"Them" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Joyce Carol Oates' novel "Them," the characters play various roles that contribute to the overarching themes and narrative of the story. The protagonist, Loretta Wendall, along with her siblings Maureen and Jules, take on the primary role of representing the struggles and challenges faced by working-class families in urban America during the 1960s.

Character Descriptions

1. Loretta Wendall: Loretta is the oldest of the Wendall siblings, a young woman in her early twenties. She is described as having a strong sense of responsibility and determination, always striving to provide for her family despite the difficult circumstances they face.
2. Maureen Wendall: Maureen, the middle child, is a teenager who often gets caught up in the turmoil of the world around her. She is portrayed as rebellious, seeking escape from the constraints of her poverty-stricken life through romantic relationships and acts of defiance.
3. Jules Wendall: Jules is the youngest of the siblings, still a child. He is depicted as curious and sensitive, often observing the chaotic environment around him with a mixture of innocence and fear.
4. Little Mae: Little Mae is a young girl who becomes a significant presence in the lives of the Wendall family. She embodies vulnerability and innocence, highlighting the contrast between the harsh realities of their lives and the purity of childhood.
5. Hector: Hector is a young man who becomes romantically involved with Loretta. He is portrayed as a passionate and charismatic individual, offering Loretta a glimpse of a different life and the possibility of love.
6. Brenda: Brenda is Loretta's close friend and confidante. She serves as a source of support and understanding for Loretta, sharing her experiences of poverty and racial discrimination.
7. Terry: Terry is Maureen's boyfriend, a rebellious and troubled young man. He becomes entangled in criminal activities, representing the dangers that lurk in the marginalized communities they inhabit.
8. Howard Wendall: Howard is Loretta's estranged husband and the father of Little Mae. He embodies the cycle of poverty and instability that the Wendall family tries to escape.
9. Jules Wendall Sr.: Jules Sr. is the father of the Wendall siblings. He is absent for much of the story, representing the absence of paternal guidance and stability in their lives.
10. Mrs. Wendall: Mrs. Wendall is the mother of the Wendall siblings. She is depicted as overwhelmed and worn down by the challenges of poverty, often succumbing to despair.
11. Mr. Wendall: Mr. Wendall is Loretta's stepfather, who enters the story later on. He represents a glimmer of hope and stability for the family, offering them a chance to escape their dire circumstances.

Character Traits

1. Loretta Wendall: Responsible, determined, selfless, caring.
2. Maureen Wendall: Rebellious, impulsive, yearning for freedom, romantic.
3. Jules Wendall: Curious, sensitive, observant, innocent.
4. Little Mae: Vulnerable, innocent, trusting, resilient.
5. Hector: Charismatic, passionate, hopeful, supportive.
6. Brenda: Supportive, understanding, resilient, empathetic.
7. Terry: Troubled, reckless, lost, impressionable.
8. Howard Wendall: Irresponsible, unreliable, trapped, remorseful.
9. Jules Wendall Sr.: Absent, distant, mysterious.
10. Mrs. Wendall: Overwhelmed, despairing, exhausted, resilient.
11. Mr. Wendall: Stable, caring, hardworking, hopeful.

Character Background

The Wendall family, consisting of Loretta, Maureen, and Jules, comes from a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Detroit during the 1960s. They face constant hardships, living in a society marked by racial tensions, economic inequality, and political turmoil. Their father, Jules Sr., is absent, leaving their mother, Mrs. Wendall, to bear the burden of raising the children alone. Loretta takes on the role of the primary caregiver, working multiple jobs to provide for the family.

As the story unfolds, the Wendall family's lives intersect with other characters who also struggle against poverty and societal constraints. Little Mae, the daughter of Loretta's estranged husband Howard, becomes an integral part of their lives, further complicating their already challenging circumstances. The characters navigate a harsh reality where survival often takes precedence over personal dreams and aspirations.

Character Arcs

1. Loretta Wendall: Loretta's character arc revolves around her journey from resignation to resilience. Initially burdened by the weight of her responsibilities, she gradually finds the strength to fight for a better life for herself and her family. Her relationship with Hector offers her a glimmer of hope and the possibility of a different future.
2. Maureen Wendall: Maureen's character arc centers on her search for identity and escape. Initially rebellious and impulsive, she becomes entangled with Terry, a troubled young man involved in criminal activities. Through her experiences, Maureen learns the consequences of her choices and begins to question the path she is on.
3. Jules Wendall: Jules is the character through whose eyes the reader witnesses the unfolding events. His character arc involves the loss of innocence as he navigates the chaotic world around him. He grapples with fear and confusion but also displays resilience and adaptability.

Relationships

1. Loretta Wendall and Maureen Wendall: Loretta and Maureen share a close bond as sisters, relying on each other for support and understanding. Their relationship is marked by both love and conflict as they navigate the challenges of their circumstances.
2. Loretta Wendall and Little Mae: Loretta's relationship with Little Mae is complex. Initially burdened by the responsibility of caring for her, Loretta grows to love Little Mae as her own, despite the challenges they face.
3. Loretta Wendall and Hector: Loretta's relationship with Hector offers her a glimmer of hope and the possibility of love. Hector becomes a source of support and encouragement as Loretta strives for a better future.
4. Maureen Wendall and Terry: Maureen's relationship with Terry is marked by passion and recklessness. Their connection represents the desire for escape and the consequences of seeking freedom through destructive means.
5. Loretta Wendall and Brenda: Loretta and Brenda share a strong bond of friendship and understanding. They find solace in each other's company, sharing their experiences of poverty and discrimination.

The characters in "Them" by Joyce Carol Oates reflect the struggles and complexities of individuals living in poverty during a turbulent era. Through their journeys, Oates explores themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's ability to endure in the face of adversity.