Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Barnaby Brocket | Protagonist |
| Eleanor Brocket | Barnaby's Mother |
| Alistair Brocket | Barnaby's Father |
| Maisie | Barnaby's Sister |
| Grandpa | Barnaby's Grandfather |
| Dr. Pym | Psychologist |
| Mr. Potts | Neighbor |
| Mr. Barnaby | Barnaby's Ancestor |
Role Identification
Barnaby Brocket is the protagonist of "The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket." He is a young boy who defies gravity and floats in the air, much to his parents' dismay. Other significant characters include Barnaby's mother, Eleanor Brocket, his father, Alistair Brocket, his sister, Maisie, and his grandfather.
Character Descriptions
- Barnaby Brocket is a thin, pale boy with wild, unruly hair. He has a melancholic expression and is often seen floating in the air, tethered by ropes to keep him grounded.
- Eleanor Brocket is a tall, elegant woman with a stern demeanor. She is constantly worried about appearances and tries to hide Barnaby's floating from the world.
- Alistair Brocket is a tall, well-dressed man who is embarrassed by Barnaby's floating. He is focused on societal norms and tries to keep Barnaby's ability a secret.
- Maisie is Barnaby's younger sister, who initially resents her brother because his floating draws all the attention. She is depicted as a curious and adventurous girl.
- Grandpa is an elderly man who encourages Barnaby to embrace his uniqueness. He is described as kind and understanding.
- Dr. Pym is a psychologist who tries to "fix" Barnaby's floating. He is portrayed as cold and unemotional.
- Mr. Potts is a neighbor who becomes Barnaby's friend and supports him throughout his journey.
- Mr. Barnaby is an ancestor of Barnaby Brocket who also had the ability to float. His story is shared to provide a historical context.
Character Traits
- Barnaby Brocket is a resilient and curious individual who embraces his uniqueness despite his parents' disapproval.
- Eleanor Brocket is controlling, image-conscious, and concerned about societal norms.
- Alistair Brocket is ashamed of Barnaby's floating and prioritizes societal acceptance over his son's well-being.
- Maisie starts off resentful but eventually grows to appreciate her brother's differences and becomes a supportive sibling.
- Grandpa is loving, accepting, and encourages Barnaby to be true to himself.
- Dr. Pym is detached and focused on "fixing" Barnaby's floating, rather than understanding and accepting it.
- Mr. Potts is kind, understanding, and becomes a friend and ally to Barnaby.
Character Background
Barnaby Brocket is born into an ordinary family in Sydney, Australia. From a young age, it becomes evident that Barnaby is different as he starts floating in the air. His parents, Eleanor and Alistair, are embarrassed and ashamed of his ability, as it challenges societal norms. They try to hide his floating from the world, even resorting to using ropes to keep him tethered.
Throughout the story, Barnaby's parents struggle to accept his uniqueness, while his sister, Maisie, initially resents him for stealing attention. However, Barnaby's grandfather is supportive and encourages him to embrace his floating.
Character Arcs
- Barnaby Brocket starts off as a submissive and obedient child, desperately seeking his parents' approval. However, as the story progresses, he becomes more self-assured and embraces his floating as a part of his identity.
- Eleanor Brocket begins as a strict and controlling mother, focused on societal acceptance. However, she gradually realizes the importance of accepting Barnaby for who he is and learns to appreciate his uniqueness.
- Alistair Brocket initially prioritizes societal norms and is ashamed of Barnaby's floating. Over time, he begins to question his own beliefs and learns to accept Barnaby's differences.
- Maisie transforms from a resentful sister to a supportive sibling who stands up for Barnaby and recognizes the value of his uniqueness.
- Dr. Pym remains unchanged throughout the story, representing the rigid mindset of society that seeks to "fix" what it deems as abnormalities.
Relationships
Barnaby's relationships with the characters in the book play a significant role in his character development and the overall narrative. His parents, Eleanor and Alistair, struggle to accept and understand him, leading to a strained relationship. However, throughout his journey, Barnaby learns to forgive them and understand their fears.
Maisie initially resents Barnaby for stealing attention, but as the story progresses, she becomes a supportive sister who stands up for him. Their bond strengthens as they navigate the challenges together.
Barnaby forms a close bond with his grandfather, who becomes his source of comfort and guidance. Grandpa encourages Barnaby to embrace his uniqueness and teaches him about their family history.
Mr. Potts, the neighbor, becomes a friend and ally to Barnaby, offering him support and understanding. Through their friendship, Barnaby learns that acceptance and friendship can be found outside of his immediate family.
In summary, "The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket" explores themes of acceptance, individuality, and family dynamics. Barnaby's character arc showcases his journey from seeking approval to embracing his uniqueness, while his relationships with other characters highlight the importance of acceptance and understanding.
