"Things That Are" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Things That Are" by Andrew Clements, the story revolves around the character of Jake, who serves as the protagonist. Other important characters include Lily, Jake's best friend; Mr. Jenkins, Jake's neighbor; Mrs. Harrison, Jake's teacher; and Grandma Rose, Jake's grandmother.

Character Descriptions

1. Jake: Jake is a curious and imaginative ten-year-old boy. He has a strong desire to understand the world around him and is always seeking new adventures. He is portrayed as a creative and resourceful character who constantly comes up with innovative solutions to his problems.
2. Lily: Lily is Jake's best friend and plays a significant role in supporting him throughout the story. She is depicted as a caring and loyal friend who is always there to lend a helping hand. Lily is known for her quick wit and clever ideas, which often complement Jake's imaginative nature.
3. Mr. Jenkins: Mr. Jenkins is Jake's neighbor and plays an important role in shaping Jake's character. He is portrayed as an elderly man with a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Mr. Jenkins encourages Jake's curiosity and provides him with guidance and wisdom.
4. Mrs. Harrison: Mrs. Harrison is Jake's teacher at school. She is depicted as a patient and understanding educator, who recognizes Jake's unique qualities and encourages his creativity. Mrs. Harrison provides a nurturing environment for Jake to explore his interests and fosters his love for learning.
5. Grandma Rose: Grandma Rose is Jake's beloved grandmother. She plays a vital role in Jake's life, providing him with love, support, and valuable life lessons. Grandma Rose is portrayed as a wise and compassionate character who shares her experiences and wisdom with Jake.

Character Traits

1. Jake: Curious, imaginative, resourceful, creative, adventurous.
2. Lily: Caring, loyal, witty, clever, supportive.
3. Mr. Jenkins: Knowledgeable, wise, encouraging, patient.
4. Mrs. Harrison: Understanding, nurturing, supportive, patient.
5. Grandma Rose: Loving, wise, compassionate, supportive.

Character Background

Jake is a young boy who lives in a small town with his parents and his grandmother, Grandma Rose. He has always been fascinated by the world around him and has a knack for finding adventure in the everyday. Lily, his best friend, shares his enthusiasm and often joins him on his quests for discovery. Mr. Jenkins, their neighbor, becomes a mentor figure for Jake, providing guidance and inspiration.

Mrs. Harrison, Jake's teacher, recognizes his unique qualities and supports his creative endeavors. Grandma Rose, who has a strong bond with Jake, shares her wisdom and life experiences, shaping him into a well-rounded individual.

Character Arcs

Throughout the story, Jake undergoes significant character growth. Initially, he is portrayed as a curious and imaginative boy, but his adventures often lead him to unexpected consequences. As the story progresses, Jake learns important life lessons about responsibility, the consequences of his actions, and the value of friendship and family.

With the guidance of Mr. Jenkins, Mrs. Harrison, and Grandma Rose, Jake develops a greater understanding of the world around him and gains a deeper appreciation for the people in his life. He learns to think before acting and considers the potential outcomes of his actions.

Relationships

Jake and Lily share a strong bond of friendship. They support each other throughout the story and embark on various adventures together. Lily's quick wit and clever ideas often complement Jake's imaginative nature, creating a dynamic duo.

Jake's relationship with Mr. Jenkins is one of mentorship and guidance. Mr. Jenkins provides Jake with valuable knowledge and encourages his curiosity, shaping him into a more well-rounded individual.

Mrs. Harrison's relationship with Jake is that of a nurturing teacher. She recognizes his unique qualities and supports his creative endeavors, providing him with a safe space to explore his interests.

Jake's relationship with Grandma Rose is one of love and wisdom. Grandma Rose shares her life experiences and imparts valuable life lessons to Jake, helping him grow into a responsible and compassionate individual.

In "Things That Are" by Andrew Clements, the characters of Jake, Lily, Mr. Jenkins, Mrs. Harrison, and Grandma Rose contribute to the development of the story, providing valuable insights and support to the protagonist. Through their interactions, the characters undergo personal growth and learn important life lessons, enhancing the overall narrative of the book.