"The Color Of Lightning" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Color of Lightning" by Paulette Jiles, there are several key characters that play significant roles in the story. The protagonist, Britt Johnson, is a freed slave who becomes determined to protect his family and seek justice after a devastating Comanche raid. His wife, Mary Johnson, supports and accompanies him throughout their journey. Samuel Hammond, a former slave, also plays a vital role in the narrative as he joins Britt in his mission. Captain Kidd, a secondary character, helps Johnson in his search for his kidnapped niece, Johanna Leonberger. Ned Bryan emerges as the primary antagonist, causing conflict and posing a threat to the main characters. Judge Mercer provides support and guidance to Britt Johnson.

Character Descriptions

• Britt Johnson: Britt Johnson is a strong and resilient character who is determined to protect his family and seek justice. As a former slave, he possesses both physical and emotional strength, making him a formidable protagonist. With a muscular build and a weathered face, Britt exhibits a sense of authority and determination.
• Mary Johnson: Mary Johnson is a devoted and supportive wife. She is described as having a gentle demeanor and a nurturing presence. Mary's loyalty to her husband and her determination to keep their family together make her a pillar of strength throughout the story.
• Samuel Hammond: Samuel Hammond is a former slave who joins Britt Johnson in his quest for justice. He is depicted as a tall and strong man with a calm and wise demeanor. Samuel's experience as a former slave gives him a unique perspective and provides valuable insight into their journey.
• Captain Kidd: Captain Kidd is a secondary character who aids Britt Johnson in his search for Johanna Leonberger. He is an experienced and resourceful man who possesses a deep knowledge of the land and the Native American tribes. Captain Kidd's guidance and expertise prove to be invaluable to Johnson throughout the story.
• Johanna Leonberger: Johanna Leonberger is a young girl who is kidnapped by the Comanche tribe. She is of German descent but has been raised by the Native Americans, making her torn between two cultures. Johanna's resilience and adaptability are evident as she navigates the challenges of her circumstances.
• Ned Bryan: Ned Bryan serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He is a dangerous and ruthless man who poses a significant threat to the main characters. Ned's actions create tension and conflict, driving the plot forward.
• Judge Mercer: Judge Mercer is a supporting character who offers guidance and legal assistance to Britt Johnson. He is a fair and just individual who provides the necessary tools and resources to help Johnson in his pursuit of justice.

Character Traits

• Britt Johnson: Determined, strong, resilient, authoritative.
• Mary Johnson: Devoted, nurturing, loyal, supportive.
• Samuel Hammond: Wise, calm, experienced, insightful.
• Captain Kidd: Resourceful, knowledgeable, experienced, supportive.
• Johanna Leonberger: Resilient, adaptable, torn between cultures.
• Ned Bryan: Dangerous, ruthless, threatening.
• Judge Mercer: Fair, just, supportive.

Character Background

• Britt Johnson: Britt was born into slavery and eventually gained his freedom. He settled in Texas with his wife, Mary, and their three children. After a devastating Comanche raid, he becomes determined to seek justice and protect his family.
• Mary Johnson: Mary was also born into slavery and married Britt Johnson. She supported her husband throughout their journey and shared his determination to seek justice and protect their family.
• Samuel Hammond: Samuel was born into slavery and escaped to Mexico before eventually settling in Texas. He joins Britt Johnson in his mission to seek justice and protect their community.
• Captain Kidd: Captain Kidd is a seasoned traveler who has extensive knowledge of the land and the Native American tribes. He becomes an essential ally for Britt Johnson during his search for Johanna Leonberger.
• Johanna Leonberger: Johanna was kidnapped by the Comanche tribe at a young age and raised as one of their own. She is torn between her German heritage and her adopted Comanche culture.
• Ned Bryan: Ned Bryan is a dangerous outlaw who poses a threat to Britt Johnson and his family. He is known for his violent and ruthless behavior.
• Judge Mercer: Judge Mercer is a respected legal figure who provides support and guidance to Britt Johnson in his pursuit of justice.

Character Arcs

• Britt Johnson: Throughout the story, Britt Johnson undergoes a transformation from a man focused on survival to a man driven by justice. As he navigates the challenges and dangers of his journey, he becomes more determined and resolute in his mission.
• Mary Johnson: Mary's character arc revolves around her unwavering support for her husband, Britt Johnson. She remains by his side, facing the hardships and dangers, and her strength and loyalty grow stronger as the story progresses.
• Samuel Hammond: Samuel's character arc involves his transition from a former slave seeking freedom to a man fighting for justice alongside Britt Johnson. His experiences and perspective shape his growth as he becomes an essential part of the mission.
• Captain Kidd: Captain Kidd's character arc centers around his role as a guide and mentor to Britt Johnson. His expertise and knowledge contribute to the success of the mission, and his bond with Johnson deepens as they face challenges together.
• Johanna Leonberger: Johanna's character arc explores her struggle to reconcile her German heritage and her Comanche upbringing. As she navigates the complexities of her identity, she grows in resilience and adaptability.
• Ned Bryan: Ned Bryan's character arc follows his descent into further violence and ruthlessness as he continues to antagonize Britt Johnson and his family.

Relationships

• Britt and Mary Johnson: The relationship between Britt and Mary is characterized by loyalty, love, and mutual support. They depend on each other's strength and determination throughout their journey.
• Britt Johnson and Samuel Hammond: Britt and Samuel develop a close bond built on trust and shared experiences. They rely on each other's strengths and insights as they fight for justice.
• Captain Kidd and Britt Johnson: Captain Kidd serves as a mentor figure to Britt Johnson, offering guidance and support. Their relationship is built on trust and mutual respect.
• Johanna Leonberger and Britt Johnson: Johanna forms a unique bond with Britt Johnson as he becomes her protector and guide. Their relationship evolves as they navigate the challenges of their journey together.
• Ned Bryan and Britt Johnson: Ned Bryan serves as the primary antagonist, creating a tense and adversarial relationship with Britt Johnson. Their conflict drives much of the plot.
• Judge Mercer and Britt Johnson: Judge Mercer provides legal assistance and guidance to Britt Johnson, fostering a supportive relationship based on justice and fairness.

Overall, "The Color of Lightning" presents a diverse cast of characters with complex relationships, contributing to the depth and richness of the story. The characters' backgrounds, traits, and arcs weave together to create a compelling narrative of resilience, justice, and the enduring power of human connection.