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What Happened
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"What Happened" Characters Analysis

Hillary Rodham Clinton reflects on her experiences and explains her perspective on the 2016 United States presidential election.

Estimated read time: 6 min read

Table of Contents

  1. List of Characters

List of Characters

Character NameRole
Hillary Rodham ClintonProtagonist, Author
Bill ClintonSupporting Character
Donald TrumpAntagonist
Barack ObamaSupporting Character
Chelsea ClintonSupporting Character

Role Identification

In "What Happened," Hillary Rodham Clinton takes on the dual roles of the protagonist and the author. As the protagonist, she is the central character around whom the events of the book revolve. As the author, she shares her personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions, providing readers with an intimate insight into her perspective on the 2016 United States presidential election.

Character Descriptions

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a prominent political figure and the main focus of the book. She is a former First Lady, Secretary of State, and Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Clinton is depicted as a resilient, determined, and intelligent woman who has dedicated her life to public service. Throughout the book, she shares her struggles, successes, and challenges faced during her presidential campaign.

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, serves as a supporting character in "What Happened." He is portrayed as a loyal and supportive husband to Hillary Clinton. His presence in the book highlights the importance of their partnership and the shared experiences they have faced together in their political careers.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, appears as the antagonist in "What Happened." Clinton portrays Trump as a divisive and unconventional candidate who ran a controversial campaign. She discusses her concerns about his character, policies, and the impact of his presidency on the country.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, is depicted as a supportive figure in Clinton's book. As a fellow Democrat, Obama's endorsement and assistance during the campaign are highlighted. Clinton emphasizes the continuation of Obama's legacy as an important aspect of her candidacy.

Chelsea Clinton

Chelsea Clinton, Hillary Clinton's daughter, plays a supporting role in the book. Clinton describes Chelsea as a source of strength and inspiration throughout the campaign. Chelsea's presence represents the importance of family and the personal support system that sustains Clinton during challenging times.

Character Traits

Hillary Rodham Clinton

  • Resilient: Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, Clinton demonstrates resilience and continues to push forward.
  • Intelligent: Clinton's intelligence is evident in her deep understanding of policy issues and her ability to articulate her ideas effectively.
  • Determined: Clinton's determination to break the glass ceiling by becoming the first female President of the United States is a recurring theme in the book.
  • Compassionate: Clinton shows compassion towards her supporters, constituents, and those who have faced adversity.
  • Strategic: Clinton's strategic thinking is reflected in her campaign decisions and her ability to navigate the complexities of the political landscape.

Bill Clinton

  • Loyal: Bill Clinton's loyalty to Hillary is evident throughout the book, as he stands by her side during both triumphs and defeats.
  • Charismatic: Bill Clinton's charisma is highlighted, showcasing his ability to connect with people and command attention.

Donald Trump

  • Divisive: Trump's divisive rhetoric and policies are described by Clinton as detrimental to the unity of the country.
  • Unconventional: Clinton emphasizes Trump's unconventional approach to politics, contrasting it with her more traditional style.

Barack Obama

  • Supportive: Obama's support for Clinton and his endorsement of her candidacy are highlighted as significant factors during the campaign.
  • Charismatic: Obama's charisma and ability to inspire are portrayed as important qualities for a presidential candidate.

Character Background

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton's character background is thoroughly explored in "What Happened." She grew up in a middle-class family, later attending Wellesley College and Yale Law School. Clinton's career began as a lawyer and advocate for children's rights. She then served as First Lady during her husband's presidency, followed by her tenure as Secretary of State. Clinton's extensive background in public service and politics provides the foundation for her presidential campaign.

Character Arcs

Hillary Rodham Clinton

In "What Happened," Hillary Rodham Clinton's character arc is shaped by her experiences during the 2016 presidential election. Initially hopeful and determined, Clinton faces unexpected challenges and setbacks that test her resilience. As the campaign progresses, she confronts personal and political obstacles, leading to introspection and self-reflection. Clinton's character arc culminates in her acceptance of the election outcome and her commitment to continuing her advocacy work.

Relationships

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton

The relationship between Hillary and Bill Clinton is a significant aspect of "What Happened." Their partnership and shared experiences in politics are explored, demonstrating their mutual support and love for one another. Hillary often reflects on the challenges they have faced together and the strength they draw from their relationship.

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald Trump

The relationship between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is portrayed as adversarial. Clinton discusses her concerns about Trump's character, policies, and the impact of his presidency. She highlights the sharp contrasts between their visions for America and the consequences she believes his election had on the country.

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama

The relationship between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is one of support and shared Democratic values. Clinton appreciates Obama's endorsement and assistance during her campaign, emphasizing the continuation of his legacy as an essential aspect of her candidacy.

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton

The relationship between Hillary and Chelsea Clinton is depicted as one of unwavering support and love. Chelsea serves as a source of strength for Hillary throughout the campaign, providing emotional support and encouragement.

In conclusion, "What Happened" by Hillary Rodham Clinton provides a comprehensive character analysis of the main individuals involved in the 2016 United States presidential election. Through her personal experiences and insights, Clinton offers readers a deeper understanding of herself, her relationships, and the events that shaped her campaign.