"The Center of Everything" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Center of Everything" by Laura Moriarty, the main character Evelyn Bucknow is a young girl coming of age in a small town in Kansas during the 1980s. The story revolves around Evelyn's experiences, observations, and relationships as she navigates the challenges of growing up.

Character Descriptions

• Evelyn Bucknow: Evelyn is an intelligent and curious 10-year-old girl. She has a slender frame and short brown hair. She is often seen wearing glasses and is described as being observant and reflective.
• Tina Bucknow: Evelyn's mother is a hardworking single parent who struggles to make ends meet. She has blonde hair and a tired expression, often juggling multiple jobs to support her children.
• Travis Bucknow: Evelyn's older brother is a rebellious teenager with long hair and a carefree attitude. He often clashes with their mother and seeks independence through his music.
• Ruth Bucknow: Evelyn's grandmother is the matriarch of the family. She is portrayed as a wise and compassionate woman with a frail physical appearance, but a strong spirit.
• Travis Bucknow Sr.: Evelyn's absent father, who left the family when she was young, leaving a void in her life.
• Mrs. Snell: Evelyn's fourth-grade teacher who recognizes her academic potential and encourages her to pursue her dreams.
• Brenda: Evelyn's best friend since kindergarten, who shares her love for books and adventures. Brenda has a round face and a contagious smile that often brightens Evelyn's days.
• Donny: A young boy in Evelyn's class who becomes her crush. He is described as having tousled blonde hair and blue eyes, with a mischievous grin.
• Adam: Another classmate of Evelyn's who is academically inclined and often competes with her for the top spot in the class.
• Mr. Tucker: Evelyn's neighbor, an elderly man who spends most of his time gardening and shares his knowledge and wisdom with Evelyn.

Character Traits

• Evelyn Bucknow: Intelligent, observant, reflective, determined, empathetic.
• Tina Bucknow: Hardworking, resilient, loving, overwhelmed.
• Travis Bucknow: Rebellious, independent, creative, conflicted.
• Ruth Bucknow: Wise, compassionate, strong, nurturing.
• Travis Bucknow Sr.: Absent, irresponsible, detached.
• Mrs. Snell: Supportive, encouraging, nurturing, strict.
• Brenda: Loyal, adventurous, joyful, imaginative.
• Donny: Playful, mischievous, charming, curious.
• Adam: Competitive, studious, ambitious, focused.
• Mr. Tucker: Knowledgeable, patient, wise, kind.

Character Background

Evelyn Bucknow comes from a working-class family in a small town in Kansas. Her mother, Tina, struggles to make ends meet, working multiple jobs to support Evelyn and her brother, Travis. Evelyn's father, Travis Bucknow Sr., left the family when she was young, leaving her with a deep longing for his presence. Despite the challenges she faces at home, Evelyn finds solace in her love for books and learning.

Character Arcs

Throughout the novel, Evelyn undergoes several significant character arcs. At the beginning, she is an innocent and observant young girl, content with her life and the world around her. However, as she matures and begins to understand the complexities of life, she becomes more introspective and starts questioning the injustices and difficulties she witnesses.

Evelyn's arc is primarily shaped by her growing awareness of social and economic disparities, as well as her desire to break free from the limitations of her small town. She realizes that education is her ticket to a better life and is determined to excel academically. Her relationship with her teacher, Mrs. Snell, plays a pivotal role in her development, as Mrs. Snell recognizes Evelyn's potential and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Additionally, Evelyn's relationships with her family members, particularly her mother and grandmother, evolve throughout the story. She gains a deeper understanding of their struggles and sacrifices, which strengthens her empathy and shapes her perspective on family dynamics.

Relationships

• Evelyn and Tina: Evelyn has a close and loving relationship with her mother, Tina. Despite their financial struggles, they support each other and share a deep bond.
• Evelyn and Travis: Evelyn's relationship with her older brother is complicated. While they often clash due to their differing personalities and priorities, they also share moments of understanding and protectiveness.
• Evelyn and Ruth: Evelyn shares a special bond with her grandmother, Ruth. Ruth's wisdom and guidance provide Evelyn with a strong moral compass and a sense of stability.
• Evelyn and Mrs. Snell: Mrs. Snell plays a significant role in Evelyn's life as a mentor and advocate for her education. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and admiration.
• Evelyn and Brenda: Evelyn's friendship with Brenda is a source of joy and support. They share a love for books and embark on imaginative adventures together.
• Evelyn and Donny: Evelyn develops a crush on Donny, and their interactions are filled with innocent curiosity and playfulness.
• Evelyn and Mr. Tucker: Mr. Tucker serves as a mentor figure to Evelyn, offering her guidance and knowledge about life and nature.

In conclusion, "The Center of Everything" by Laura Moriarty explores the coming-of-age journey of Evelyn Bucknow in a small town. The novel delves into Evelyn's character, her relationships, and her personal growth as she navigates the challenges of her environment and strives to create a better future for herself.