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Walls Within Walls
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"Walls Within Walls" Characters Analysis

"Walls Within Walls" by Maureen Sherry explores the intertwined histories and haunting mysteries of an old New York City tenement, revealing the hidden lives and secrets trapped within its walls.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

List of Characters

NameRole
CJ McCallisterProtagonist, 12-year-old boy
Brid McCallisterCJ's sister, 10-year-old girl
Owen McCallisterCJ's brother, 8-year-old boy
Mr. RutherfordNeighbor, retired architect
Mrs. RutherfordNeighbor, retired opera singer
Dr. Gustav von SchlossNeighbor, eccentric inventor
Mrs. VanderplattNeighbor, art collector
Mrs. Vanderplatt's DaughterNeighbor, art enthusiast
Mrs. Vanderplatt's SonNeighbor, aspiring artist
SamFriend, fellow resident of The Greenwich Hotel
SophieFriend, fellow resident of The Greenwich Hotel
Mr. BaoFriend, fellow resident of The Greenwich Hotel
Mrs. BaoFriend, fellow resident of The Greenwich Hotel

Role Identification

In the book "Walls Within Walls" by Maureen Sherry, there are several key characters who play important roles in the story. The main protagonist is CJ McCallister, a 12-year-old boy who becomes the central figure in unraveling a mystery. Other characters include CJ's siblings Brid and Owen, as well as their neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, Dr. Gustav von Schloss, and Mrs. Vanderplatt and her children. CJ's friends from The Greenwich Hotel, Sam, Sophie, Mr. Bao, and Mrs. Bao, also contribute to the development of the plot.

Character Descriptions

  1. CJ McCallister: CJ is a curious and intelligent 12-year-old boy. He is the eldest sibling, responsible, and determined to uncover the mysteries surrounding their new apartment in The Greenwich Hotel.
  2. Brid McCallister: Brid is CJ's 10-year-old sister. She is creative, imaginative, and often provides a different perspective on the situations they encounter.
  3. Owen McCallister: Owen is CJ's 8-year-old brother. He is playful, energetic, and always up for an adventure.
  4. Mr. Rutherford: Mr. Rutherford is an elderly neighbor and retired architect. He is knowledgeable about the history of The Greenwich Hotel and its secrets.
  5. Mrs. Rutherford: Mrs. Rutherford is Mr. Rutherford's wife and a retired opera singer. She is supportive of CJ and his siblings throughout their journey.
  6. Dr. Gustav von Schloss: Dr. von Schloss is an eccentric inventor and neighbor. He provides valuable information and clues to CJ and his siblings.
  7. Mrs. Vanderplatt: Mrs. Vanderplatt is a neighbor and art collector. She has a deep interest in the history and art within The Greenwich Hotel.
  8. Mrs. Vanderplatt's Daughter: Mrs. Vanderplatt's daughter is an art enthusiast who assists CJ and his siblings in their quest.
  9. Mrs. Vanderplatt's Son: Mrs. Vanderplatt's son is an aspiring artist. He helps CJ and his siblings discover hidden secrets within the hotel.
  10. Sam, Sophie, Mr. Bao, and Mrs. Bao: CJ's friends from The Greenwich Hotel, these characters provide support, friendship, and additional perspectives throughout the story.

Character Traits

  • CJ McCallister: Curious, intelligent, determined, responsible.
  • Brid McCallister: Creative, imaginative, perceptive.
  • Owen McCallister: Playful, energetic, adventurous.
  • Mr. Rutherford: Knowledgeable, wise, helpful.
  • Mrs. Rutherford: Supportive, caring, understanding.
  • Dr. Gustav von Schloss: Eccentric, knowledgeable, mysterious.
  • Mrs. Vanderplatt: Artistic, knowledgeable, passionate.
  • Mrs. Vanderplatt's Daughter: Enthusiastic, helpful, resourceful.
  • Mrs. Vanderplatt's Son: Artistic, curious, observant.
  • Sam, Sophie, Mr. Bao, and Mrs. Bao: Friendly, supportive, loyal.

Character Background

CJ, Brid, and Owen McCallister recently move into a luxurious apartment in The Greenwich Hotel with their parents. They quickly discover hidden messages and clues within the walls, leading them on a thrilling adventure to uncover the secrets of the hotel. Along the way, they encounter their neighbors, each with their own unique backgrounds and expertise that contribute to the unraveling of the mystery. From the retired architect Mr. Rutherford to the eccentric inventor Dr. Gustav von Schloss, and the art-loving Vanderplatt family, each character brings their own knowledge and experiences to help CJ and his siblings.

Character Arcs

Throughout the story, CJ, Brid, and Owen experience significant character growth as they navigate the hidden secrets within the hotel. CJ starts as a curious and intelligent young boy, but his determination and responsibility grow as he takes the lead in solving the mystery. Brid's creativity and imagination become vital in deciphering the clues, and Owen's playful nature adds excitement and energy to their adventures. The characters' arcs include the development of problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the discovery of their own strengths and capabilities.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Walls Within Walls" are essential to the progression of the story. CJ, Brid, and Owen's sibling bond strengthens as they work together to solve the mystery, relying on each other's unique skills and perspectives. Their friendship with Sam, Sophie, Mr. Bao, and Mrs. Bao from The Greenwich Hotel provides additional support and companionship throughout their journey. The relationships with their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, Dr. Gustav von Schloss, and the Vanderplatt family, deepen as they collaborate and share their knowledge to uncover the secrets within The Greenwich Hotel.

In conclusion, "Walls Within Walls" by Maureen Sherry introduces a cast of diverse and intriguing characters. CJ, Brid, and Owen, along with their neighbors and friends, embark on a thrilling adventure that tests their abilities, strengthens their relationships, and leads to personal growth. This character analysis highlights their roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships, showcasing the depth and complexity of the characters in this captivating book.