a magnetic personality that draws people towards her. She is confident and unapologetically herself.
• Impulsive: Mel often acts on impulse, which leads to both positive and negative consequences in her life.
• Passionate: She is deeply passionate about her work and throws herself fully into her creative projects.

Teddy

• Supportive: Teddy is a caring and nurturing partner who provides emotional support to Sharon during challenging times.
• Reliable: He is a stable presence in Sharon's life, offering a sense of security and dependability.
• Patient: Teddy demonstrates patience and understanding, particularly when Sharon's career takes priority over their relationship.

Harper

• Ambitious: Harper is driven and ambitious, constantly pushing Sharon and Mel to excel in their careers.
• Mentorship: She takes on a mentorship role, providing guidance and opportunities for growth to Sharon and Mel.
• Tough: Harper is not afraid to make difficult decisions and expects a high level of professionalism from her employees.

Susan

• Troubled: Susan's addiction issues contribute to a complicated and strained relationship with her daughters.
• Vulnerable: She displays vulnerability and attempts to reconcile with her past and her children.
• Survivor: Susan has faced adversity in her life and is determined to overcome her struggles.

Gerald

• Resilient: Gerald's experiences as a coal miner have shaped him into a resilient and strong-willed individual.
• Inspirational: He serves as an inspiration to Mel, influencing her artistic vision and drive.
• Supportive: Gerald supports Mel's creative endeavors and encourages her pursuit of a meaningful career.

Tina

• Free-spirited: Tina embraces spontaneity and enjoys living life on her own terms.
• Rebellious: She challenges societal norms and often pushes boundaries in her personal and professional life.
• Contrasting: Tina's vibrant personality contrasts with Sharon's more reserved nature, leading to interesting dynamics between the sisters.

Character Background

Sharon Kisses

Sharon grew up in a small town in Kentucky, where she developed a love for animation from an early age. She studied animation in college and later co-founded an animation studio with Mel. Sharon's relationship with her mother, Susan, has been strained due to Susan's addiction issues. This relationship has had a significant impact on Sharon's personal and professional choices.

Mel Vaught

Mel grew up in a working-class family in Kentucky. Her father, Gerald, was a coal miner, and his experiences influenced Mel's artistic vision. Mel's rebellious nature and desire for artistic expression led her to pursue a career in animation. She forms a deep bond with Sharon and together they create groundbreaking animated films.

Teddy

Teddy is Sharon's boyfriend, and their relationship brings stability and emotional support to Sharon's life. He is understanding of Sharon's dedication to her work and offers a sense of calm amidst the chaos of her creative pursuits. Teddy provides a different perspective and balance to Sharon's life.

Harper

Harper is the owner of the animation studio where Sharon and Mel work. She has built a successful career in animation and recognizes the potential in Sharon and Mel's work. Harper's background and experience in the industry inspire and motivate Sharon and Mel to push their creative boundaries.

Susan

Susan, Sharon's mother, has struggled with addiction for most of her life. Her relationship with Sharon and her sister, Tina, has been strained as a result. Susan's journey towards recovery and her attempts to reconcile with her daughters shape Sharon's understanding of forgiveness and personal growth.

Gerald

Gerald, Mel's father, was a coal miner who experienced the hardships and dangers of the profession. His resilience and determination inspire Mel's artistic vision and her drive to create meaningful and impactful animations. Gerald's presence in Mel's life shapes her understanding of the world and her own capabilities.

Tina

Tina, Sharon's younger sister, has a free-spirited nature and often challenges conventional norms. She embraces an unconventional lifestyle and is unafraid to push boundaries. Tina's contrasting personality highlights the different paths chosen by the sisters and adds depth to their relationship.

Character Arcs

Sharon Kisses

Throughout the story, Sharon experiences personal growth and learns to embrace vulnerability. She starts as a reserved and guarded individual, but as she faces challenges and confronts her past, she begins to open up emotionally. Sharon's character arc revolves around her journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness, both for herself and her mother.

Mel Vaught

Mel's character arc centers around her struggle to find balance between her artistic ambitions and her personal life. Initially, she is consumed by her work and neglects her relationships. However, as the story unfolds, Mel learns the importance of personal connections and begins to prioritize her own well-being alongside her career.

Teddy

Teddy's character arc is one of unwavering support and stability. He remains a constant presence in Sharon's life, providing emotional support and understanding. While Teddy's arc is less pronounced, his role in the story highlights the importance of a supportive partner in times of personal and professional growth.

Harper

Harper's character arc is one of mentorship and empowerment. She guides Sharon and Mel through their careers, providing opportunities for growth and pushing them to achieve their full potential. Harper's arc showcases her commitment to nurturing young talent and her role in shaping the animators' success.

Susan

Susan's character arc revolves around her journey towards recovery and self-forgiveness. Her struggles with addiction and attempts to reconcile with her daughters add depth and complexity to the story. Susan's growth and redemption parallel Sharon's own journey towards forgiveness and acceptance.

Gerald

While Gerald's character arc is not as pronounced as others, his presence in the story serves as a source of inspiration and support for Mel. His experiences as a coal miner shape Mel's artistic vision and influence her approach to life. Gerald's unwavering support and belief in Mel's talent contribute to her growth as an animator.

Tina

Tina's character arc is one of self-discovery and embracing individuality. She challenges societal norms and embraces a non-conventional lifestyle. Tina's contrasting personality and choices serve as a catalyst for Sharon's own self-reflection and personal growth.

Relationships

Sharon and Mel

Sharon and Mel share a deep bond as best friends and creative partners. Their relationship is at the heart of the story, as they navigate the highs and lows of their animation careers together. Their contrasting personalities and shared passion for their work create a dynamic and compelling partnership.

Sharon and Teddy

Sharon and Teddy's relationship provides stability and emotional support to Sharon's life. Teddy understands Sharon's dedication to her work and offers a sense of calm amidst the chaos of her creative pursuits. Their relationship highlights the importance of a supportive partner in fostering personal and professional growth.

Sharon and Susan

Sharon's relationship with her mother, Susan, is complex and strained due to Susan's addiction issues. Throughout the story, Sharon grapples with resentment and forgiveness towards her mother, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of her own identity and personal growth.

Mel and Gerald

Mel's relationship with her father, Gerald, is a source of inspiration and artistic influence. Gerald's experiences as a coal miner shape Mel's worldview and artistic vision. His unwavering support and belief in Mel contribute to her growth as an animator.

Sharon and Tina

Sharon and Tina have a contrasting relationship, with Tina embodying a free-spirited and rebellious nature. Their interactions highlight the differences in their personalities and choices. Tina's presence challenges Sharon's more reserved nature and adds depth to their sisterly bond.

"The Animators" by Kayla Rae Whitaker delves into the lives and artistic journeys of Sharon Kisses and Mel Vaught. Through their complex relationships, personal growth, and artistic pursuits, the characters navigate their inner demons and discover the power of forgiveness and self-acceptance. The novel explores the animation industry, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of supportive relationships in shaping one's personal and professional journey.