"The Arm of the Starfish" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Arm of the Starfish" by Madeleine L'Engle, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall plot and development of the story. The protagonist, Adam Eddington, is a young marine biology student who becomes entangled in a dangerous international plot. Dr. Calvin O'Keefe, a renowned scientist, serves as a supporting character and mentor to Adam. Kali Cutter, a mysterious and manipulative woman, acts as the main antagonist who poses a threat to the characters' lives. Other supporting characters include Polyhymnia O'Keefe, Canon Tallis, Bishop Colubra, and the O'Keefe family.

Character Descriptions

• Adam Eddington: Adam is a 19-year-old marine biology student with a talent for linguistics. He is described as tall, athletic, and intelligent. Adam's dedication to his studies and his sense of curiosity drive him to become involved in dangerous situations.
• Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: Dr. O'Keefe is a brilliant scientist and mentor to Adam. He is described as tall, with graying hair and a commanding presence. Dr. O'Keefe is known for his extensive knowledge and experience in multiple fields of science.
• Kali Cutter: Kali Cutter is a mysterious woman who poses as a friend to Adam but ultimately reveals her true manipulative nature. She is described as strikingly beautiful, with dark hair and piercing eyes. Kali's charm and intelligence make her a formidable adversary.
• Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Polyhymnia, also known as Poly, is Dr. O'Keefe's daughter and becomes a close friend to Adam. She is described as intelligent and artistic, with a unique sense of style. Polyhymnia's artistic abilities and resourcefulness contribute to the development of the story.
• Canon Tallis: Canon Tallis is a trusted friend of Dr. O'Keefe and a key figure in the international organization known as the Starfish. He is described as gentle, wise, and deeply religious. Canon Tallis provides guidance and support to the other characters.
• Bishop Colubra: Bishop Colubra is a charismatic and influential figure within the Starfish organization. He is described as tall, with piercing eyes and a commanding presence. Bishop Colubra's manipulative nature and desire for power create tension and conflict in the story.

Character Traits

• Adam Eddington: Adam is intelligent, curious, and determined. He possesses a strong sense of loyalty and a willingness to take risks. Adam's linguistic skills and scientific knowledge make him a valuable asset in unraveling the mysteries of the plot.
• Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: Dr. O'Keefe is knowledgeable, wise, and protective. He is a father figure to Adam and provides guidance and mentorship. Dr. O'Keefe's scientific expertise and ability to think critically are essential in navigating the challenges they face.
• Kali Cutter: Kali is manipulative, cunning, and charismatic. She uses her charm and intelligence to deceive those around her and achieve her own goals. Kali's unpredictability and resourcefulness make her a formidable adversary.
• Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Polyhymnia is artistic, resourceful, and observant. She possesses a deep understanding of human nature and is able to read people's intentions. Polyhymnia's creativity and quick thinking help the characters overcome obstacles.
• Canon Tallis: Canon Tallis is kind, wise, and deeply religious. He strongly believes in the power of faith and the importance of making ethical choices. Canon Tallis provides moral guidance and acts as a voice of reason throughout the story.
• Bishop Colubra: Bishop Colubra is charismatic, manipulative, and power-hungry. He is willing to do whatever it takes to further his own agenda, even if it means sacrificing others. Bishop Colubra's persuasive abilities and ruthless nature create tension and danger.

Character Background

• Adam Eddington: Adam is a talented student studying marine biology and linguistics. He comes from a loving and supportive family and has a strong passion for understanding the natural world. Adam's background in linguistics becomes crucial in decoding messages and understanding the motives of various characters.
• Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: Dr. O'Keefe is a renowned scientist with expertise in multiple fields. He has a long history of involvement with the Starfish organization and understands the consequences of their actions. Dr. O'Keefe's background and knowledge are instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the plot.
• Kali Cutter: Kali's background remains mysterious throughout the book. She is introduced as a friend of Adam's family but soon reveals her true manipulative nature. Kali's background and motives are gradually unveiled as the story progresses.
• Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Polyhymnia is the daughter of Dr. O'Keefe and possesses her father's intellect and curiosity. She has grown up surrounded by science and has developed her own artistic interests. Polyhymnia's background and upbringing contribute to her resourcefulness and unique perspective.
• Canon Tallis: Canon Tallis is a trusted member of the Starfish organization and a close friend of Dr. O'Keefe. He has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of ethical values. Canon Tallis' background in theology and his involvement with the Starfish shape his beliefs and actions.
• Bishop Colubra: Bishop Colubra's background is shrouded in mystery, but he is known to be a charismatic and influential figure within the Starfish organization. His rise to power and his thirst for control are influenced by his personal ambitions and desire for dominance.

Character Arcs

• Adam Eddington: Throughout the story, Adam undergoes a significant character arc. Initially, he is a talented but naive young student, eager to prove himself. As he becomes entangled in the dangerous plot orchestrated by the Starfish organization, Adam learns to trust his instincts, make difficult decisions, and become a more mature and self-reliant individual.
• Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: While Dr. O'Keefe remains a steady and wise presence throughout the book, his character arc revolves around his relationship with his daughter, Polyhymnia. As they navigate the dangers together, Dr. O'Keefe learns to trust Polyhymnia's abilities and sees her grow into a capable and resourceful young woman.
• Kali Cutter: Kali's character arc is one of deception and manipulation. She starts as a seemingly trustworthy friend but reveals her true nature as the story progresses. Kali's arc showcases her ability to manipulate the emotions and actions of those around her, leading to a climactic confrontation with the other characters.
• Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Polyhymnia's character arc centers around her growth from a talented but sheltered young woman to a confident and resourceful individual. As she becomes more involved in the dangerous events surrounding the Starfish organization, Polyhymnia learns to trust her own instincts and make decisions based on her own judgment.
• Canon Tallis: Canon Tallis' character arc revolves around his faith and the ethical choices he must make. Throughout the story, he grapples with the actions of the Starfish organization and the impact they have on innocent lives. Canon Tallis must reconcile his beliefs with the harsh realities of the world he inhabits.
• Bishop Colubra: Bishop Colubra's character arc is one of power and manipulation. He starts as a charismatic leader within the Starfish organization but ultimately faces the consequences of his actions. Bishop Colubra's arc showcases the destructive nature of his thirst for control and the downfall that awaits him.

Relationships

• Adam Eddington and Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: Adam and Dr. O'Keefe develop a strong mentor-student relationship throughout the book. Dr. O'Keefe serves as a father figure to Adam, guiding him through the dangerous events and providing valuable scientific knowledge and advice.
• Adam Eddington and Kali Cutter: Adam's relationship with Kali starts as a friendship, but it becomes increasingly complicated as her true intentions are revealed. Their relationship is marked by deception, trust issues, and ultimately, a climactic confrontation.
• Adam Eddington and Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Adam and Polyhymnia develop a close friendship as they navigate the dangers surrounding the Starfish organization. They rely on each other's strengths and support one another throughout the story.
• Dr. Calvin O'Keefe and Polyhymnia O'Keefe: Dr. O'Keefe and Polyhymnia share a deep father-daughter bond. As they face danger together, their relationship grows stronger, and Dr. O'Keefe learns to trust Polyhymnia's abilities and judgment.
• Canon Tallis and Dr. Calvin O'Keefe: Canon Tallis and Dr. O'Keefe have a long-standing friendship and a shared history within the Starfish organization. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a common goal to protect innocent lives.
• Bishop Colubra and the other characters: Bishop Colubra's relationships with the other characters are primarily manipulative and adversarial. He uses his charm and persuasive abilities to control and deceive those around him, leading to conflicts and confrontations.

Overall, the characters in "The Arm of the Starfish" play vital roles in driving the plot and exploring themes of trust, deception, and the consequences of one's actions. Their diverse backgrounds, character traits, and relationships contribute to the complexity and depth of the story, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.