"This Present Darkness" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "This Present Darkness" by Frank E. Peretti, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Sally Roe, is a pivotal figure in the battle between good and evil. Other significant characters include Marshall Hogan, a journalist uncovering the town's corruption, Bernice Krueger, a dedicated prayer warrior, and Tal and Rafael, angels fighting against the forces of darkness. Additionally, Hank Busche, the local pastor, plays a crucial role in leading his congregation against evil. The fallen angel Ashton and the demon Juleen embody the forces of darkness in the story. Finally, Lester and Jill, as town council members, are entangled in the supernatural conflict.

Character Descriptions

1. Marshall Hogan: A seasoned journalist with a keen sense of truth and justice. He is determined to expose the corruption within the town and plays a vital role in uncovering the supernatural elements at play.
2. Bernice Krueger: A devoted prayer warrior who recognizes the presence of evil and fights against it through prayer. She serves as a source of spiritual strength and guidance for the other characters.
3. Tal: An angel sent by God to protect and guide the protagonists. Tal is a powerful and compassionate celestial being who aids Sally Roe in her journey.
4. Hank Busche: The local pastor, Hank, embodies faith and leads his congregation in the battle against evil. He serves as a spiritual leader and source of inspiration for the townspeople.
5. Sally Roe: The protagonist of the story, Sally is a young woman caught in the middle of supernatural forces. As the story progresses, she discovers her unique role in the battle and becomes an essential player in the fight against evil.
6. Ashton: A fallen angel who works alongside the demonic forces. Ashton is manipulative and cunning, using deception to further the dark agenda. He poses a significant threat to the town and the protagonists.
7. Rafael: Another angelic character, Rafael, joins Tal in the fight against evil. He brings additional strength and support to the protagonists, helping them navigate the spiritual battle.
8. Juleen: A demon assigned to hinder and corrupt the town. Juleen uses manipulation and fear to influence people's actions, spreading darkness throughout the community.
9. Lester and Jill: These town council members are unwittingly caught up in the supernatural conflict. They represent the struggle between good and evil within the local government.

Character Traits

1. Marshall Hogan: Determined, investigative, courageous, truth-seeker.
2. Bernice Krueger: Devoted, prayerful, wise, discerning.
3. Tal: Powerful, protective, compassionate, faithful.
4. Hank Busche: Faithful, inspirational, caring, resilient.
5. Sally Roe: Brave, resilient, curious, compassionate.
6. Ashton: Deceptive, manipulative, cunning, malicious.
7. Rafael: Strong, loyal, supportive, courageous.
8. Juleen: Manipulative, deceitful, malevolent, cunning.
9. Lester and Jill: Vulnerable, conflicted, morally ambiguous.

Character Background

1. Marshall Hogan: Marshall is an experienced journalist who has seen the town's corruption firsthand. His background in investigative reporting fuels his determination to uncover the truth.
2. Bernice Krueger: Bernice has a rich spiritual background and a deep faith. She has dedicated her life to prayer and intercession, sensing the spiritual battle waged in the town.
3. Tal: As an angel of God, Tal comes from the heavenly realm and holds vast knowledge and power. He is assigned to protect Sally Roe and aid her in discovering her purpose.
4. Hank Busche: Hank has been the pastor of the local church for many years. He has a strong background in theology and serves as a guiding light for the community.
5. Sally Roe: Sally has a troubled past and is searching for meaning and purpose in her life. She becomes the central figure in the battle against evil as her involvement with the supernatural unfolds.
6. Ashton: Once a mighty angel, Ashton fell from grace and now serves the dark forces. His background is shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that his intentions are malevolent.
7. Rafael: Rafael is a loyal angel who has served God faithfully. His background is not explicitly mentioned, but his commitment to the cause of righteousness is evident.
8. Juleen: Juleen is a demonic entity assigned to wreak havoc in the town. Her background is rooted in the dark side of spiritual existence, seeking to corrupt and destroy.
9. Lester and Jill: Lester and Jill have lived in the town for many years and have witnessed its gradual descent into corruption. Their backgrounds as town council members shape their involvement in the supernatural conflict.

Character Arcs

1. Marshall Hogan: Throughout the story, Marshall experiences a transformation from a seasoned journalist focused on earthly matters to someone who recognizes and confronts the spiritual battle at hand.
2. Bernice Krueger: Bernice's character arc revolves around her deepening faith and understanding of the spiritual realm. She becomes a pillar of strength and guidance to the other characters.
3. Tal: Though Tal begins as a powerful angel, his character arc involves a growing understanding of humanity and a deepening bond with Sally Roe. He learns valuable lessons about love and sacrifice.
4. Hank Busche: Hank's character arc centers on his leadership within the church and community. He grows in faith and rallies his congregation to stand against the forces of darkness.
5. Sally Roe: Sally's character arc is the most significant in the story. She starts as a confused and troubled individual but evolves into a powerful warrior against evil, discovering her true identity and purpose.
6. Ashton: Ashton's character arc showcases his relentless pursuit of power and destruction. He becomes increasingly desperate as his plans are thwarted, leading to a dramatic climax.
7. Rafael: Rafael's character arc involves his unwavering loyalty to God and his commitment to protecting the protagonists. He remains steadfast in his mission, growing in strength and resolve.
8. Juleen: Juleen's character arc depicts her increasing frustration as the protagonists resist her influence. She becomes more desperate and aggressive in her attempts to bring darkness to the town.
9. Lester and Jill: Lester and Jill's character arcs revolve around their inner struggles with morality and their eventual choice to align themselves with the forces of good.

Relationships

1. Marshall Hogan and Bernice Krueger: Marshall and Bernice form a strong alliance as they uncover the town's corruption and spiritual battle. Their relationship is built on trust and a shared sense of purpose.
2. Sally Roe and Tal: Sally and Tal develop a deep bond as Tal guides and protects her throughout her journey. Their relationship grows from initial confusion to one of mutual trust and respect.
3. Hank Busche and Bernice Krueger: Hank and Bernice share a strong spiritual connection, with Bernice serving as Hank's trusted advisor and source of spiritual wisdom.
4. Sally Roe and Hank Busche: Sally and Hank's relationship evolves from pastor and congregant to a mentorship role. Hank helps Sally discover her purpose and encourages her in her battle against evil.
5. Sally Roe and Ashton: Sally and Ashton's relationship is one of intense conflict. Ashton sees Sally as a threat and relentlessly pursues her, leading to a climactic showdown.
6. Tal and Rafael: Tal and Rafael share a deep bond as fellow angels fighting against evil. They support each other in their mission and provide strength and guidance to the protagonists.
7. Juleen and Ashton: Juleen and Ashton form an alliance in their shared goal of corrupting the town. Their relationship is one of manipulation and deceit as they work together to achieve their dark objectives.
8. Lester and Jill: Lester and Jill's relationship is characterized by their shared involvement in the town council and their subsequent exposure to the supernatural conflict. They navigate their inner moral struggles together, ultimately choosing to align themselves with the forces of good.

In "This Present Darkness" by Frank E. Peretti, each character plays a crucial role in the battle between good and evil. Through their unique backgrounds, character traits, and relationships, they contribute to the narrative's exploration of spiritual warfare and the power of faith. The character arcs add depth and complexity to the story, showcasing personal growth, transformation, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.