Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Granada Satterfield | Protagonist |
| Polly Shine | Supporting Character |
| Ben Satterfield | Supporting Character |
| Mawu | Supporting Character |
| Delphine | Supporting Character |
| Lily | Supporting Character |
| Sarah | Supporting Character |
Role Identification
In the book "The Healing" by Jonathan Odell, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. Granada Satterfield serves as the protagonist, while Polly Shine, Ben Satterfield, Mawu, Delphine, Lily, and Sarah are supporting characters.
Character Descriptions
- Granada Satterfield: Granada is a young woman who is enslaved on a plantation in Mississippi. She is intelligent, resilient, and determined to find her freedom.
- Polly Shine: Polly is a wise and powerful healer who secretly teaches Granada the art of healing. She is an older woman with a strong presence and a deep understanding of herbal medicine.
- Ben Satterfield: Ben is Granada's husband, who is also enslaved. He is a caring and compassionate man who supports Granada's desire for freedom.
- Mawu: Mawu is a fellow enslaved woman who becomes Granada's close friend. She is strong-willed and fiercely protective of those she cares about.
- Delphine: Delphine is the plantation owner's daughter and Granada's mistress. She is conflicted about her role in the institution of slavery and forms a complex relationship with Granada.
- Lily: Lily is Delphine's younger sister. She is curious and open-minded, always seeking to learn more about the world beyond the plantation.
- Sarah: Sarah is a white woman who forms a bond with Granada and becomes an ally in the fight for freedom. She challenges the societal norms of her time and risks her own safety to help others.
Character Traits
- Granada Satterfield: Determined, intelligent, resilient, courageous
- Polly Shine: Wise, powerful, secretive, nurturing
- Ben Satterfield: Caring, compassionate, supportive
- Mawu: Strong-willed, protective, loyal
- Delphine: Conflicted, complex, curious
- Lily: Curious, open-minded, eager to learn
- Sarah: Brave, empathetic, compassionate, rebellious
Character Background
Granada Satterfield was born into slavery on the Satterfield plantation in Mississippi. She has always dreamed of freedom and resented the harsh treatment she and her fellow enslaved people endure. Polly Shine, a healer from another plantation, recognizes Granada's potential and secretly teaches her the art of healing. Granada's husband, Ben, shares her desire for freedom and supports her in any way he can. Mawu, Delphine, Lily, and Sarah also have their own backgrounds and experiences within the institution of slavery.
Character Arcs
Granada's character arc in "The Healing" is one of personal growth and empowerment. Initially, she is resigned to her fate as a slave, but as she learns the art of healing from Polly Shine, she gains confidence and begins to believe in her own abilities. Granada's journey takes her from a place of fear and oppression to one of strength and resilience as she fights for her freedom and the freedom of others.
Polly Shine's character arc is one of mentorship and sacrifice. She sees potential in Granada and selflessly shares her knowledge and skills, knowing that it could put both of them in danger. Polly's guidance helps Granada find her purpose and become a healer in her own right.
Delphine's character arc revolves around her struggle with her role as a plantation owner's daughter. She initially sees Granada as nothing more than property, but as their relationship develops, Delphine begins to question the institution of slavery and her own complicity in it. Her arc is one of self-discovery and growth as she confronts her own privilege and seeks redemption.
Sarah's character arc is one of allyship and defiance of societal norms. As a white woman, she risks her own safety and reputation to help Granada and the other enslaved people. Sarah's journey involves unlearning her own prejudices and challenging the deeply ingrained racism of her time.
Relationships
Granada and Polly Shine develop a deep bond as mentor and mentee. Polly recognizes Granada's potential and becomes a guiding force in her life. Their relationship is built on trust and mutual respect.
Granada and Ben's relationship is one of love and support. They share the same desire for freedom and work together to escape the plantation. Their love for each other gives them strength in the face of adversity.
Granada's relationship with Mawu is one of friendship and sisterhood. Mawu fiercely protects Granada and stands by her side throughout their journey towards freedom.
Granada's relationship with Delphine is complex and layered. Initially, Delphine represents the oppressive system that Granada is trying to escape. However, as they spend more time together, their relationship evolves, and Delphine begins to question her own beliefs.
Granada's friendship with Lily and her alliance with Sarah are crucial in her fight for freedom. Lily's curiosity and Sarah's bravery provide Granada with additional support and encouragement.
Overall, "The Healing" by Jonathan Odell explores the complex relationships between characters from different backgrounds and social positions during a time of slavery. Through these relationships, the characters undergo personal growth, challenging societal norms and fighting for their freedom.
