"The Lost Language of Cranes" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Lost Language of Cranes" by David Leavitt, the characters play diverse roles that contribute to the exploration of themes such as sexuality, family dynamics, and personal identity. The protagonist, Philip Benjamin, serves as the central character through whose perspective the story unfolds. Other characters, such as Eli Benjamin (Philip's father), David Benjamin (Philip's partner), and Andrew Benjamin (Philip's childhood friend), provide insights into Philip's past and present relationships. Wendy Benjamin (Philip's mother) and Jerene (David's ex-girlfriend) also play significant roles in the narrative.

Character Descriptions

Philip Benjamin

Philip Benjamin is a young man in his twenties who is coming to terms with his sexuality. He is intelligent, introspective, and struggles with balancing his personal desires with societal expectations. Philip is described as having a slim build, dark hair, and expressive eyes. He is often seen as reserved and contemplative, yet his journey throughout the novel showcases his growth and self-discovery.

Eli Benjamin

Eli Benjamin is Philip's father, a middle-aged man who initially appears to be conservative and traditional. He is a successful attorney and has difficulty accepting Philip's homosexuality. Eli is described as having a stern demeanor, graying hair, and a formal appearance. As the story progresses, Eli's character develops, and he confronts his own secrets and desires.

David Benjamin

David Benjamin is Philip's partner and a pivotal character in the novel. He is an artist who is more comfortable with his sexuality than Philip. David is described as charismatic, creative, and confident. He has a magnetic personality that attracts others, but his past relationship with Jerene complicates his connection with Philip.

Andrew Benjamin

Andrew Benjamin is Philip's childhood friend, and their relationship evolves throughout the story. Andrew is gay and embraces his sexuality openly. He serves as a contrast to Philip, representing a different approach to self-acceptance and understanding. Andrew is described as outgoing, adventurous, and supportive.

Wendy Benjamin

Wendy Benjamin is Philip's mother, who initially appears to be the more accepting parent. She is a compassionate and nurturing woman who loves her family deeply. Wendy is described as having a warm smile, a caring nature, and a somewhat reserved demeanor. Her journey in the novel involves her own exploration of personal desires and the challenges of maintaining familial bonds.

Jerene

Jerene is David's ex-girlfriend and a significant character in the novel. She represents the struggles of societal expectations and the complexities of relationships. Jerene is described as attractive, confident, and somewhat enigmatic. Her presence in the story adds tension and drama to David and Philip's relationship.

Maria

Maria is Philip's co-worker and friend. She provides a supportive and understanding ear for Philip as he navigates his personal and romantic life. Maria is described as empathetic, intelligent, and independent.

Edward

Edward is Philip's ex-boyfriend, who appears briefly in the novel. His character serves as a reminder of Philip's past and the challenges he faced in accepting his own sexuality. Edward is described as sensitive, artistic, and emotionally complex.

Character Traits

Philip Benjamin

• Introverted
• Thoughtful
• Self-reflective
• Conflicted
• Curious
• Determined

Eli Benjamin

• Traditional
• Stern
• Reserved
• Secretive
• Controlling
• Conventional

David Benjamin

• Charismatic
• Artistic
• Confident
• Passionate
• Independent
• Protective

Andrew Benjamin

• Outgoing
• Adventurous
• Supportive
• Open-minded
• Confident
• Carefree

Wendy Benjamin

• Compassionate
• Nurturing
• Loving
• Reserved
• Reflective
• Adaptive

Jerene

• Attractive
• Confident
• Enigmatic
• Complex
• Manipulative
• Challenging

Maria

• Empathetic
• Intelligent
• Independent
• Trustworthy
• Supportive
• Insightful

Edward

• Sensitive
• Artistic
• Emotional
• Introspective
• Reflective
• Evocative

Character Background

Philip Benjamin

Philip grew up in a middle-class family in New York City. He attended college and pursued a career in publishing. His journey of self-discovery, particularly regarding his sexuality, forms the core of the novel. Philip's upbringing was relatively sheltered, and his relationship with his parents was initially close but complicated by their contrasting reactions to his homosexuality.

Eli Benjamin

Eli Benjamin is a successful attorney who has worked hard to provide for his family. He grew up during a time when homosexuality was not openly discussed, which shapes his initial difficulty in accepting Philip's sexuality. Eli's background is explored throughout the novel, revealing secrets and desires that have been suppressed for years.

David Benjamin

David Benjamin is an artist who grew up in a more liberal and accepting environment than Philip. He has had previous relationships with both men and women, including his complicated history with Jerene. David's background as an artist and his experiences with different types of relationships contribute to his more open-minded approach to sexuality.

Andrew Benjamin

Andrew Benjamin, Philip's childhood friend, also grew up in New York City. He had a supportive family and embraced his sexuality at a young age. Andrew's background contrasts with Philip's, reflecting a different path to self-acceptance and understanding.

Wendy Benjamin

Wendy Benjamin is Philip's mother, who grew up in a conventional household. Her background is explored through her own journey of self-discovery, as she confronts her desires and the expectations placed upon her. Wendy's background contributes to her initial acceptance of Philip's sexuality and her role as a compassionate and nurturing parent.

Jerene

Jerene, David's ex-girlfriend, has a complex background that is not fully explored in the novel. Her character represents the challenges of societal expectations and the impact they can have on relationships. Jerene's background and experiences shape her manipulative and enigmatic nature.

Maria

Maria's background is not extensively explored in the novel, but she is depicted as an intelligent and independent woman. She provides a supportive role for Philip and serves as a confidante during his journey of self-discovery.

Edward

Edward's background is briefly touched upon in the novel. He represents Philip's past and the challenges he faced in accepting his own sexuality. Edward's character adds depth to Philip's growth and serves as a reminder of the complexities of personal relationships.

Character Arcs

Philip Benjamin

Philip's character arc in "The Lost Language of Cranes" centers around his journey of self-acceptance and understanding. Initially conflicted and reserved about his sexuality, Philip gradually embraces his desires and learns to navigate his relationships with his family, partner, and friends. His character arc is one of personal growth, as he gains confidence and finds the courage to be true to himself.

Eli Benjamin

Eli's character arc involves a transformation from a conservative and traditional father to a more open-minded and accepting individual. As he confronts his own secrets and desires, Eli's relationship with Philip evolves, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of his son's sexuality.

David Benjamin

David's character arc focuses on his complex history with Jerene and his evolving relationship with Philip. As he navigates the challenges of his past and present, David undergoes a transformation from a charismatic and sometimes enigmatic artist to a more vulnerable and committed partner.

Andrew Benjamin

Andrew's character arc serves as a comparison to Philip's journey, highlighting a different approach to self-acceptance. Andrew's role evolves from a supportive friend to a source of inspiration for Philip, demonstrating the importance of embracing one's identity.

Wendy Benjamin

Wendy's character arc centers around her own journey of self-discovery and the challenges of maintaining familial bonds. As she confronts her desires and navigates her relationships, Wendy's character evolves from a reserved and nurturing mother to a more self-aware and adaptive individual.

Jerene

Jerene's character arc represents the impact of societal expectations and the consequences of manipulative behavior. As her relationship with David and Philip becomes more complicated, Jerene's character reveals layers of complexity and the need for personal growth.

Maria

Maria's character arc is less prominent in the novel, but she serves as a supportive friend to Philip throughout his journey. Her loyalty and understanding contribute to Philip's growth and self-acceptance.

Edward

Edward's character arc is limited to his brief appearance in the novel, serving as a reminder of Philip's past and the challenges he faced in accepting his own sexuality. His character highlights the importance of personal growth and the impact of past relationships on present choices.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Lost Language of Cranes" play a vital role in the exploration of themes related to sexuality, family dynamics, and personal identity. The most significant relationships are:

• Philip and David: Philip's relationship with David serves as the central romantic relationship in the novel. Their connection represents Philip's journey of self-discovery and the challenges they face as a couple.
• Philip and Eli: The father-son relationship between Philip and Eli is complex and evolves throughout the story. Eli's initial struggle to accept Philip's sexuality creates tension between them, but their relationship gradually transforms as they confront their own desires and secrets.
• Philip and Andrew: Philip's friendship with Andrew provides a supportive and inspiring relationship. Andrew serves as a contrast to Philip, representing a different approach to self-acceptance and understanding.
• Philip and Wendy: Philip's relationship with his mother, Wendy, is initially depicted as the more accepting parent-child bond. Wendy's love and compassion play an essential role in Philip's journey of self-acceptance.
• David and Jerene: David's history with Jerene adds tension and complexity to his relationship with Philip. Their past connection represents the challenges of societal expectations and the impact they have on personal relationships.
• Philip and Maria: Maria serves as a supportive friend to Philip, providing an empathetic ear throughout his journey of self-discovery.
• Philip and Edward: Edward's character briefly appears in the novel, representing Philip's past and the challenges he faced in accepting his own sexuality. Their relationship adds depth to Philip's character and growth.

The relationships between these characters drive the narrative forward, highlighting the complexities of personal identity and the impact of societal expectations on individual lives.