"What She Left Behind" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Ellen Marie Wiseman's novel, "What She Left Behind," the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. Clara Cartwright serves as the protagonist, driving the story forward with her personal journey. Izzy Stone is a secondary character who becomes a crucial source of support and friendship for Clara. Lorraine, on the other hand, assumes the role of the antagonist, creating tension and conflict within the plot. Dr. Bennett and Sophie both serve as supporting characters who influence Clara's development and offer different perspectives.

Character Descriptions

Clara Cartwright

Clara Cartwright is a seventeen-year-old girl who finds herself trapped in a mental institution in the 1920s. She is described as intelligent, resilient, and determined to prove her sanity. Clara possesses a creative spirit and finds solace in drawing and painting. She is haunted by the memories of her mother's tragic death and is determined to uncover the truth behind her family's dark secrets.

Izzy Stone

Izzy Stone is a fellow patient at the mental institution where Clara is confined. She is a few years older than Clara and takes on a protective and nurturing role towards her. Izzy is portrayed as compassionate, kind-hearted, and fiercely loyal. She becomes Clara's confidante and ally, providing emotional support and offering guidance throughout their shared experiences.

Lorraine

Lorraine is a nurse at the mental institution and serves as the primary antagonist in the story. She is depicted as cold, strict, and abusive towards the patients, particularly Clara. Lorraine abuses her power and manipulates those in her care, contributing to the oppressive atmosphere of the institution. Her actions and behavior create significant obstacles for Clara as she tries to navigate her way towards freedom.

Dr. Bennett

Dr. Bennett is Clara's psychiatrist at the mental institution. He is a supporting character who initially appears compassionate and understanding. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Dr. Bennett is influenced by his own personal agenda. He becomes a source of frustration for Clara as she questions his true intentions and struggles to trust him.

Sophie

Sophie is Clara's grandmother and a supporting character who appears in the present-day storyline. She is portrayed as a kind-hearted and supportive figure in Clara's life. Sophie becomes instrumental in helping Clara uncover her family's secrets and offers a sense of stability and love amidst the turmoil. Her wisdom and guidance provide Clara with the strength to face her past and embrace her future.

Character Traits

Clara Cartwright

• Intelligent
• Resilient
• Determined
• Creative
• Traumatized
• Brave

Izzy Stone

• Compassionate
• Kind-hearted
• Loyal
• Protective
• Empathetic
• Wise

Lorraine

• Cold
• Strict
• Abusive
• Manipulative
• Authoritarian
• Cruel

Dr. Bennett

• Compassionate (initially)
• Manipulative
• Self-serving
• Deceptive
• Untrustworthy
• Ambitious

Sophie

• Kind-hearted
• Supportive
• Wise
• Loving
• Patient
• Nurturing

Character Background

Clara Cartwright

Clara's background is revealed through a series of flashbacks and conversations throughout the novel. She grew up in a wealthy family but experienced a tragic event when her mother died under mysterious circumstances. This event deeply impacted Clara and led to her eventual confinement in the mental institution. Clara's background is characterized by loss, trauma, and a sense of injustice.

Izzy Stone

Izzy's background is gradually unveiled as she shares her experiences with Clara. She comes from a modest background and faced numerous hardships before being institutionalized. Izzy's background reflects the societal issues of the time, including poverty, lack of support, and limited opportunities for women. Her own struggles contribute to her empathetic nature and determination to support others.

Lorraine

Lorraine's background remains somewhat mysterious throughout the novel. However, her actions and behavior suggest a troubled past, potentially influenced by her own experiences or personal issues. The lack of understanding about Lorraine's background further emphasizes her role as an oppressive and malevolent force within the institution.

Dr. Bennett

Dr. Bennett's background is not extensively explored in the novel. However, his actions and motivations suggest a desire for professional success and recognition. He appears to be more concerned with advancing his career rather than genuinely helping his patients. This self-serving nature becomes increasingly evident as Clara questions his intentions.

Sophie

Sophie's background is presented more prominently in the present-day storyline. She is Clara's grandmother and has experienced her own share of family secrets and tragedies. Sophie's background provides a contrast to the oppressive environment of the mental institution, offering Clara a glimpse of a more loving and supportive family history.

Character Arcs

Clara Cartwright

Clara's character arc primarily focuses on her journey towards self-discovery, healing, and reclaiming her freedom. She starts as a traumatized and confined young woman who gradually gains the strength to challenge the oppressive forces around her. Clara's arc involves uncovering her family's secrets, confronting her own fears and traumas, and ultimately finding a sense of empowerment and resolution.

Izzy Stone

Although Izzy is a secondary character, her arc contributes significantly to the narrative. She initially serves as a guide and support system for Clara. However, as the story progresses, Izzy's own struggles and sacrifices come to light. Her arc involves finding her own voice and strength within an oppressive environment and ultimately making a profound impact on Clara's life.

Lorraine

Lorraine's character arc is characterized by her descent into darkness and the eventual consequences of her actions. As Clara resists Lorraine's authority and seeks justice, Lorraine's true nature is revealed, leading to a climactic confrontation that brings her arc to a resolution.

Dr. Bennett

Dr. Bennett's character arc revolves around his transformation from a seemingly compassionate psychiatrist to a manipulative and self-serving figure. As Clara questions his intentions and uncovers his hidden agenda, Dr. Bennett's arc reaches its climax, resulting in a revelation that impacts Clara's path towards freedom.

Sophie

Sophie's character arc primarily involves her role as a supportive figure in Clara's life. She provides Clara with the emotional support and guidance needed to navigate her journey of self-discovery. Sophie's arc is one of unwavering love and connection, ultimately offering Clara a sense of belonging and closure.

Relationships

Clara and Izzy

Clara and Izzy develop a deep bond throughout the novel. Their relationship serves as a source of strength and support for both characters. Izzy becomes Clara's confidante, guiding her through the challenges they face together. Their friendship highlights the importance of connection and empathy in overcoming adversity.

Clara and Lorraine

Clara and Lorraine's relationship is characterized by conflict and power dynamics. Lorraine represents the oppressive forces within the mental institution, and Clara becomes determined to challenge her authority. Their relationship showcases Clara's resilience and her refusal to be silenced or controlled.

Clara and Dr. Bennett

Clara's relationship with Dr. Bennett begins as a typical doctor-patient dynamic. However, as Clara's suspicions grow, their relationship becomes more fraught with tension and mistrust. Dr. Bennett's manipulations and Clara's determination to uncover the truth create a complex and adversarial connection between the two.

Clara and Sophie

Clara and Sophie share a loving and nurturing relationship. Sophie's role as Clara's grandmother provides a sense of stability and unconditional love. Their relationship becomes a source of strength for Clara as she faces the challenges of her past and seeks a brighter future.

In "What She Left Behind," Ellen Marie Wiseman skillfully crafts a cast of characters who contribute to the rich tapestry of the story. Each character's role, traits, background, arcs, and relationships add depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to engage with their struggles and triumphs.