"The Diary of Mattie Spenser" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Mattie Spenser is the protagonist of "The Diary of Mattie Spenser" by Sandra Dallas. The story revolves around her experiences as a young bride and homesteader in late 19th-century Colorado.

Character Descriptions

• Mattie Spenser: Mattie is a strong-willed and determined young woman who marries Luke Spenser and moves with him to a remote homestead in Colorado. She is described as tall, with fiery red hair and a fierce spirit.
• Luke Spenser: Luke is Mattie's husband, a hardworking but often distant man who struggles with the challenges of farming. He is described as tall, slender, and quiet.
• Josiah Turner: Josiah is Mattie's neighbor and friend, a kind and helpful man who provides support and guidance to Mattie as she adjusts to life on the homestead.
• Elizabeth Turner: Elizabeth is Josiah's wife and a close friend of Mattie. She is a caring woman who helps Mattie through the trials of homesteading and motherhood.
• J.D. Turner: J.D. is Josiah and Elizabeth's son, a mischievous young boy who often visits Mattie's homestead to play with her children.
• Hannah Turner: Hannah is Josiah and Elizabeth's daughter, a shy and reserved girl who forms a close bond with Mattie's daughter, Margaret.
• Sarah Turner: Sarah is Josiah and Elizabeth's daughter, a lively and adventurous girl who often joins Mattie's children in their outdoor activities.
• Aunt Josie: Aunt Josie is Mattie's aunt, a wise and supportive woman who offers guidance and advice to Mattie throughout her journey.
• Nettie, Sally, Emma, Laura, Martha, and Mary: These are Mattie's sisters who play a minor role in the story, offering occasional support and visiting Mattie on the homestead.
• Benjamin, William, Margaret, Lucy, Sarah, and James: These are Mattie's children who grow up on the homestead, facing the challenges of frontier life alongside their mother.
• Mrs. Noonan: Mrs. Noonan is a neighbor of Mattie's, a kind-hearted woman who provides comfort and assistance when Mattie needs it most.
• Mr. Noonan: Mr. Noonan is Mrs. Noonan's husband, a quiet and hardworking man who helps Mattie and Luke with their farming tasks.
• Jeanne, Frank, Emma, and John: These are Mattie's other neighbors who occasionally interact with her and her family throughout the story.

Character Traits

• Mattie Spenser: Mattie is resilient, determined, and resourceful. She faces numerous challenges on the homestead but never gives up, always finding a way to overcome obstacles.
• Luke Spenser: Luke is hardworking and practical but struggles to communicate his emotions. He is often distant from Mattie, causing tension in their relationship.
• Josiah Turner: Josiah is kind-hearted, patient, and generous. He offers guidance and support to Mattie, helping her navigate the difficulties of homesteading.
• Elizabeth Turner: Elizabeth is caring, compassionate, and nurturing. She becomes a close friend to Mattie, offering advice and sharing in the joys and sorrows of frontier life.
• J.D. Turner: J.D. is mischievous, adventurous, and full of energy. He brings a sense of joy and playfulness to Mattie's children.
• Hannah Turner: Hannah is shy, sensitive, and observant. She forms a deep friendship with Margaret and provides a sense of comfort and companionship.
• Sarah Turner: Sarah is adventurous, curious, and lively. She often joins Mattie's children in their outdoor activities, bringing a sense of excitement to their lives.
• Aunt Josie: Aunt Josie is wise, supportive, and loving. She offers guidance and encouragement to Mattie, acting as a maternal figure in her life.
• Nettie, Sally, Emma, Laura, Martha, and Mary: Mattie's sisters are caring and supportive, visiting her on the homestead and providing occasional assistance.
• Benjamin, William, Margaret, Lucy, Sarah, and James: Mattie's children inherit her resilience and determination. They face the challenges of frontier life with courage and adaptability.
• Mrs. Noonan: Mrs. Noonan is kind-hearted, compassionate, and helpful. She provides comfort and assistance to Mattie during difficult times.
• Mr. Noonan: Mr. Noonan is hardworking, reliable, and supportive. He assists Mattie and Luke with their farming tasks, offering a helping hand.
• Jeanne, Frank, Emma, and John: These neighbors are friendly and supportive. They occasionally interact with Mattie and her family, providing a sense of community.

Character Background

Mattie Spenser is a young woman from Iowa who marries Luke Spenser and moves with him to a remote homestead in Colorado. The story takes place in the late 19th century, a time when homesteading was a challenging and often isolating way of life. Mattie's background is one of hard work and perseverance, having grown up on a farm with her large family. She is no stranger to physical labor and the difficulties of rural living. Despite the hardships, Mattie is determined to make a life for herself and her family on the homestead.

Character Arcs

Mattie Spenser undergoes significant character growth throughout the novel. Initially, she is a naive and inexperienced young bride, unprepared for the hardships she will face on the homestead. However, as the story progresses, Mattie learns to adapt and overcome the challenges of frontier life. She becomes more resilient, resourceful, and self-reliant, gaining a deep understanding of the land and its demands. Mattie's relationships with her neighbors and family also evolve, from initial feelings of isolation to a sense of community and support.

Relationships

Mattie Spenser forms various relationships throughout the story, which play an important role in her development and the overall narrative. Her relationship with Luke Spenser, her husband, is complex, marked by moments of distance and tension. However, as they face the hardships of homesteading together, their bond strengthens.

Mattie's friendship with Josiah and Elizabeth Turner provides her with much-needed guidance and support. Josiah acts as a mentor figure, sharing his knowledge of farming and helping Mattie navigate the challenges of frontier life. Elizabeth becomes a close friend, offering emotional support and a sense of companionship.

Mattie's relationship with her children is central to the story. As they grow up on the homestead, they face the same trials and tribulations as their mother, fostering a deep bond of understanding and reliance on one another.

Mattie also forms connections with her neighbors, including Mrs. Noonan, who offers comfort in times of need, and Jeanne and her family, who provide a sense of community and friendship.

Overall, the relationships in "The Diary of Mattie Spenser" contribute to the character's growth, highlighting the importance of human connection and support in the face of adversity.