"The Weight of Water" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Weight of Water" by Anita Shreve, Jean is the protagonist who is struggling with her own personal issues. Thomas is Jean's husband, while Adaline is their young daughter. Maren is a historical character whose story becomes intertwined with Jean's. Anethe is Maren's sister, Evan is Maren's lover, and Tom is Maren's husband. Karen is Jean's best friend, and Rich is Karen's husband. Billy is Karen's son, and Scott is Jean's brother.

Character Descriptions

• Jean: Jean is a photographer and a mother who is grappling with feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction in her life. She is curious and determined, often seeking answers to questions and exploring new possibilities.
• Thomas: Thomas is Jean's husband, who is supportive but also struggling with his own issues. He is described as kind and patient, but also somewhat distant.
• Adaline: Adaline is Jean and Thomas' young daughter. As a child, she is innocent and carefree, providing moments of joy and lightness in Jean's life.
• Maren: Maren is a historical character whose story is told through a series of letters and documents. She is a young woman who finds herself in a complicated love triangle and faces the challenges of living in a restrictive society.
• Anethe: Anethe is Maren's sister, who plays a crucial role in Maren's life and the events that unfold.
• Evan: Evan is Maren's lover, with whom she shares a passionate and forbidden romance. He is described as charming and charismatic.
• Tom: Tom is Maren's husband, who is unaware of her affair with Evan. He is portrayed as a hardworking and devoted man.
• Karen: Karen is Jean's best friend, who provides emotional support and a listening ear. She is portrayed as warm and generous.
• Rich: Rich is Karen's husband, who is also a close friend of Jean and Thomas. He is described as easygoing and humorous.
• Billy: Billy is Karen's son, who is close in age to Adaline. He adds a sense of playfulness and innocence to the story.
• Scott: Scott is Jean's brother, who plays a minor role in the narrative. He is mentioned briefly and is not a central character.

Character Traits

• Jean: Curious, determined, unhappy, dissatisfied.
• Thomas: Supportive, kind, patient, distant.
• Adaline: Innocent, carefree, joyful.
• Maren: Complicated, passionate, restricted.
• Anethe: Supportive, influential.
• Evan: Charming, charismatic.
• Tom: Hardworking, devoted.
• Karen: Warm, generous.
• Rich: Easygoing, humorous.
• Billy: Playful, innocent.
• Scott: Minor role, limited information.

Character Background

• Jean: Jean is a talented photographer who feels trapped in her marriage and longs for something more fulfilling. She is haunted by her past and struggles with a sense of identity and purpose.
• Thomas: Thomas is a successful journalist who is often away on assignments, leaving Jean to care for their daughter. He has his own emotional baggage and finds it challenging to connect with Jean on a deeper level.
• Adaline: Adaline is a young child who brings moments of happiness and lightness to Jean's life. She is innocent and unaware of the complexities of the adult world.
• Maren: Maren is a historical character whose story unfolds through a series of letters and documents. She lived in a time when societal norms were strict and women faced significant restrictions.
• Anethe: Anethe is Maren's sister, who plays a significant role in Maren's life and the decisions she makes.
• Evan: Evan is the man with whom Maren has a forbidden love affair. He provides an escape from the constraints of Maren's marriage and societal expectations.
• Tom: Tom is Maren's husband, who is unaware of her affair with Evan. He represents the societal expectations placed on women during that era.
• Karen: Karen is Jean's best friend, who provides emotional support and a safe space for Jean to express her feelings. She has a stable and loving marriage.
• Rich: Rich is Karen's husband, who is a close friend of Jean and Thomas. He provides humor and lightness to the story.
• Billy: Billy is Karen's son, who adds a sense of playfulness and innocence to the narrative.
• Scott: Scott is Jean's brother, who has a limited role in the story and is not explored in depth.

Character Arcs

• Jean: Throughout the story, Jean undergoes a transformation as she confronts her feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and finds the strength to make difficult decisions for her own happiness.
• Thomas: While Thomas is not the central focus of the story, he also experiences personal growth as he begins to understand and address his own emotional struggles. He learns to communicate more openly and connect with Jean on a deeper level.
• Adaline: Adaline's character arc is not as prominent as Jean's, but she serves as a catalyst for Jean's self-discovery. As a young child, she represents innocence and the potential for a brighter future.
• Maren: Maren's character arc is revealed through the letters and documents that tell her story. She faces the consequences of her choices and experiences personal growth as she grapples with the societal expectations placed upon her.

Relationships

• Jean and Thomas: Jean and Thomas' marriage is strained, and they struggle to communicate effectively. Their relationship evolves as they both confront their own issues and work towards a better understanding of each other.
• Jean and Adaline: Jean's relationship with her daughter Adaline is loving and nurturing. Adaline provides moments of joy and lightness in Jean's life, reminding her of the importance of family.
• Jean and Karen: Jean and Karen's friendship is a source of support and comfort for Jean. Karen provides a listening ear and offers guidance as Jean navigates her personal struggles.
• Maren, Evan, and Tom: The love triangle between Maren, Evan, and Tom is complicated and fraught with emotions. Maren's relationships with both men have a profound impact on her life and choices.
• Karen and Rich: Karen and Rich have a stable and loving marriage, providing a contrast to Jean and Thomas' relationship. They offer a sense of stability and humor in the story.
• Karen and Billy: Karen and Billy's relationship is that of a mother and son. Billy adds a sense of playfulness and innocence to the narrative.

Overall, "The Weight of Water" by Anita Shreve explores the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the search for happiness. The characters undergo their own individual journeys, each contributing to the overall narrative and themes of the book.