"The Marvels" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Marvels," Joseph Jervis is the main character, while Albert Nightingale, Billy Fitzpatrick, Eustacia Marvel, Stella Marvel, Agnes Marvel, and Benjamin Marvel are supporting characters.

Character Descriptions

• Joseph Jervis: Joseph is a young boy who is sent to live with his uncle Albert Nightingale after the death of his mother. He is curious, independent, and determined to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Marvels family.
• Albert Nightingale: Joseph's uncle, Albert, is a theater historian and caretaker of the Marvels' ancestral home. He is kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and has a deep connection to the Marvels family.
• Billy Fitzpatrick: Billy is a young actor who befriends Joseph during his exploration of the Marvels' history. He is enthusiastic, adventurous, and shares Joseph's love for the theater.
• Eustacia Marvel: Eustacia is a member of the Marvels family, living in the 18th century. She is a talented actress and is known for her haunting performances. Eustacia is portrayed through a series of illustrations in the book.
• Stella Marvel: Stella is Eustacia's sister and a renowned actress in the 18th century. She is portrayed through a series of illustrations and is known for her beauty and grace on the stage.
• Agnes Marvel: Agnes is another member of the Marvels family, living in the 18th century. She is Eustacia and Stella's mother and plays a significant role in their lives.
• Benjamin Marvel: Benjamin is the father of Eustacia and Stella and a well-known actor in the 18th century. He is portrayed through a series of illustrations and is known for his dramatic performances.

Character Traits

• Joseph Jervis: Curious, independent, determined, observant, imaginative.
• Albert Nightingale: Kind-hearted, knowledgeable, passionate, patient, nostalgic.
• Billy Fitzpatrick: Enthusiastic, adventurous, friendly, supportive, charismatic.
• Eustacia Marvel: Talented, haunting, enigmatic, passionate, dramatic.
• Stella Marvel: Beautiful, graceful, talented, elegant, poised.
• Agnes Marvel: Loving, protective, supportive, wise, resilient.
• Benjamin Marvel: Dramatic, charismatic, talented, influential, enigmatic.

Character Background

• Joseph Jervis: Joseph's background is primarily revealed through his interactions with other characters in the book. He is an orphan whose mother recently passed away, leaving him in the care of his uncle Albert Nightingale.
• Albert Nightingale: Albert's background is centered around his connection to the Marvels family. He is a theater historian and caretaker of the Marvels' ancestral home. The reader learns about his deep love for the theater and his dedication to preserving the Marvels' legacy.
• Billy Fitzpatrick: Billy's background is not extensively explored in the book. He is a young actor who befriends Joseph during his exploration of the Marvels' history. He shares Joseph's passion for the theater.
• Eustacia Marvel: Eustacia's background is primarily revealed through the illustrations in the book. She is a member of the Marvels family, known for her haunting performances on stage.
• Stella Marvel: Stella's background is also revealed through the illustrations in the book. She is Eustacia's sister and a renowned actress known for her beauty and grace.
• Agnes Marvel: Agnes' background is primarily explored through her role as a mother and her relationships with her daughters, Eustacia and Stella.
• Benjamin Marvel: Benjamin's background is revealed through the illustrations in the book. He is the father of Eustacia and Stella and a well-known actor in the 18th century.

Character Arcs

• Joseph Jervis: Joseph's character arc revolves around his discovery of the Marvels' history and his own sense of identity. Initially, he is a curious and determined young boy who wants to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Marvels family. Throughout the book, he learns about his own family history and finds a sense of belonging.
• Albert Nightingale: Albert's character arc is centered around his relationship with Joseph and his connection to the Marvels family. He starts as a caring and knowledgeable guardian for Joseph and gradually reveals his own personal connection to the Marvels. His arc highlights the importance of family and the power of shared history.
• Billy Fitzpatrick: Billy's character arc is not as pronounced as the other characters. He serves as a supportive friend to Joseph and shares his enthusiasm for the theater. His presence adds a sense of adventure and camaraderie to the story.
• Eustacia Marvel, Stella Marvel, Agnes Marvel, and Benjamin Marvel: The Marvels family characters, portrayed through illustrations, do not undergo traditional character arcs. However, their presence and stories captured in the illustrations provide a historical context and add depth to the narrative.

Relationships

• Joseph Jervis and Albert Nightingale: Joseph and Albert share a close and nurturing relationship throughout the book. Albert becomes a father figure to Joseph and supports him in his quest to uncover the Marvels' history.
• Joseph Jervis and Billy Fitzpatrick: Joseph and Billy develop a strong friendship based on their shared love for the theater. They support and encourage each other in their adventures.
• Joseph Jervis and the Marvels Family: Joseph's connection to the Marvels family is revealed through his exploration of their history. Although he does not have direct interactions with the Marvels family members, their stories and legacy greatly impact Joseph's own understanding of himself and his place in the world.

Conclusion

In Brian Selznick's "The Marvels," the characters are intricately woven into a narrative that spans generations. Joseph Jervis, the main character, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and uncovers the mysteries surrounding the Marvels family. Through his interactions with supporting characters like Albert Nightingale and Billy Fitzpatrick, Joseph learns about the power of family, the magic of the theater, and the importance of embracing one's own history. The Marvels family, portrayed through stunning illustrations, adds a historical context and depth to the story. Selznick masterfully creates a rich tapestry of characters and relationships, captivating readers with his blend of prose and visual storytelling.