"The Loud Silence of Francine Green" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Loud Silence of Francine Green," Francine Green is the protagonist of the story. She is an eighth-grade student at All Saints School, facing the challenges of growing up during the McCarthy era in the 1950s.

Character Descriptions

Francine Green

Francine is a thirteen-year-old girl with wavy brown hair and glasses. She is curious, intelligent, and has a strong sense of justice. Francine is often quiet and observant, preferring to blend into the background rather than draw attention to herself. She has a keen interest in writing and dreams of becoming a journalist one day.

Sophie Bowman

Sophie is Francine's best friend and classmate. She has red hair and freckles, which make her stand out in a crowd. Sophie is outgoing, confident, and not afraid to speak her mind. She is supportive of Francine and encourages her to step out of her comfort zone.

Mrs. Holt

Mrs. Holt is Francine's English teacher at All Saints School. She is a strict but fair teacher who challenges her students to think critically and express themselves through writing. Mrs. Holt recognizes Francine's talent and encourages her to participate in the school newspaper.

Mrs. Green

Mrs. Green is Francine's mother. She is a caring and supportive parent who wants the best for her daughter. Mrs. Green is concerned about the changing political climate and tries to protect Francine from the harsh realities of McCarthyism.

Mr. Green

Mr. Green is Francine's father. He is a World War II veteran and a hardworking man who values honesty and integrity. Mr. Green is often reserved but has a deep love for his family. He provides guidance and stability to Francine during times of uncertainty.

Mrs. Bowman

Mrs. Bowman is Sophie's mother. She is a warm and welcoming woman who treats Francine like her own daughter. Mrs. Bowman encourages Sophie's friendship with Francine and supports her daughter's dreams.

Mr. Bowman

Mr. Bowman is Sophie's father. He is a kind and understanding man who values education. Mr. Bowman supports Sophie's friendship with Francine and encourages both girls to pursue their passions.

Mrs. Harrison

Mrs. Harrison is Francine's neighbor. She is an elderly woman who lives alone. Mrs. Harrison is wise and offers Francine guidance as she navigates the challenges of growing up during a tumultuous time.

Mr. Harrison

Mr. Harrison is Mrs. Harrison's husband. Although he is not physically present in the story, his memory lingers, reminding Francine of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.

Character Traits

Francine Green

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Observant
• Reserved
• Cautious
• Determined

Sophie Bowman

• Outgoing
• Confident
• Supportive
• Bold
• Loyal
• Adventurous

Mrs. Holt

• Strict
• Fair
• Inspirational
• Discerning
• Dedicated
• Encouraging

Mrs. Green

• Caring
• Protective
• Nurturing
• Worried
• Loving
• Supportive

Mr. Green

• Reserved
• Hardworking
• Honest
• Patriotic
• Supportive
• Wise

Mrs. Bowman

• Warm
• Welcoming
• Supportive
• Nurturing
• Open-minded
• Loving

Mr. Bowman

• Kind
• Understanding
• Supportive
• Encouraging
• Educated
• Patient

Mrs. Harrison

• Wise
• Compassionate
• Supportive
• Resilient
• Independent
• Observant

Mr. Harrison

• Remembered
• Inspirational
• Courageous
• Strong-willed
• Principled
• Determined

Character Background

Francine Green is a Jewish girl living in Los Angeles during the 1950s. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Green, are hardworking individuals who value their family and their heritage. Francine attends All Saints School, where she meets her best friend, Sophie Bowman. Together, they navigate the challenges of adolescence during the McCarthy era.

Mrs. Holt, Francine's English teacher, recognizes her talent for writing and encourages her to join the school newspaper. Francine's parents, especially her mother, worry about the political climate and the potential consequences of expressing their beliefs openly. However, Francine's curiosity and desire for justice push her to question the status quo.

Throughout the story, Francine learns about the injustices of McCarthyism and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. She faces internal conflicts as she grapples with the fear of being labeled a communist sympathizer. Francine's background as a Jewish girl adds another layer of complexity to her experiences, as she is familiar with the fear and discrimination faced by marginalized communities.

Character Arcs

Francine Green

Francine undergoes a significant character arc in "The Loud Silence of Francine Green." At the beginning of the story, she is reserved and hesitant to speak up. However, as she becomes more aware of the injustices around her, Francine finds her voice. She starts writing articles for the school newspaper, expressing her opinions and shedding light on the flaws of McCarthyism. Francine's character arc demonstrates her growth from a timid observer to a courageous advocate for justice.

Sophie Bowman

Sophie serves as a catalyst for Francine's character development. Throughout the story, Sophie encourages Francine to step out of her comfort zone and embrace her talent for writing. Sophie's unwavering support and friendship inspire Francine to overcome her fears and become an active participant in challenging the injustices of McCarthyism.

Mrs. Holt

Mrs. Holt plays an instrumental role in Francine's character arc. As Francine's English teacher, she recognizes her potential and provides her with opportunities to express herself through writing. Mrs. Holt's guidance and encouragement empower Francine to find her voice and contribute to the fight against McCarthyism.

Relationships

Francine and Sophie

Francine and Sophie share a deep and supportive friendship. Sophie's outgoing nature complements Francine's reserved personality, and they provide each other with the necessary support and encouragement to navigate the challenges they face together. Their friendship strengthens Francine's character and serves as a source of inspiration.

Francine and Mrs. Holt

Mrs. Holt serves as a mentor to Francine. She recognizes Francine's talent for writing and encourages her to use her voice to challenge the injustices of McCarthyism. Mrs. Holt's support and guidance contribute to Francine's character development and play a pivotal role in her journey.

Francine and her Parents

Francine has a loving and supportive relationship with her parents. However, her parents' worries about the political climate create tension and conflict within the family. Francine's desire to express herself clashes with her parents' concerns for her safety. Despite this, Francine's parents provide her with stability and love, which ultimately helps her find the strength to fight for what she believes in.

Francine and Mrs. Harrison

Mrs. Harrison, Francine's neighbor, becomes a wise and compassionate figure in her life. Mrs. Harrison offers guidance and support as Francine navigates the challenges of growing up during McCarthyism. Her presence and wisdom provide Francine with a sense of belonging and understanding.

In conclusion, "The Loud Silence of Francine Green" by Karen Cushman explores the coming-of-age journey of Francine Green during the McCarthy era. Through her relationships, character traits, and personal growth, Francine evolves into a courageous advocate for justice, challenging the injustices of her time.