"Way Down Deep" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Way Down Deep" by Ruth White, the main character, Ruby June, takes on the role of the protagonist. She is surrounded by a cast of secondary characters who play significant roles in her life and help shape the story.

Character Descriptions

Ruby June

Ruby June is a young girl who is the heart and soul of "Way Down Deep." She is described as curious, intelligent, and brave. With her fiery red hair and freckles, Ruby June stands out in the small town of Way Down Deep.

Uncle Earle

Uncle Earle is Ruby June's caring and protective guardian. He is described as a tall and lanky man with a kind heart. Uncle Earle is always there for Ruby June, providing guidance and support.

Mama

Mama is Ruby June's deceased mother, but her presence is felt throughout the story. She is described as a loving and spirited woman who left a lasting impact on Ruby June's life.

Grampa

Grampa is Ruby June's wise and gentle grandfather. He is known for his storytelling and holds the history of Way Down Deep close to his heart. Grampa is a source of guidance and wisdom for Ruby June.

Ida Mae

Ida Mae is Ruby June's best friend and partner in adventure. She is described as bold and feisty, with a passion for solving mysteries. Ida Mae is always by Ruby June's side, ready for any adventure that comes their way.

Miss Arbutus

Miss Arbutus is an elderly woman who lives in Way Down Deep. She is known for her eccentricities and her love for her garden. Miss Arbutus becomes a mentor figure for Ruby June, teaching her valuable life lessons.

Sheriff Howard

Sheriff Howard is the local law enforcement officer in Way Down Deep. He is described as stern yet fair. Sheriff Howard plays an important role in the story as he helps Ruby June uncover the secrets of her past.

Mr. Kelling

Mr. Kelling is the town's librarian and a friend of Ruby June's family. He is described as a kind and knowledgeable man who encourages Ruby June's love for books and learning.

Lucille

Lucille is a mysterious girl who Ruby June encounters during her adventures. She is described as quiet and observant. Lucille has a connection to Ruby June's past and plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth.

Character Traits

Ruby June

• Curious: Ruby June has a natural curiosity and is always eager to learn and explore.
• Intelligent: Ruby June possesses a sharp mind and has a thirst for knowledge.
• Brave: Ruby June shows courage in the face of challenges and is willing to take risks to uncover the truth.

Uncle Earle

• Caring: Uncle Earle deeply cares for Ruby June and ensures her well-being.
• Protective: Uncle Earle is fiercely protective of Ruby June and does everything he can to keep her safe.

Mama

• Loving: Mama's love for Ruby June is evident in the memories and stories shared throughout the book.
• Spirited: Mama had a vibrant personality that left a lasting impression on Ruby June.

Grampa

• Wise: Grampa's storytelling reflects his wisdom and knowledge of the town's history.
• Gentle: Grampa has a gentle nature that provides comfort and guidance to Ruby June.

Ida Mae

• Bold: Ida Mae is not afraid to take risks and is always ready for an adventure.
• Feisty: Ida Mae has a spirited and determined personality that adds excitement to their escapades.

Miss Arbutus

• Eccentric: Miss Arbutus's quirky habits and unique perspective make her stand out in the town.
• Nurturing: Miss Arbutus becomes a nurturing figure for Ruby June, offering guidance and support.

Sheriff Howard

• Stern: Sheriff Howard has a no-nonsense approach to enforcing the law.
• Fair: Despite his stern demeanor, Sheriff Howard is fair in his dealings with the townspeople.

Mr. Kelling

• Kind: Mr. Kelling's kindness is evident in his interactions with Ruby June and his love for books.
• Knowledgeable: Mr. Kelling's vast knowledge of literature and history makes him a valuable resource for Ruby June.

Lucille

• Mysterious: Lucille's aura of mystery adds intrigue to the story and keeps the reader guessing.
• Observant: Lucille pays close attention to details and provides insights that help Ruby June uncover the truth.

Character Background

Ruby June's character background is rooted in the small town of Way Down Deep. Raised by her Uncle Earle after her mother's passing, Ruby June has always felt a strong connection to her town and its history. Her mother, Mama, left behind a legacy that Ruby June seeks to understand and unravel. With the guidance of her Grampa and the support of her friends, Ruby June embarks on a journey of self-discovery and uncovers secrets that shed light on her own identity. Throughout the book, Ruby June's deep roots in Way Down Deep become a central theme, highlighting the importance of family and community.

Character Arcs

Ruby June

Ruby June's character arc revolves around her search for identity and understanding. At the beginning of the book, she is a curious and intelligent young girl with unanswered questions about her past. As she delves deeper into the secrets of Way Down Deep, Ruby June's bravery and determination grow. She uncovers hidden truths, confronts her fears, and ultimately finds a sense of belonging and closure. Ruby June's character arc showcases her transformation from a curious girl to a confident young woman who embraces her roots and finds her place in the world.

Relationships

Ruby June and Uncle Earle

Ruby June and Uncle Earle share a strong bond built on love and mutual respect. Uncle Earle serves as a parental figure to Ruby June, providing guidance and support throughout her journey. Their relationship is characterized by trust and a shared determination to uncover the truth.

Ruby June and Mama

Although Mama is no longer physically present, her memory and influence shape Ruby June's character and actions. Ruby June's deep love for her mother drives her search for identity and understanding. Mama's presence is felt through the stories and memories shared by other characters, highlighting the enduring impact she had on Ruby June's life.

Ruby June and Grampa

Grampa is Ruby June's guiding light and a source of wisdom. Their relationship is filled with love, respect, and a shared passion for storytelling. Grampa's stories about the town's history provide Ruby June with valuable insights and guidance on her journey of self-discovery.

Ruby June and Ida Mae

Ruby June and Ida Mae's friendship is marked by adventure and a shared love for solving mysteries. They support and encourage each other throughout their escapades, forming an unbreakable bond. Ida Mae's feisty and bold personality complements Ruby June's curiosity and bravery, making them a dynamic duo.

Ruby June and Miss Arbutus

Miss Arbutus becomes a mentor figure to Ruby June, offering guidance and life lessons. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for nature and beauty. Miss Arbutus's eccentricities and unique perspective provide Ruby June with valuable insights and help her navigate the challenges she faces.

Ruby June and Sheriff Howard

Sheriff Howard plays a crucial role in Ruby June's journey, providing assistance and guidance. Their relationship starts off as one of authority and respect, but as the story unfolds, Sheriff Howard becomes a trusted ally in Ruby June's search for answers. His support and willingness to help showcase the importance of community and looking out for one another.

Ruby June and Mr. Kelling

Mr. Kelling's friendship with Ruby June is fueled by their mutual love for books and learning. He encourages Ruby June's thirst for knowledge and serves as a mentor in her search for truth. Their relationship highlights the power of literature and the impact of a kind and supportive adult figure.

Ruby June and Lucille

Lucille's arrival in Ruby June's life sparks intrigue and curiosity. As the story progresses, their relationship deepens, and Lucille becomes a pivotal figure in uncovering the secrets of Way Down Deep. Their connection reveals a shared past and a bond that transcends time.

In conclusion, "Way Down Deep" by Ruth White introduces a cast of characters that contribute to a rich and engaging story. Ruby June's journey of self-discovery, with the support and guidance of her loved ones, showcases the importance of family, community, and embracing one's roots. Through her relationships and character arc, Ruby June learns valuable lessons about courage, identity, and the power of uncovering the truth.