"The Colossus Rises" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Colossus Rises" by Peter Lerangis, the protagonist is Jack McKinley, a young boy who embarks on a dangerous adventure to save himself and the world. Jack's friends, Cass and Aly, accompany him on this journey as they discover their hidden powers and unravel the mysteries of their past. Marco, another friend of Jack's, also joins the group later on. Torquin, a wise mentor, guides Jack and his friends, teaching them how to harness their unique abilities. The main antagonist in the story is Professor Bhegad, who seeks to use Jack and his friends' powers for his own sinister purposes.

Character Descriptions

• Jack McKinley: Jack is a twelve-year-old boy with a strong sense of determination and loyalty. He possesses a special power, the ability to see and understand ancient symbols. Jack is described as having a wiry frame, tousled brown hair, and piercing blue eyes.
• Cass: Cass is Jack's best friend and a key member of their group. She is known for her intelligence and resourcefulness. Cass has long, curly black hair and wears glasses. She is often the voice of reason in the group.
• Aly: Aly is a brave and adventurous girl who is fiercely protective of her friends. She has a slim figure, long blonde hair, and bright green eyes. Aly is known for her agility and quick thinking.
• Marco: Marco is a fun-loving and athletic boy who joins Jack's group later on in the story. He is described as having a muscular build, short brown hair, and a mischievous smile. Marco brings a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the group.
• Torquin: Torquin is an ancient and wise mentor who guides Jack and his friends on their journey. He possesses vast knowledge about the world's ancient civilizations and their powers. Torquin is depicted as an elderly man with a long white beard and a staff.
• Professor Bhegad: Professor Bhegad is the main antagonist of the story. He is a ruthless and power-hungry archaeologist who seeks to exploit Jack and his friends' powers for his own gain. Bhegad is described as having a tall and imposing figure, with a menacing grin and piercing eyes.

Character Traits

• Jack McKinley: Determined, loyal, curious, observant.
• Cass: Intelligent, resourceful, logical, cautious.
• Aly: Brave, protective, agile, quick-thinking.
• Marco: Fun-loving, athletic, mischievous, adventurous.
• Torquin: Wise, knowledgeable, patient, mysterious.
• Professor Bhegad: Ruthless, power-hungry, cunning, manipulative.

Character Background

• Jack McKinley: Jack had a seemingly normal life until he discovered his unique power and learned about his mysterious past. He was chosen as one of the Select, a group of individuals with special abilities, who must save the world from a looming disaster.
• Cass: Cass is a highly intelligent and curious girl who enjoys solving puzzles and mysteries. She becomes Jack's trusted companion and helps him decipher ancient symbols and clues.
• Aly: Aly comes from a family of adventurers and explorers. She has always been drawn to excitement and danger. Her bravery and agility make her an invaluable member of the group.
• Marco: Marco is initially a reluctant member of the group but later embraces the adventure. He comes from a family of athletes and brings his physical abilities and sense of humor to the team.
• Torquin: Torquin is an ancient being with vast knowledge of the world's ancient civilizations and their powers. He guides the Select and helps them understand their abilities and their purpose.
• Professor Bhegad: Professor Bhegad is a renowned archaeologist who becomes obsessed with harnessing the powers of the Select for his own gain. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means putting the world in danger.

Character Arcs

• Jack McKinley: Jack starts as a seemingly ordinary boy but discovers his unique power and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout the story, he grows in confidence and learns to trust his instincts. Jack also develops leadership skills as he takes charge of the group and faces various challenges.
• Cass: Cass begins as the voice of reason and logic in the group. As the story progresses, she learns to embrace her own abilities and takes on a more active role in solving the puzzles they encounter. Cass becomes more adventurous and learns to trust her intuition.
• Aly: Aly's arc involves overcoming her fear and insecurity. She starts as a cautious and protective friend but becomes more daring and willing to take risks for the sake of her friends. Aly discovers her own strengths and learns to believe in herself.
• Marco: Marco's arc revolves around embracing his role in the group. Initially, he is reluctant to join the adventure and doubts his abilities. However, as the story unfolds, Marco realizes the importance of his contribution and becomes an integral part of the team.
• Torquin: Torquin's arc is one of guidance and mentorship. He imparts his wisdom to the Select and helps them understand their powers and purpose. Torquin also reveals his own past and the sacrifices he made for the greater good.
• Professor Bhegad: Bhegad's arc is that of a power-hungry antagonist. He becomes increasingly obsessed with harnessing the powers of the Select and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His actions escalate throughout the story, leading to a climactic confrontation with the Select.

Relationships

• Jack and Cass: Jack and Cass have a deep bond of friendship and trust. They rely on each other's strengths and support one another throughout their journey. Their complementary skills and shared experiences make them a formidable team.
• Jack and Aly: Jack and Aly share a strong connection and mutual respect. Aly's bravery and protective nature make her a trusted ally to Jack. They rely on each other for support and encouragement.
• Jack and Marco: Jack and Marco initially have a somewhat strained relationship, as Marco is hesitant to join the group. However, as they face challenges together, their friendship grows stronger, and Marco's humor brings a sense of lightness to their adventures.
• Jack and Torquin: Torquin serves as a mentor and guide to Jack. He provides wisdom and guidance, helping Jack understand his powers and the purpose of their mission. Their relationship is built on respect and trust.
• Jack and Professor Bhegad: Jack and Professor Bhegad have a contentious relationship, as Bhegad seeks to exploit Jack's powers for his own gain. They become adversaries, with Jack determined to stop Bhegad's plans and protect himself and his friends.

In conclusion, "The Colossus Rises" by Peter Lerangis features a diverse cast of characters who embark on an epic adventure. Jack McKinley and his friends possess unique powers and must navigate challenges and uncover ancient secrets to save the world. The characters' traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships contribute to the overall depth and excitement of the story.