Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Seymour Polatkin | Protagonist |
| Aristotle Joseph | Protagonist's close friend |
| Agnes Roth | Protagonist's former lover |
| Corliss Joseph | Aristotle Joseph's sister |
| Junior Polatkin | Seymour's brother |
| Aunt Nezzy | Seymour and Junior's aunt |
| Uncle Moses | Seymour and Junior's uncle |
| Aunt Loretta | Seymour and Junior's aunt |
| Uncle Delbert | Seymour and Junior's uncle |
| Aunt Darlene | Seymour and Junior's aunt |
| Aunt Roberta | Seymour and Junior's aunt |
Role Identification
The novel "The Business of Fancydancing" by Sherman Alexie revolves around the life of Seymour Polatkin, a Native American poet and filmmaker. Seymour is the main protagonist of the story, and his journey forms the core of the narrative. The other characters in the book play supporting roles in Seymour's life, either as family members or friends.
Character Descriptions
- Seymour Polatkin: Seymour is a complex character who embodies the struggles and conflicts faced by Native Americans in contemporary society. He is a talented poet and filmmaker who finds success and recognition but struggles with his cultural identity. Seymour is described as introspective, creative, and deeply connected to his Native American heritage.
- Aristotle Joseph: Aristotle, known as Arty, is Seymour's close friend and confidante. He is also a Native American and shares Seymour's passion for art. Arty is portrayed as loyal, supportive, and understanding. He often provides a sense of stability and guidance in Seymour's life.
- Agnes Roth: Agnes is Seymour's former lover and plays a significant role in his life. She is a non-Native American woman who struggles to understand Seymour's cultural complexities. Agnes is depicted as independent, curious, and at times, conflicted about her relationship with Seymour.
- Corliss Joseph: Corliss is Aristotle Joseph's sister and becomes an important figure in Seymour's life. She is portrayed as a strong-willed and outspoken woman who challenges Seymour's perspectives and forces him to confront his own biases and prejudices.
- Junior Polatkin: Junior is Seymour's brother, who, despite sharing a close bond, has a strained relationship with Seymour due to their conflicting views on cultural identity. Junior is depicted as rebellious, angry, and resentful towards Seymour.
- Aunt Nezzy, Uncle Moses, Aunt Loretta, Uncle Delbert, Aunt Darlene, Aunt Roberta: These characters are Seymour and Junior's family members who represent different aspects of Native American culture and provide insights into the challenges faced by the community. They serve as a reminder of Seymour's roots and the cultural heritage he grapples with.
Character Traits
- Seymour Polatkin: Intelligent, introspective, creative, conflicted, passionate, resilient
- Aristotle Joseph: Loyal, supportive, understanding, patient, wise
- Agnes Roth: Independent, curious, conflicted, open-minded, compassionate
- Corliss Joseph: Strong-willed, outspoken, confrontational, empathetic, determined
- Junior Polatkin: Rebellious, angry, resentful, lost, vulnerable
- Aunt Nezzy, Uncle Moses, Aunt Loretta, Uncle Delbert, Aunt Darlene, Aunt Roberta: Wise, traditional, resilient, nurturing, proud
Character Background
Seymour Polatkin, a talented poet and filmmaker, grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He was raised in a close-knit community that struggled with poverty, addiction, and the loss of cultural identity. Seymour was deeply influenced by his Native American heritage, but as he grew older, he found himself torn between his cultural roots and the opportunities offered by the mainstream society.
Throughout his life, Seymour faced numerous challenges, including racism, discrimination, and a sense of displacement. Despite these obstacles, he pursued his passion for art and used it as a means to explore his own identity and advocate for Native American rights. Seymour's background shaped his perspective and fueled his desire to create art that captured the essence of his community's struggles.
Character Arcs
In "The Business of Fancydancing," Seymour undergoes a significant character arc as he grapples with his cultural identity and navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. At the beginning of the story, Seymour is confident in his art, but he struggles with his place in the world and questions whether he is doing justice to his Native American heritage.
As the narrative progresses, Seymour's relationships with Agnes, Aristotle, and Corliss challenge his preconceived notions and force him to confront his own biases. He realizes that his success as an artist does not exempt him from the responsibility of advocating for his community and addressing the issues they face.
Throughout the book, Seymour's character arc is marked by introspection, self-reflection, and a growing sense of social and cultural awareness. By the end of the story, Seymour has gained a deeper understanding of his own identity and the role he can play in promoting understanding and justice for Native Americans.
Relationships
Seymour's relationships with the other characters in "The Business of Fancydancing" are crucial in shaping his character development and the overall narrative. Some key relationships include:
- Agnes Roth: Agnes is Seymour's former lover, and their relationship represents the clash between different cultural backgrounds. Their bond is marked by love, but also by misunderstandings and the struggle to bridge the gap between their respective experiences.
- Aristotle Joseph: Aristotle, Seymour's close friend, provides him with emotional support and guidance. Their friendship is a source of stability for Seymour, and Aristotle's wisdom helps him navigate the challenges he faces.
- Corliss Joseph: Corliss becomes an important figure in Seymour's life, challenging his perspectives and forcing him to confront his own biases. Their relationship is marked by conflict but also mutual growth and understanding.
- Junior Polatkin: Seymour's relationship with his brother Junior is strained due to their differing views on cultural identity. Despite the tension, their bond highlights the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of cultural heritage.
- Aunt Nezzy, Uncle Moses, Aunt Loretta, Uncle Delbert, Aunt Darlene, Aunt Roberta: Seymour's interactions with his family members provide insights into the challenges faced by Native American communities. These relationships serve as a reminder of Seymour's roots and the importance of cultural heritage.
In "The Business of Fancydancing," the relationships portrayed reflect the deep connection between personal identity and cultural heritage, highlighting the struggles and growth experienced by Seymour and those around him.
