"We Bought a Zoo" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "We Bought a Zoo" by Benjamin Mee, the protagonist is Benjamin Mee, a widowed father who takes on the challenge of buying and renovating a dilapidated zoo. The supporting characters include Benjamin's children, Dylan and Rosie, his love interest Kelly Foster, his brother Duncan, and the antagonist, Walter Ferris.

Character Descriptions

• Benjamin Mee: Benjamin is a middle-aged man who is grieving the loss of his wife. He is determined, adventurous, and willing to take risks in order to provide a new life for his family. Benjamin is resourceful and has a strong sense of responsibility towards his children.
• Dylan Mee: Dylan is Benjamin's teenage son. He is intelligent, introverted, and often finds solace in his artwork. Dylan struggles with the loss of his mother and is reluctant to embrace the idea of living in a zoo. Over the course of the story, he undergoes personal growth and learns to appreciate the unique experience of living in a zoo.
• Rosie Mee: Rosie is Benjamin's young daughter. She is curious, energetic, and has a deep love for animals. Rosie adapts quickly to the zoo environment and forms a special bond with the animals. Her enthusiasm and innocence bring a sense of joy to the story.
• Kelly Foster: Kelly is the head zookeeper who becomes romantically involved with Benjamin. She is passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable about animals. Kelly serves as a support system for Benjamin and helps him navigate the challenges of managing the zoo.
• Duncan Mee: Duncan is Benjamin's brother and provides comic relief throughout the book. He is laid-back, carefree, and often offers unconventional advice. Duncan's presence adds levity to the story and helps alleviate some of the tension.
• Walter Ferris: Walter is an antagonist in the story. He is a strict and bureaucratic zoo inspector who constantly threatens to shut down the zoo due to its lack of compliance with regulations. Walter serves as an obstacle for Benjamin and adds a sense of urgency to the plot.

Character Traits

• Benjamin Mee: Determined, adventurous, responsible, resourceful.
• Dylan Mee: Intelligent, introverted, artistic, reluctant.
• Rosie Mee: Curious, energetic, animal-loving, joyful.
• Kelly Foster: Passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, supportive.
• Duncan Mee: Laid-back, carefree, comedic, unconventional.
• Walter Ferris: Strict, bureaucratic, threatening, obstructive.

Character Background

• Benjamin Mee: Benjamin was a journalist before his wife's death. He had a stable life with his family until tragedy struck. After his wife's passing, he decides to start fresh and takes on the challenge of buying a zoo to provide a new beginning for his children.
• Dylan Mee: Dylan is a talented artist who is struggling to find his place in the world after the loss of his mother. He often feels overshadowed by his father's ambition and the chaos of the zoo.
• Rosie Mee: Rosie is a young girl who has always had a fascination with animals. She is resilient and adapts quickly to the zoo environment, finding comfort and joy among the animals.
• Kelly Foster: Kelly has dedicated her life to working with animals and has a deep understanding of their needs. She is passionate about conservation and believes in the importance of zoos in educating the public.
• Duncan Mee: Duncan is Benjamin's carefree and easygoing brother. He provides comic relief and offers a different perspective on life, contrasting Benjamin's more serious nature.
• Walter Ferris: Walter is a strict and by-the-book zoo inspector who believes in following regulations to the letter. He is an obstacle for Benjamin, constantly threatening the closure of the zoo unless it meets his stringent requirements.

Character Arcs

• Benjamin Mee: Benjamin's character arc revolves around his personal growth as he learns to balance his responsibilities as a father and zoo owner. Initially overwhelmed by the challenges of managing a zoo, he gradually gains confidence and becomes a capable leader. Benjamin also learns to open his heart to love again and finds happiness with Kelly.
• Dylan Mee: Dylan's character arc focuses on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Initially resistant to the idea of living in a zoo, he gradually embraces the uniqueness of his situation and finds solace in his artwork. Dylan learns to cope with his grief and develops a stronger bond with his family.
• Rosie Mee: Rosie's character arc centers around her love for animals and her growth as she navigates the zoo environment. She learns valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of protecting wildlife.
• Kelly Foster: Kelly's character arc involves her professional and personal growth. She starts off as a dedicated zookeeper but gradually becomes more open to the idea of a romantic relationship with Benjamin. Kelly learns to balance her passion for animals with her desire for companionship and a fulfilling personal life.
• Duncan Mee: While Duncan does not undergo a significant character arc, he provides light-hearted moments and serves as a supportive presence for Benjamin and the family.
• Walter Ferris: Walter's character arc revolves around his strict adherence to regulations. He initially opposes Benjamin's efforts but eventually recognizes the positive impact the zoo has on the community and softens his stance.

Relationships

• Benjamin and Dylan: Benjamin and Dylan have a complex relationship as they navigate the challenges of grief and adapting to their new life. They grow closer throughout the story, with Benjamin learning to understand and support Dylan's artistic pursuits.
• Benjamin and Rosie: Benjamin and Rosie share a strong bond, united by their love for animals. Rosie's enthusiasm and innocence bring joy to Benjamin's life, and he strives to create a better future for her.
• Benjamin and Kelly: Benjamin and Kelly's relationship evolves from a professional partnership to a romantic one. They support and encourage each other, sharing a deep connection through their love for the zoo and conservation.
• Benjamin and Duncan: Benjamin and Duncan have a close sibling bond. Duncan provides comedic relief and offers support and advice to Benjamin during challenging moments.
• Benjamin and Walter: Benjamin and Walter's relationship is tense and adversarial. Benjamin is determined to prove himself and save the zoo, while Walter constantly threatens to shut it down.

In conclusion, "We Bought a Zoo" by Benjamin Mee features a diverse range of characters with distinct personalities and relationships. Each character undergoes their own journey of growth and transformation, contributing to the overall narrative and themes of family, resilience, and the power of following one's passion.