"What Came Before He Shot Her" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "What Came Before He Shot Her" by Elizabeth George, the main characters are Joel Gascoyne and Nessie Gascoyne. Joel and Nessie are the protagonists of the story, while Angelina Upman serves as the antagonist. Other important supporting characters include Terry Janson, Superintendent Webber, and Detective Inspector Lynley.

Character Descriptions

• Joel Gascoyne: Joel is a troubled young man who grows up in a disadvantaged neighborhood. He is fiercely protective of his younger sister, Nessie, and takes on the responsibility of caring for her after their mother's death. Joel is described as streetwise and resourceful, but also vulnerable due to his difficult upbringing.
• Nessie Gascoyne: Nessie is Joel's younger sister, who is just thirteen years old at the start of the story. She is intelligent and curious, often seeking knowledge and understanding beyond her years. Nessie is portrayed as a resilient and determined character, trying to navigate a challenging environment while maintaining her innocence.
• Angelina Upman: Angelina is a complex character who becomes involved in the lives of Joel and Nessie. She comes from a wealthy background and becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with Joel. Angelina's motivations and actions are often ambiguous, making her a compelling antagonist in the story.
• Terry Janson: Terry is a supporting character who plays a significant role in Joel's life. He is a social worker who tries to help Joel and Nessie, providing guidance and support. Terry is compassionate and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth.
• Superintendent Webber: Superintendent Webber is a police officer who becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the events of the story. He is portrayed as a competent and experienced law enforcement professional, working diligently to uncover the truth.
• Detective Inspector Lynley: Detective Inspector Lynley is another police officer who plays a pivotal role in the investigation. He is known for his intuition and analytical skills, often uncovering crucial evidence that helps move the case forward.

Character Traits

• Joel Gascoyne: Streetwise, resourceful, protective, vulnerable
• Nessie Gascoyne: Intelligent, curious, resilient, determined
• Angelina Upman: Ambiguous, complex, manipulative
• Terry Janson: Compassionate, dedicated, supportive
• Superintendent Webber: Competent, experienced, diligent
• Detective Inspector Lynley: Intuitive, analytical, skilled

Character Background

• Joel Gascoyne: Joel grew up in a disadvantaged neighborhood plagued by crime and violence. He faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout his life, including the loss of his mother at a young age. Joel's background shaped him into a street-smart and resilient individual, although it also exposed him to dangerous influences.
• Nessie Gascoyne: Nessie is the younger sister of Joel and grew up in the same difficult environment. She witnessed the struggles and hardships faced by her brother, which influenced her determination to seek knowledge and understanding beyond their circumstances.
• Angelina Upman: Angelina comes from a wealthy background, in stark contrast to the lives of Joel and Nessie. Her motivations and background are revealed gradually throughout the story, adding complexity to her character and her interactions with the protagonists.
• Terry Janson: Terry is a social worker who has dedicated his career to helping disadvantaged youth. He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals like Joel and Nessie, and he strives to make a positive impact on their lives.
• Superintendent Webber: As a police officer, Superintendent Webber has extensive experience dealing with criminal investigations. His background in law enforcement gives him the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the case.
• Detective Inspector Lynley: Detective Inspector Lynley is an experienced investigator with a reputation for his intuitive approach to solving crimes. His background in law enforcement and his analytical mindset play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the events of the story.

Character Arcs

• Joel Gascoyne: Throughout the story, Joel undergoes a significant character arc as he grapples with the challenges and circumstances of his life. He starts as a vulnerable and troubled young man, but through his experiences and interactions with other characters, he begins to find a sense of purpose and growth.
• Nessie Gascoyne: Nessie also goes through a character arc as she matures and develops her own resilience and determination. She starts as an innocent and curious young girl, but throughout the story, she faces adversity and learns to navigate her circumstances with strength and intelligence.
• Angelina Upman: Angelina's character arc is complex and multifaceted. As the story unfolds, her motivations and background are gradually revealed, leading to a deeper understanding of her actions and choices.
• Terry Janson: While Terry is a supporting character, he contributes to the character arcs of both Joel and Nessie. Through his guidance and support, he helps them navigate their challenging circumstances and find their own paths to growth and development.

Relationships

• Joel and Nessie: Joel and Nessie share a strong bond as siblings. Joel takes on the role of protector and caregiver for Nessie, and their relationship is characterized by love and a sense of responsibility.
• Joel and Angelina: Joel's relationship with Angelina is complex and fraught with tension. Their interactions and connection play a significant role in driving the events of the story and shaping Joel's character arc.
• Joel and Terry: Terry serves as a mentor and support system for Joel, providing guidance and assistance when needed. Their relationship is based on mutual trust and a shared goal of improving Joel's life.
• Superintendent Webber and Detective Inspector Lynley: The relationship between Superintendent Webber and Detective Inspector Lynley is one of professional collaboration. They work together to investigate the events surrounding the shooting, sharing information and insights to uncover the truth.

In "What Came Before He Shot Her," Elizabeth George presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique traits and backgrounds. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the story explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the impact of one's environment on their choices and actions. The character arcs and relationships add depth and complexity to the narrative, engaging readers in a compelling exploration of the human experience.