"Treasures of the Snow" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Treasures of the Snow," Patricia St. John presents a cast of diverse characters who play different roles in the story. These roles include the protagonist, antagonist, supporting characters, and familial relationships.

Character Descriptions

Annette

Annette is the protagonist of the story. She is a young girl who lives in the Swiss Alps. Annette is kind-hearted, curious, and adventurous. She has a strong sense of justice and empathy towards others. Annette's bright blue eyes and dark curly hair are often described in the book.

Lucien

Lucien is the antagonist of the story. He is a troubled boy who lives in the same village as Annette. Lucien is known for his mischievous behavior and inclination towards revenge. He has a scar on his face, which serves as a constant reminder of a past incident. Lucien's actions stem from a place of hurt and anger.

Dani

Dani is Annette's friend and playmate. She is a cheerful and supportive companion to Annette. Dani is described as having auburn hair and a mischievous smile. She often encourages Annette to see the good in people, even when they are difficult.

Uncle Philip

Uncle Philip is Annette's uncle, who takes care of her after the death of her parents. He is a wise and patient man who provides guidance and support to Annette. Uncle Philip is a skilled carpenter and teaches Annette valuable life lessons through his work and stories.

Mrs. Miller

Mrs. Miller is Annette's neighbor and a kind-hearted woman. She serves as a mentor and source of comfort for Annette. Mrs. Miller has a gentle demeanor and offers advice and encouragement to Annette in times of need.

Pierre

Pierre is Annette's older brother. He is hardworking and responsible. Pierre takes on the role of the family provider after their parents' death. Despite the challenges he faces, Pierre remains dedicated to his family and supports Annette through her journey.

Mrs. Durrant

Mrs. Durrant is Lucien's mother. She is a strict and demanding woman who struggles to show love and affection towards her son. Mrs. Durrant's actions have a significant impact on Lucien's behavior and development throughout the story.

Jean

Jean is Lucien's younger sister. She is a sweet and innocent child who often becomes a victim of Lucien's cruelty. Jean yearns for love and attention from her family.

Grandfather

Grandfather is Lucien's wise and loving grandfather. He provides guidance and support to Lucien, encouraging him to change his ways. Grandfather's presence in Lucien's life plays a crucial role in his character development.

Character Traits

The characters in "Treasures of the Snow" exhibit a range of traits that shape their actions and interactions within the story.

Annette's key traits include kindness, curiosity, empathy, and a strong sense of justice. These qualities drive her to seek understanding and forgiveness even in the face of adversity.

Lucien's traits include anger, revengefulness, and a longing for acceptance. These traits stem from his past experiences and shape his interactions with others.

Dani's traits include cheerfulness, supportiveness, and a willingness to see the good in people. She serves as a positive influence on Annette's journey.

Uncle Philip's traits include wisdom, patience, and a nurturing nature. He provides Annette with guidance and teaches her valuable life lessons.

Mrs. Miller's traits include kindness, gentleness, and a comforting presence. She offers support and encouragement to Annette, serving as a mentor figure.

Pierre's traits include responsibility, hard work, and dedication to his family. He acts as a pillar of support for Annette throughout the story.

Mrs. Durrant's traits include strictness, coldness, and an inability to express love. Her actions contribute to Lucien's troubled behavior.

Jean's traits include innocence, vulnerability, and a longing for love. She becomes a victim of Lucien's cruelty but remains hopeful for a better life.

Grandfather's traits include wisdom, love, and a desire to guide Lucien towards a better path. His influence has a transformative effect on Lucien.

Character Background

Annette's background is tragic, as she loses both of her parents at a young age. This loss leads her to live with her uncle, Philip, in the Swiss Alps. Annette's experiences in the village and her encounters with Lucien and other characters shape her journey of forgiveness and understanding.

Lucien's background is marred by a traumatic incident that causes a scar on his face. He grows up with a distant and strict mother, Mrs. Durrant, who fails to show him love and affection. Lucien's troubled past influences his actions and relationships with others.

Character Arcs

Annette's character arc in "Treasures of the Snow" revolves around forgiveness and understanding. Initially, she holds resentment towards Lucien for causing her brother's accident. However, as the story progresses, Annette learns to empathize with Lucien's pain and seeks forgiveness. Her arc culminates in a transformative act of kindness towards Lucien.

Lucien's character arc follows a journey of redemption and self-discovery. Through the influence of his grandfather and Annette, he begins to question his actions and desires to change. Lucien's arc showcases his growth from a vengeful and angry boy to someone capable of love and forgiveness.

Relationships

Annette and Lucien's relationship forms the core of the story. Initially, they harbor animosity towards each other, but as the plot unfolds, their relationship evolves into one of understanding and friendship. Annette's kindness and willingness to forgive play a significant role in transforming their relationship.

Annette's relationship with Uncle Philip is one of love and guidance. He provides her with a stable and nurturing environment after her parents' death. Uncle Philip's wisdom and patience shape Annette's character and help her navigate the challenges she faces.

Dani and Annette share a close friendship, characterized by their shared adventures and support for each other. Dani encourages Annette to see the good in people and serves as a source of joy and companionship.

Mrs. Miller's relationship with Annette is one of mentorship and comfort. She offers guidance and advice to Annette, helping her navigate difficult situations. Mrs. Miller's presence provides Annette with a sense of security and belonging.

In contrast, Lucien's relationship with his mother, Mrs. Durrant, is strained and distant. Her strictness and coldness contribute to Lucien's troubled behavior and his longing for love and acceptance.

Lucien's relationship with his sister, Jean, is characterized by his cruelty towards her. Jean yearns for love and attention from her family but becomes a victim of Lucien's anger and resentment.

Grandfather's relationship with Lucien is one of love, guidance, and transformation. He acts as a mentor figure, encouraging Lucien to change his ways and guiding him towards a path of redemption.

In conclusion, "Treasures of the Snow" by Patricia St. John presents a diverse cast of characters whose roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships contribute to the overall narrative. The story explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of empathy. Through the character arcs and relationships, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of understanding and compassion in overcoming personal struggles and building meaningful connections with others.