"The Dilemma" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Penny Vincenzi's novel "The Dilemma," the characters play important roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Lisa Armstrong, and her husband, Joe Armstrong, face a challenging dilemma that tests their relationships with their family and friends. The supporting characters, including their children Kate, Jack, Cassie, and Declan, as well as Samantha Fraser and her family, add depth and complexity to the story.

Character Descriptions

Lisa Armstrong

Lisa Armstrong is a middle-aged woman, married to Joe Armstrong for over twenty years. She is a loving and caring mother to their four children, known for her strong sense of responsibility. Lisa is described as a determined and organized individual, always striving to keep her family together and happy.

Joe Armstrong

Joe Armstrong is Lisa's husband and a devoted father. He is hardworking and dedicated to his family. Joe is described as a practical and level-headed individual, known for his problem-solving skills. He often tries to keep the peace within the family.

Kate Armstrong

Kate Armstrong is Lisa and Joe's eldest daughter. She is in her early twenties and is portrayed as a responsible and ambitious young woman. Kate is described as independent and driven, pursuing a successful career.

Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong is Lisa and Joe's eldest son. He is a teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence. Jack is depicted as a fun-loving and adventurous individual, always seeking new experiences.

Cassie Armstrong

Cassie Armstrong is Lisa and Joe's second daughter. She is a pre-teen with a vibrant personality. Cassie is described as creative and imaginative, always indulging in artistic pursuits.

Declan Armstrong

Declan Armstrong is Lisa and Joe's youngest son. He is a young child who brings joy and innocence to the family. Declan is depicted as playful and curious, always eager to explore his surroundings.

Samantha Fraser

Samantha Fraser is a close friend of Lisa and Joe. She is portrayed as an ambitious and manipulative woman who becomes a source of conflict in the story. Samantha's actions create tension within the relationships of the characters.

Olivia Fraser

Olivia Fraser is Samantha's daughter and a friend of Lisa and Joe's children. She is a teenager who is often caught in the middle of the dilemmas unfolding between the families. Olivia is depicted as a compassionate and understanding individual.

Ben Fraser

Ben Fraser is Samantha's husband and a friend of Joe. He is portrayed as a supportive and loyal friend. Ben's character provides a contrasting perspective to Samantha's manipulative behavior.

Mark Fraser

Mark Fraser is Samantha's son and a friend of Lisa and Joe's children. He is a teenager who grapples with his loyalty to his family and his friendships with the Armstrongs. Mark is depicted as a conflicted and introspective character.

Rachel Fraser

Rachel Fraser is Samantha's younger daughter. She is a young child who often observes the conflicts between the families without fully understanding them. Rachel's innocence adds a touch of vulnerability to the story.

Character Traits

The characters in "The Dilemma" possess distinct traits that shape their actions and influence their relationships.

Lisa Armstrong

• Responsible
• Determined
• Caring
• Organized

Joe Armstrong

• Hardworking
• Practical
• Level-headed
• Problem-solver

Kate Armstrong

• Responsible
• Ambitious
• Independent
• Driven

Jack Armstrong

• Fun-loving
• Adventurous
• Energetic
• Curious

Cassie Armstrong

• Creative
• Imaginative
• Artistic
• Playful

Declan Armstrong

• Playful
• Curious
• Innocent
• Joyful

Samantha Fraser

• Ambitious
• Manipulative
• Self-centered
• Deceptive

Olivia Fraser

• Compassionate
• Understanding
• Loyal
• Supportive

Ben Fraser

• Supportive
• Loyal
• Trustworthy
• Friendly

Mark Fraser

• Conflicted
• Introspective
• Loyal
• Observant

Rachel Fraser

• Innocent
• Vulnerable
• Observant
• Curious

Character Background

Lisa Armstrong

Lisa Armstrong grew up in a loving and close-knit family. She met Joe in college, and they fell in love, eventually getting married. Lisa prioritizes her family and has dedicated her life to raising her children and maintaining a harmonious home.

Joe Armstrong

Joe Armstrong comes from a working-class background and has always been a responsible and reliable individual. He values his family above everything and is committed to providing for them.

Kate Armstrong

Kate Armstrong grew up in a supportive environment, encouraged to pursue her dreams. She is determined to excel in her career and make a name for herself.

Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong has always been a curious and adventurous child. He enjoys exploring new things and seeking out thrilling experiences.

Cassie Armstrong

Cassie Armstrong has a vivid imagination and artistic inclinations. She finds solace in her creative pursuits and often expresses herself through various art forms.

Declan Armstrong

Declan Armstrong is the youngest of the Armstrong children. He brings joy and innocence to the family, always eager to learn and explore the world around him.

Samantha Fraser

Samantha Fraser is a woman driven by ambition and the desire for power. She is known for her manipulative nature and has a history of causing conflicts in her relationships.

Olivia Fraser

Olivia Fraser grew up in a complex family dynamic, torn between her loyalty to her mother and her friendships with the Armstrongs. She often finds herself caught in the middle of conflicts.

Ben Fraser

Ben Fraser is a loyal and supportive friend to Joe Armstrong. He values his friendship with the Armstrongs and often acts as a mediator in tense situations.

Mark Fraser

Mark Fraser struggles with his loyalty to his family and his friendships with the Armstrongs. He is introspective and observant, often questioning the choices made by those around him.

Rachel Fraser

Rachel Fraser is a young child who is innocent and curious about the world. She witnesses the conflicts between the families without fully understanding them.

Character Arcs

Lisa Armstrong

Lisa's character arc revolves around the dilemma she faces when she discovers a secret that could potentially disrupt her family's stability. Throughout the story, she experiences inner turmoil as she grapples with the decision to reveal the secret or protect her loved ones. Her arc ultimately leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the importance of honesty and communication within her relationships.

Joe Armstrong

Joe's character arc is closely intertwined with Lisa's. He initially struggles to understand the gravity of the secret and the impact it could have on their family. As the story progresses, Joe learns to confront his own emotions and provide support to Lisa. His arc highlights the importance of empathy and being there for one's partner during challenging times.

Samantha Fraser

Samantha's character arc showcases her manipulative nature and the lengths she would go to achieve her goals. Throughout the story, she faces the consequences of her actions and experiences a downfall as her deceit is exposed. Her arc serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of manipulation and the importance of integrity.

Other Characters

While the supporting characters do not have as pronounced arcs as the main characters, their interactions and growth contribute to the overall narrative. Kate, Jack, Cassie, Declan, Olivia, Ben, Mark, and Rachel all experience their own mini-arcs as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and personal growth.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Dilemma" play a pivotal role in driving the narrative and exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and family dynamics.

Lisa and Joe Armstrong

Lisa and Joe share a strong and loving relationship that is tested when they face the dilemma at the center of the story. Their bond is built on trust and mutual support, and they rely on each other to navigate the challenges they encounter.

Lisa and Samantha Fraser

Lisa and Samantha have a complicated relationship. Initially, they are close friends, but the discovery of the secret puts a strain on their friendship. The conflict between them highlights the importance of trust and the consequences of betrayal.

Lisa and her Children (Kate, Jack, Cassie, Declan)

Lisa's relationships with her children are characterized by love and care. She strives to be a supportive and understanding mother, but the secret she discovers puts a strain on these relationships. The story explores the complexities of familial bonds and the impact of secrets on trust.

Joe and Samantha Fraser

Joe and Samantha have a friendship that is tested as the story unfolds. Joe's loyalty to his wife puts a strain on his relationship with Samantha, and he must confront the consequences of Samantha's manipulative behavior.

The Armstrong and Fraser Children (Kate, Jack, Cassie, Declan, Olivia, Mark, Rachel)

The relationships between the Armstrong and Fraser children are portrayed as close friendships that are tested by the events of the story. The conflicts and secrets affect their loyalty and trust, highlighting the complexities of teenage relationships and the importance of communication.

In conclusion, Penny Vincenzi's "The Dilemma" presents a cast of well-developed characters with distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The characters experience personal growth, navigate complex dilemmas, and face the consequences of their decisions. Through their journeys, the novel explores themes of honesty, trust, and the complexities of family dynamics, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.