"The Book of Daniel" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"The Book of Daniel" by E.L. Doctorow explores the lives of Daniel Isaacson and his family in 20th-century America. Daniel serves as the protagonist, and the story revolves around his journey to understand his parents' radical past and its impact on their lives and his own.

Character Descriptions

Daniel Isaacson

Daniel Isaacson is the main character and narrator of the story. He is a bright and introspective man in his thirties, haunted by the execution of his parents for espionage when he was a child. Daniel is a devoted husband and father, striving to uncover the truth about his parents while navigating the challenges of his own life.

Phyllis Isaacson

Phyllis Isaacson is Daniel's older sister. She is a compassionate and intelligent woman who shares Daniel's desire to uncover their parents' secrets. Phyllis works as a political activist and is deeply committed to social justice causes.

Paul Isaacson

Paul Isaacson is Daniel's younger brother. He is a talented musician but struggles with mental health issues. Paul's experiences with mental illness highlight the impact of trauma on the family and their ongoing struggle to find stability.

Susan Isaacson

Susan Isaacson is Daniel's wife. She is a warm and supportive partner who stands by Daniel as he delves into his family's past. Susan is a teacher and provides a stable presence for their daughter, Rochelle.

Rochelle Isaacson

Rochelle Isaacson is Daniel and Susan's daughter. She is a young and inquisitive child who is unaware of her family's troubled history. Rochelle's innocence serves as a contrast to the complex emotions and conflicts surrounding her.

Selma Ascher

Selma Ascher is Rochelle's caretaker. She is a Holocaust survivor and provides a link to the Isaacson family's Jewish heritage. Selma's presence in their lives offers wisdom and perspective.

Hannah

Hannah is Daniel's childhood friend. She represents the idealism and activism of the 1960s. Hannah's relationship with Daniel evolves over time, reflecting the changing dynamics of their lives and political ideologies.

Dr. Selig

Dr. Selig is Daniel's psychiatrist. He provides a neutral space for Daniel to explore his emotions and memories surrounding his parents' execution. Dr. Selig's role is crucial in Daniel's journey of self-discovery and healing.

Louis Goldberg

Louis Goldberg is Daniel's lawyer. He becomes a trusted ally in Daniel's quest for justice and truth. Goldberg's character highlights the complexity of the legal system and the challenges faced by those seeking redemption.

Father Frank

Father Frank is a Catholic priest who offers guidance and spiritual support to Daniel. He represents the theme of faith and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are historical figures who were convicted of espionage and executed. Their characters are pivotal in the story, serving as symbols of political radicalism and the consequences of extreme ideology.

Character Traits

Daniel Isaacson

• Intelligent
• Introspective
• Determined
• Compassionate
• Haunted by the past

Phyllis Isaacson

• Intelligent
• Compassionate
• Activist
• Driven
• Idealistic

Paul Isaacson

• Talented
• Sensitive
• Struggling with mental illness
• Creative
• Vulnerable

Susan Isaacson

• Supportive
• Loving
• Stable
• Patient
• Nurturing

Rochelle Isaacson

• Innocent
• Curious
• Playful
• Unaware of family history
• Affectionate

Selma Ascher

• Wise
• Resilient
• Survivor
• Maternal
• Insightful

Hannah

• Idealistic
• Activist
• Changing beliefs
• Challenging relationships
• Dedicated

Dr. Selig

• Empathetic
• Patient
• Neutral
• Supportive
• Professional

Louis Goldberg

• Tenacious
• Resourceful
• Trustworthy
• Advocate
• Pragmatic

Father Frank

• Spiritual
• Wise
• Supportive
• Symbol of faith
• Compassionate

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

• Radical
• Ideological
• Symbolic figures
• Catalysts for the story
• Historical context

Character Background

Daniel Isaacson

Daniel grew up in a family marked by tragedy. His parents' execution for espionage deeply affected him, leaving him with unanswered questions and a desire to understand their actions. He attended college and pursued a career in academia, but his personal journey takes him on a path of self-discovery and redemption.

Phyllis Isaacson

Phyllis shares Daniel's desire to uncover the truth about their parents. She is politically active and driven by a sense of justice. Phyllis' commitment to activism is rooted in her childhood experiences and her desire to make a difference in the world.

Paul Isaacson

Paul is the youngest sibling and a talented musician. His mental health struggles are a result of the trauma inflicted upon the family. Paul's character exemplifies the long-lasting impact of tragedy and the challenges of finding stability and purpose.

Susan Isaacson

Susan is Daniel's wife and a stable presence in his life. She supports Daniel's journey while maintaining a nurturing environment for their daughter, Rochelle. Susan represents the strength and commitment required to sustain a relationship in the face of personal challenges.

Rochelle Isaacson

Rochelle is an innocent child unaware of her family's troubled history. Her character represents the future generation and the potential for healing and growth. Rochelle's presence brings lightness and hope to the narrative.

Selma Ascher

Selma is a Holocaust survivor who becomes a caretaker for Rochelle. Her character provides a connection to the Isaacson family's Jewish heritage and offers wisdom and guidance. Selma's resilience and insight contribute to the emotional depth of the story.

Hannah

Hannah is Daniel's childhood friend who evolves from an activist companion to a challenging presence in his life. Her character represents the changing dynamics of relationships and the complexities of political ideologies during the 1960s.

Dr. Selig

Dr. Selig serves as Daniel's psychiatrist, offering a safe space for him to explore his emotions and memories. His character represents the role of therapy in healing and understanding trauma. Dr. Selig provides guidance and support during Daniel's journey of self-discovery.

Louis Goldberg

Louis Goldberg is Daniel's lawyer, helping him navigate legal challenges and seek justice. Goldberg's character highlights the complexities of the legal system and the importance of trust and perseverance in the pursuit of truth.

Father Frank

Father Frank is a Catholic priest who offers spiritual guidance to Daniel. His character represents the search for faith and meaning in the face of tragedy. Father Frank's presence adds a spiritual dimension to Daniel's journey.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were historical figures convicted of espionage and executed. Their characters symbolize political radicalism and the consequences of extreme ideology. Their actions and fate shape the narrative and provide a historical context for the story.

Character Arcs

Daniel Isaacson

Daniel's character arc revolves around his journey to understand his parents' actions and find redemption. He begins as a haunted and introspective individual, driven by a desire to uncover the truth. Through his relationships with family, friends, and professionals, Daniel experiences personal growth, ultimately finding solace and acceptance.

Phyllis Isaacson

Phyllis starts as a politically active and determined individual, seeking justice for her parents. As the story unfolds, her character undergoes a transformation, realizing the limitations of activism and the need for personal healing. Phyllis' arc explores the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of truth and justice.

Paul Isaacson

Paul's character arc focuses on his struggle with mental illness and his search for stability. He begins as a troubled musician grappling with his parents' execution. Through therapy and the support of his family, Paul experiences moments of hope and growth, showcasing the challenges and resilience of individuals dealing with mental health issues.

Susan Isaacson

Susan's character arc centers around her unwavering support for Daniel and her role as a mother. She begins as a stable and nurturing presence, providing a foundation for her family. As the story progresses, Susan faces her own challenges and finds strength in her commitment to Daniel and their daughter.

Rochelle Isaacson

Rochelle's character arc is one of innocence and growth. Unaware of her family's troubled past, she represents the potential for healing and change. Through her interactions with other characters and her own experiences, Rochelle begins to understand her family's history and finds her own voice.

Relationships

Daniel and Phyllis Isaacson

The relationship between Daniel and Phyllis is marked by shared trauma and a mutual desire to understand their parents' actions. Their bond deepens as they navigate the complexities of their family history and support each other in their individual journeys.

Daniel and Paul Isaacson

Daniel's relationship with Paul is characterized by love and concern. Daniel acts as a protector and advocate for his struggling brother, providing emotional support and seeking the best possible care for him.

Daniel and Susan Isaacson

Daniel and Susan's relationship is built on love and trust. Susan stands by Daniel as he delves into his family's past, providing unwavering support and understanding. Their relationship represents the strength of a partnership in the face of personal challenges.

Daniel and Rochelle Isaacson

Daniel's relationship with Rochelle is one of paternal love and protection. He strives to shield her from the painful truths of their family history while nurturing her growth and curiosity. Rochelle's innocence serves as a reminder of the potential for healing and resilience.

Daniel and Selma Ascher

Selma's relationship with Daniel is one of wisdom and guidance. As a Holocaust survivor, Selma offers insight into the Isaacson family's Jewish heritage and provides Daniel with emotional support and perspective.

Daniel and Hannah

Daniel's relationship with Hannah evolves over time, reflecting changing dynamics and ideologies. Initially close friends and activists, their friendship becomes strained as they follow different paths. Their relationship represents the complexities of personal growth and political ideals.

Daniel and Dr. Selig

Dr. Selig's relationship with Daniel is one of trust and support. As Daniel's psychiatrist, Dr. Selig provides a safe space for him to explore his emotions and memories. Their relationship highlights the importance of therapy in the healing process.

Daniel and Louis Goldberg

Daniel's relationship with Louis Goldberg is one of trust and collaboration. As Daniel's lawyer, Goldberg represents his legal interests and becomes a trusted ally in his pursuit of justice. Their relationship showcases the challenges and complexities of seeking truth within the legal system.

Daniel and Father Frank

Father Frank's relationship with Daniel is one of spiritual guidance and support. As a Catholic priest, Father Frank offers Daniel solace and a sense of faith in the face of tragedy. Their relationship explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the search for meaning.

Daniel and Julius/Ethel Rosenberg

Daniel's relationship with his executed parents is explored through memories and his quest to understand their actions. Their presence looms large in his life, shaping his character, and driving his search for redemption. The relationship between Daniel and his parents highlights the complexities of family ties and the impact of radical ideology.

In "The Book of Daniel," E.L. Doctorow presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Through their individual arcs and interactions, the story explores themes of trauma, redemption, family, and the search for truth. The complexity and depth of the characters contribute to the compelling narrative of personal growth, historical context, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.