The Poisonwood Bible Character Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Nathan Price

Nathan Price is the patriarch of the Price family and a fervent Baptist missionary. His character serves as the catalyst for the family's journey to the Congo and the subsequent events that unfold.

Orleanna Price

Orleanna Price is the wife of Nathan Price and the mother of the Price sisters. Her character provides a contrasting perspective to Nathan's zealous beliefs and actions, offering insight into the family dynamics and the impact of their experiences in the Congo.

Rachel Price

Rachel Price is the eldest daughter in the Price family. Her character embodies the challenges of adapting to life in the Congo and the clash between her Western upbringing and the unfamiliar African environment.

Leah Price

Leah Price is one of the Price sisters and is portrayed as the most adaptable and open-minded to the Congolese culture. Her character undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the novel.

Adah Price

Adah Price is another of the Price sisters and is characterized by her intelligence and her unique perspective on the events unfolding around her. Her internal monologue and wordplay contribute to the depth of her character.

Ruth May Price

Ruth May Price is the youngest daughter in the Price family. Her character represents innocence and vulnerability in the midst of the tumultuous events occurring in the Congo.

Character Descriptions

Nathan Price

Nathan Price is a rigid and authoritarian figure, driven by his unwavering faith and determination to spread Christianity in the Congo. His character is marked by his refusal to adapt to the local culture and his single-minded pursuit of his missionary goals.

Orleanna Price

Orleanna Price is depicted as a resilient and introspective woman, grappling with the consequences of her husband's decisions while striving to protect and support her daughters in the challenging environment of the Congo.

Rachel Price

Rachel Price is portrayed as vain and materialistic, struggling to reconcile her accustomed lifestyle with the hardships of living in the Congo. Her character exhibits a blend of self-absorption and vulnerability as she navigates the unfamiliar terrain.

Leah Price

Leah Price is presented as independent and compassionate, demonstrating a willingness to embrace the Congolese customs and form connections with the local community. Her character evolves in response to the events unfolding around her, showcasing resilience and adaptability.

Adah Price

Adah Price is characterized by her keen intellect and her unique perspective, often expressed through wordplay and internal reflections. Her character's complexity is further emphasized by her physical disability, which shapes her interactions and worldview.

Ruth May Price

Ruth May Price is depicted as innocent and impressionable, embodying a sense of curiosity and wonder amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Congo. Her character's perspective offers a poignant contrast to the challenges faced by the family.

Character Traits

Nathan Price

• Authoritarian
• Zealous
• Inflexible
• Uncompromising
• Self-righteous

Orleanna Price

• Resilient
• Compassionate
• Reflective
• Protective
• Adaptive

Rachel Price

• Vain
• Materialistic
• Vulnerable
• Self-conscious
• Adaptable

Leah Price

• Independent
• Compassionate
• Adaptive
• Resilient
• Empathetic

Adah Price

• Intelligent
• Witty
• Observant
• Complex
• Reflective

Ruth May Price

• Innocent
• Curious
• Playful
• Vulnerable
• Observant

Character Background

Nathan Price

Nathan Price's background is rooted in his strict religious upbringing and his unwavering dedication to his faith. His experiences as a missionary in the Congo shape his worldview and drive his actions throughout the novel.

Orleanna Price

Orleanna Price's background is characterized by her role as a devoted wife and mother, as well as her experiences in navigating the challenges of the Congo alongside her family. Her introspective nature is influenced by her upbringing and the events she encounters.

Rachel Price

Rachel Price's background is shaped by her upbringing in the United States, where she is accustomed to a life of privilege and comfort. Her struggles in the Congo reflect her initial lack of exposure to adversity and unfamiliar environments.

Leah Price

Leah Price's background is influenced by her family dynamics and her innate curiosity about the world around her. Her willingness to embrace the Congolese culture is a testament to her open-mindedness and adaptability.

Adah Price

Adah Price's background is marked by her physical disability and her sharp intellect, which contribute to her introspective nature and her unique way of processing the events unfolding in the Congo.

Ruth May Price

Ruth May Price's background is characterized by her innocence and her playful outlook on life, shaped by her experiences as the youngest member of the Price family and her interactions with the Congolese environment.

Character Arcs

Nathan Price

Nathan Price experiences a tragic character arc, marked by his unwavering convictions and the resulting consequences for his family. His rigidity ultimately leads to a profound personal downfall, impacting the entire family.

Orleanna Price

Orleanna Price undergoes a transformative character arc, transitioning from a position of submission to her husband's authority to a stance of resilience and self-discovery. Her evolution is influenced by the trials she faces in the Congo.

Rachel Price

Rachel Price's character arc revolves around her struggle to reconcile her self-centered tendencies with the harsh realities of the Congo. Her journey involves moments of introspection and growth as she adapts to the challenges around her.

Leah Price

Leah Price experiences a compelling character arc, characterized by her increasing immersion in the Congolese culture and her evolving perspective on her father's mission. Her resilience and adaptability drive her transformation throughout the novel.

Adah Price

Adah Price's character arc is defined by her intellectual and emotional growth, as well as her exploration of self-expression and identity. Her journey is shaped by her introspective nature and her unique way of interpreting the world.

Ruth May Price

Ruth May Price's character arc unfolds through her experiences of innocence and vulnerability in the Congo, ultimately leading to a poignant and impactful resolution that resonates throughout the narrative.

Relationships

Nathan Price and Orleanna Price

The relationship between Nathan Price and Orleanna Price is characterized by a stark contrast in their beliefs and actions, leading to tension and conflict as they navigate the challenges of the Congo. Their dynamic reflects the broader themes of power and submission within the family structure.

Price Sisters

The relationships among the Price sisters are shaped by their individual journeys and the shared experiences they endure in the Congo. Their bonds are tested and strengthened as they confront the impact of their father's mission and the tumultuous environment surrounding them.

Price Family and Congo Community

The interactions between the Price family and the Congolese community highlight the complexities of cultural exchange and the challenges of understanding and adapting to unfamiliar traditions. These relationships underscore themes of empathy, communication, and mutual understanding.

In "The Poisonwood Bible," Barbara Kingsolver crafts a rich tapestry of characters whose diverse traits, backgrounds, and relationships intertwine to shape a compelling narrative. Each character's journey and evolution contribute to the novel's exploration of identity, resilience, and the impact of cultural collision.