"Wait Till Next Year" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Wait Till Next Year" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the protagonist and author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, takes center stage. The other characters in the book play supporting roles, including family members such as her parents Mama and Papa, her grandmother Nanny, and her uncle Tommy. Additionally, several notable baseball players of the time, including Johnny Pesky, Bobby Thomson, Eddie Stanky, Carl Furillo, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams, are also featured.

Character Descriptions

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is the author and protagonist of "Wait Till Next Year." As a young girl growing up in the 1950s, she is depicted as intelligent, curious, and passionate about baseball. She has a close relationship with her family, especially her father, who shares her love for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Doris is portrayed as observant and reflective, with a knack for storytelling.

Mama (Jenny Kearns Goodwin)

Mama, also known as Jenny Kearns Goodwin, is Doris' mother. She is described as warm, nurturing, and supportive. Mama encourages Doris's love for reading and writing, and she instills in her daughter a sense of family values and tradition.

Papa (Michael Kearns Goodwin)

Papa, whose full name is Michael Kearns Goodwin, is Doris' father. He is a passionate baseball fan and shares his love for the Brooklyn Dodgers with Doris. Papa is depicted as hardworking, dedicated, and a source of inspiration for Doris. He teaches her about the intricacies of the game and nurtures her passion for baseball.

Nanny (Marie Kearns)

Nanny, or Marie Kearns, is Doris' grandmother. She is portrayed as wise, caring, and deeply rooted in family traditions. Nanny serves as a moral compass for Doris and imparts valuable life lessons. She also shares Doris' passion for baseball and supports her in pursuing her dreams.

Uncle Tommy

Uncle Tommy is Doris' uncle, and he has a significant impact on her life. He is described as charismatic, adventurous, and a free spirit. Uncle Tommy introduces Doris to the world beyond her small town, broadening her horizons and encouraging her to explore and embrace new experiences.

Johnny Pesky, Bobby Thomson, Eddie Stanky, Carl Furillo, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams

These baseball players are depicted as heroes and idols for Doris. They symbolize the excitement and passion of the sport and serve as role models for her. Each player brings their unique skills and personalities to the story, representing the dynamic world of baseball in the 1950s.

Character Traits

• Doris Kearns Goodwin: Intelligent, curious, observant, reflective, passionate about baseball.
• Mama (Jenny Kearns Goodwin): Warm, nurturing, supportive, values tradition.
• Papa (Michael Kearns Goodwin): Hardworking, dedicated, passionate about baseball.
• Nanny (Marie Kearns): Wise, caring, deeply rooted in family traditions.
• Uncle Tommy: Charismatic, adventurous, free-spirited.
• Johnny Pesky, Bobby Thomson, Eddie Stanky, Carl Furillo, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams: Skilled, influential, inspiring.

Character Background

Doris Kearns Goodwin, the author and protagonist, grew up in the 1950s in Rockville Centre, a suburb of New York City. She was the daughter of Mama and Papa, who instilled in her a deep love for reading, writing, and baseball. Doris was deeply influenced by her family, especially her father, who shared her passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Mama and Nanny played crucial roles in shaping Doris' values and beliefs, while Uncle Tommy expanded her horizons beyond the confines of her small town. Through her interactions with these family members, Doris developed a strong sense of identity and a deep appreciation for her roots.

As a young girl, Doris idolized several baseball players, including Johnny Pesky, Bobby Thomson, Eddie Stanky, Carl Furillo, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams. Their achievements on the baseball field inspired Doris and fueled her love for the sport.

Character Arcs

Throughout "Wait Till Next Year," Doris Kearns Goodwin experiences personal growth and transformation. As a young girl coming of age in the 1950s, she develops a deep passion for baseball and storytelling. Through her experiences with her family and her interactions with notable baseball players, Doris learns valuable life lessons about resilience, teamwork, and pursuing her dreams.

Doris' character arc revolves around her journey from a young girl fascinated by baseball to a talented writer with a profound understanding of the game and its impact on her life. Her love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the sport of baseball becomes a driving force in her personal and professional development.

Relationships

Doris Kearns Goodwin's relationships with her family members, Mama, Papa, Nanny, and Uncle Tommy, are central to her character development in "Wait Till Next Year." These relationships provide her with a strong support system and shape her values and beliefs. Mama and Papa nurture her love for reading, writing, and baseball, while Nanny serves as a wise and guiding force in her life.

Uncle Tommy's influence expands Doris' horizons and encourages her to embrace new experiences. His adventurous spirit and charisma leave a lasting impact on her.

Doris' relationships with the baseball players, such as Johnny Pesky, Bobby Thomson, Eddie Stanky, Carl Furillo, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams, are more distant but deeply influential. These players serve as idols and sources of inspiration for Doris, shaping her love for the sport and her understanding of its significance.

In summary, "Wait Till Next Year" explores the character of Doris Kearns Goodwin and her relationships with her family members and baseball players. Through her personal growth, Doris embodies the spirit of the 1950s and the transformative power of passion and resilience.