"The Thing About Jellyfish" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Suzy Swanson

Suzy Swanson is the protagonist of "The Thing About Jellyfish." She is a 12-year-old girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery following the death of her friend.

Franny Jackson

Franny Jackson is Suzy's friend, and her role revolves around supporting Suzy during her grieving process and exploring their friendship.

Justin Daniels

Justin Daniels is one of Suzy's classmates, and his role involves interactions with Suzy as she navigates her emotions and relationships at school.

Mrs. Turton

Mrs. Turton is Suzy's science teacher, and her role encompasses providing guidance and mentorship to Suzy as she delves into her scientific investigation.

Suzy's Parents

Suzy's parents play a significant role in the story, providing support, love, and guidance to Suzy as she copes with her grief and seeks answers to her questions.

Character Descriptions

Suzy Swanson

Suzy Swanson is a curious and intelligent 12-year-old girl who is deeply affected by the death of her friend, Franny. She is determined to find an explanation for Franny's drowning, leading her on a scientific journey to understand the nature of jellyfish.

Franny Jackson

Franny Jackson is Suzy's outgoing and adventurous friend who tragically drowns while on vacation. Her absence serves as a catalyst for Suzy's emotional and intellectual exploration.

Justin Daniels

Justin Daniels is a classmate of Suzy's who forms a connection with her as she struggles to come to terms with Franny's death. He offers a different perspective and support to Suzy during a difficult time.

Mrs. Turton

Mrs. Turton is a supportive and nurturing science teacher who recognizes Suzy's potential and encourages her to pursue her scientific investigation into jellyfish.

Suzy's Parents

Suzy's parents are loving and understanding, providing stability and comfort for Suzy as she grapples with grief and attempts to make sense of the world around her.

Character Traits

Suzy Swanson

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Determined
• Analytical
• Introverted

Franny Jackson

• Outgoing
• Adventurous
• Supportive
• Charismatic
• Empathetic

Justin Daniels

• Compassionate
• Understanding
• Friendly
• Supportive
• Patient

Mrs. Turton

• Supportive
• Encouraging
• Knowledgeable
• Patient
• Nurturing

Suzy's Parents

• Loving
• Supportive
• Understanding
• Patient
• Nurturing

Character Background

Suzy Swanson

Suzy Swanson is introduced as a thoughtful and inquisitive young girl who is deeply impacted by the sudden death of her friend, Franny. Her interest in the natural world and her scientific curiosity become defining elements of her character as she copes with loss.

Franny Jackson

Franny Jackson is portrayed as an adventurous and spirited friend who shares a close bond with Suzy. Her untimely death sets the stage for Suzy's emotional and intellectual journey throughout the narrative.

Justin Daniels

Justin Daniels is depicted as a kind and understanding classmate who becomes a source of support for Suzy as she grapples with grief and seeks to understand the events surrounding Franny's death.

Mrs. Turton

Mrs. Turton is presented as a caring and knowledgeable science teacher who recognizes Suzy's potential and encourages her to pursue her scientific investigation into jellyfish as a means of coping with her loss.

Suzy's Parents

Suzy's parents are portrayed as loving and supportive figures who provide a sense of stability and understanding for Suzy as she navigates the complexities of grief and adolescence.

Character Arcs

Suzy Swanson

Suzy undergoes a significant character arc as she transitions from a state of confusion and grief to a place of understanding and acceptance. Her scientific exploration of jellyfish serves as a metaphor for her own journey of self-discovery and healing.

Franny Jackson

While Franny's character arc is primarily revealed through Suzy's memories and reflections, her presence continues to influence Suzy's emotional and intellectual development, shaping the trajectory of the narrative.

Justin Daniels

Justin's character arc is intertwined with his growing friendship and understanding of Suzy. His role in supporting Suzy contributes to his own personal growth and empathy.

Mrs. Turton

Mrs. Turton's character arc revolves around her mentorship of Suzy and her efforts to guide and inspire her student. Her support for Suzy reflects her own commitment to nurturing the potential of her students.

Suzy's Parents

As Suzy navigates her grief and scientific pursuits, her parents' roles evolve to provide the necessary support and encouragement for her personal growth, culminating in a deeper familial bond.

Relationships

Suzy and Franny

Suzy and Franny share a close friendship characterized by shared experiences and mutual understanding. Franny's sudden absence drives Suzy's emotional journey and the exploration of their bond.

Suzy and Justin

Suzy and Justin's relationship develops from a casual acquaintance to a supportive friendship as Justin becomes a source of comfort and understanding for Suzy during her grieving process.

Suzy and Mrs. Turton

Suzy's relationship with Mrs. Turton is marked by mentorship and guidance, as Mrs. Turton recognizes Suzy's potential and encourages her scientific pursuits, providing a source of support outside of her immediate family and friends.

Suzy and Her Parents

The relationship between Suzy and her parents serves as a source of stability and comfort for Suzy as she copes with grief. Their unwavering support and understanding contribute to Suzy's emotional resilience and growth.

In "The Thing About Jellyfish," Ali Benjamin crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of grief, friendship, and self-discovery through the lens of its well-developed characters. Each character's unique role, traits, background, and relationships contribute to the rich tapestry of the story, ultimately shaping the protagonist's transformative journey.