"The Last Runaway" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Last Runaway," Tracy Chevalier weaves a compelling tale set in the 1850s, centering around the life of Honor Bright, a young Quaker woman from England. Honor serves as the protagonist of the story, navigating the challenges of her new life in Ohio, where she finds herself caught between her Quaker values and the tumultuous realities of the American antebellum period. Donovan, an antagonist, plays a significant role in Honor's journey, presenting obstacles and moral dilemmas for her to overcome. Additionally, there are several supporting characters who shape Honor's experiences and provide insight into the complex dynamics of the time.

Character Descriptions

Honor Bright

Honor Bright is a young and resilient Quaker woman who possesses a quiet strength. She is described as having fair skin, brown hair, and blue eyes. Honor is portrayed as a thoughtful and observant individual, always seeking to do what is right according to her Quaker beliefs. She is deeply committed to her faith and holds a strong moral compass. Honor's journey to America forces her to confront her own vulnerabilities and adapt to a new set of challenges.

Donovan

Donovan serves as the primary antagonist in "The Last Runaway." He is a charming and enigmatic character with a dark side. Donovan's motivations are often elusive, making him all the more intriguing and dangerous. He becomes a significant source of conflict for Honor, challenging her beliefs and forcing her to question her principles. Donovan's actions and manipulations test Honor's resilience and force her to make difficult choices.

Belle Mills

Belle Mills is a supporting character who befriends Honor upon her arrival in Ohio. She is a strong-willed and independent woman who becomes a valuable ally to Honor. Belle introduces Honor to the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helps escaped slaves reach freedom. Through her interactions with Belle, Honor gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of the abolitionist movement and develops a profound empathy for those seeking liberation.

Jack Haymaker

Jack Haymaker is another supporting character in the novel who becomes romantically involved with Honor. He is a passionate and idealistic young man who is enthusiastic about the abolitionist cause. Jack's involvement in the Underground Railroad and his unwavering dedication to the fight against slavery inspire Honor and strengthen their bond. Despite their cultural differences, Jack and Honor find common ground in their shared values and desire for justice.

Character Traits

Honor Bright

• Compassionate: Honor demonstrates empathy and kindness towards others, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed.
• Reserved: Honor is often reserved and introverted, preferring to observe and reflect on her surroundings rather than seeking attention.
• Determined: Despite facing numerous hardships, Honor remains determined to uphold her Quaker values and make a positive impact.

Donovan

• Manipulative: Donovan uses his charm and charisma to manipulate others and achieve his own ends.
• Mysterious: Donovan's true intentions and motivations are shrouded in mystery, adding an air of suspense to the story.
• Ruthless: Donovan is willing to cross moral boundaries and exploit others to further his own agenda.

Belle Mills

• Courageous: Belle demonstrates immense courage in her involvement with the Underground Railroad, risking her own safety to help others.
• Resourceful: Belle's resourcefulness and knowledge of the area are crucial in aiding escaped slaves on their journey to freedom.
• Independent: Belle is an independent woman who defies societal expectations and lives life on her own terms.

Jack Haymaker

• Idealistic: Jack is driven by his ideals and is willing to fight for what he believes in, even in the face of adversity.
• Determined: Jack's determination to end slavery fuels his involvement in the abolitionist movement and his commitment to the Underground Railroad.
• Romantic: Jack's romantic nature is evident in his relationship with Honor, as he is deeply devoted to her and their shared cause.

Character Background

Honor Bright, having grown up in a Quaker community in England, finds herself uprooted from her familiar surroundings and embarks on a journey to America after a series of personal tragedies. Her background as a Quaker shapes her worldview and influences her actions throughout the story. The historical context of the American antebellum period, with its deep divisions over slavery, provides the backdrop for Honor's experiences and challenges her deeply held beliefs.

Donovan's background remains somewhat elusive throughout the novel, adding to the air of mystery surrounding his character. It is hinted that he has a questionable past and engages in illicit activities, making him both intriguing and dangerous.

Belle Mills, a former slave who escaped to Ohio, carries the weight of her traumatic past. Her experiences as a slave and her subsequent freedom inform her unwavering commitment to the abolitionist cause. Jack Haymaker, a local farmer, comes from a family that actively supports the Underground Railroad, and he is deeply influenced by their values and actions.

Character Arcs

Honor Bright

Honor undergoes a significant character arc in "The Last Runaway." Initially naive and sheltered, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of slavery and the complexities of the Underground Railroad. As Honor navigates the challenges and moral dilemmas presented to her, she becomes more resilient and determined. Her experiences in America shape her understanding of the world and ultimately lead her to find her own voice and sense of purpose.

Donovan

While Donovan's character arc is not as pronounced as Honor's, he remains a constant source of tension and conflict throughout the story. His actions and manipulation of Honor test her moral boundaries and force her to question her own beliefs. Donovan's presence in the narrative serves as a catalyst for Honor's growth and self-discovery.

Belle Mills

Belle's character arc centers around her involvement in the Underground Railroad. Her experiences as a former slave and her ongoing commitment to helping others shape her journey. Through her friendship with Honor, Belle finds solace and validation for her own experiences, further strengthening her resolve to fight for justice.

Jack Haymaker

Jack's character arc aligns closely with his commitment to the abolitionist cause. His passion and determination to end slavery guide his actions and decisions throughout the story. Jack's relationship with Honor deepens his understanding of the complexities of the fight for freedom and reinforces his dedication to the cause.

Relationships

Honor's relationship with Donovan is fraught with tension and manipulation. Donovan's charm and mysterious nature initially draw Honor in, but as she becomes aware of his true intentions, their relationship becomes increasingly adversarial. Honor's interactions with Donovan force her to question her own beliefs and make difficult choices.

The friendship between Honor and Belle is a significant relationship in the novel. Belle's wisdom and experiences provide guidance and support to Honor as she navigates her new life in America. The bond between these two women deepens as they work together in the fight against slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Honor's romantic relationship with Jack Haymaker adds a layer of complexity to the story. Their relationship transcends cultural boundaries and challenges societal expectations. Jack's unwavering support and commitment to the abolitionist cause inspire Honor and strengthen their bond.

"The Last Runaway" explores the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of personal growth. Through the interactions between the characters, Tracy Chevalier delves into themes of identity, morality, and the pursuit of justice. The characters' individual journeys and relationships shape the narrative, providing readers with a captivating exploration of the American antebellum period and the fight against slavery.