"Where The Lilies Bloom" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Mary Call Luther

Mary Call Luther is the protagonist of "Where The Lilies Bloom," and she is the primary caretaker of her family after the death of their mother. She is responsible for the well-being of her siblings and faces numerous challenges in the Appalachian mountains.

Romey Luther

Romey Luther is Mary Call's younger brother who assists her in providing for the family. He faces his own struggles and contributes to the family's survival in unique ways.

Ima Dean Luther

Ima Dean Luther is Mary Call's younger sister. She is characterized by her innocence and willingness to help her family in any way she can.

Devola Luther

Devola Luther is another of Mary Call's sisters. She is known for her kind and caring nature, especially towards her younger siblings.

Roy Luther

Roy Luther is Mary Call's deceased father, but his influence and wisdom continue to guide the family through the challenges they face.

Kiser Pease

Kiser Pease is the antagonist in the story, and he presents a significant obstacle to the Luther family's independence and well-being.

Goldie Pease

Goldie Pease is Kiser's wife, and she is also involved in the conflicts that arise between the Luthers and the Peases.

Mr. Connell

Mr. Connell is a teacher who interacts with the Luther family and plays a supportive role in their lives.

Mrs. Connell

Mrs. Connell is Mr. Connell's wife, and she also provides assistance and guidance to the Luther family.

Character Descriptions

Mary Call Luther

Mary Call is a determined and resourceful young girl who takes charge of her family's well-being after the passing of her mother. She is practical and resilient, often putting her family's needs above her own.

Romey Luther

Romey is a spirited young boy who faces the challenges of living in the mountains with courage and creativity. He supports Mary Call and the family in various ways, despite his age.

Ima Dean Luther

Ima Dean is characterized by her youthful innocence and her desire to help her family. She brings a sense of purity and hope to the struggles the family endures.

Devola Luther

Devola's caring and nurturing nature make her an essential source of support for the family. She provides comfort and understanding during difficult times.

Roy Luther

Though deceased, Roy's wisdom and teachings continue to guide his children through the harsh realities of their Appalachian environment.

Kiser Pease

Kiser is a contentious figure in the story, often creating obstacles for the Luther family. His actions and motivations present significant challenges for Mary Call and her siblings.

Goldie Pease

Goldie's involvement in the conflicts between the Luthers and the Peases adds complexity to the family's struggles, as she aligns herself with her husband's actions.

Mr. Connell

Mr. Connell's role as a teacher provides a source of support and education for the Luther children, offering them opportunities beyond their isolated mountain life.

Mrs. Connell

Mrs. Connell's kindness and understanding contribute to the support system for the Luther family, offering guidance and care when needed.

Character Traits

Mary Call Luther

• Determined
• Resourceful
• Practical
• Resilient
• Selfless

Romey Luther

• Spirited
• Courageous
• Creative
• Supportive
• Energetic

Ima Dean Luther

• Innocent
• Helpful
• Pure-hearted
• Optimistic
• Kind

Devola Luther

• Caring
• Nurturing
• Compassionate
• Supportive
• Understanding

Roy Luther

• Wise
• Influential
• Supportive
• Respected
• Nurturing

Kiser Pease

• Contentious
• Antagonistic
• Manipulative
• Ruthless
• Self-serving

Goldie Pease

• Complicit
• Conforming
• Enabling
• Compliant
• Submissive

Mr. Connell

• Supportive
• Educative
• Nurturing
• Encouraging
• Inspirational

Mrs. Connell

• Kind
• Understanding
• Caring
• Compassionate
• Encouraging

Character Background

Mary Call Luther

Mary Call's background is deeply rooted in the Appalachian mountains, where she has grown up in a family struggling to survive. After her mother's death, she takes on the responsibility of caring for her siblings and managing the family's affairs.

Romey Luther

Like his sister Mary Call, Romey has spent his entire life in the Appalachian mountains, experiencing the same hardships and challenges. His background has shaped him into a resilient and spirited young boy.

Ima Dean Luther

Ima Dean's background is one of familial love and struggle in the mountains. Her innocence and willingness to help are products of her upbringing in a tight-knit family facing adversity.

Devola Luther

Devola's background mirrors that of her siblings, as she has been raised in the same environment of hardship and familial support. Her caring nature is a result of the values instilled in her by her family.

Roy Luther

As the father of the family, Roy's background is one of hard work and dedication to providing for his children. His influence continues to shape the family's actions and decisions.

Kiser Pease

Kiser's background is one of antagonism and conflict, as he becomes a source of trouble for the Luther family due to his own motivations and actions.

Goldie Pease

Goldie's background is influenced by her marriage to Kiser and her complicity in his actions, aligning her with the contentious relationship between the Peases and the Luthers.

Mr. Connell

Mr. Connell's background as a teacher brings a different perspective to the story, as he represents education and opportunity beyond the confines of the mountains.

Mrs. Connell

Mrs. Connell's background aligns with her role as a supportive figure, offering care and guidance to the Luther family in their time of need.

Character Arcs

Mary Call Luther

Mary Call's character arc revolves around her journey from shouldering the burden of responsibility for her family to realizing the value of seeking outside help and support. Her arc also encompasses her growth in understanding the importance of preserving her family's independence while accepting assistance when necessary.

Romey Luther

Romey's character arc depicts his evolution from a young boy dependent on his sister's guidance to a more independent and resourceful individual. His experiences lead him to contribute to the family's well-being in increasingly significant ways.

Ima Dean Luther

Ima Dean's character arc centers on her transition from an innocent and sheltered child to a more aware and proactive member of the family. Her growth is marked by her willingness to take on responsibilities and contribute to the family's survival.

Devola Luther

Devola's character arc reflects her development from a nurturing and caring sibling to a more assertive and supportive figure within the family. Her experiences shape her into a more resilient and determined individual.

Kiser Pease

Kiser's character arc portrays his consistent antagonism and manipulation, leading to a culmination in the resolution of the conflict between the Peases and the Luthers. His arc demonstrates the consequences of his actions and the impact on the families involved.

Relationships

Mary Call Luther and Romey Luther

Mary Call and Romey share a close sibling bond, supporting and relying on each other as they navigate the challenges of their mountain life. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and dependence.

Mary Call Luther and Ima Dean Luther

Mary Call and Ima Dean's relationship is one of protective guidance and sisterly care. Mary Call assumes a maternal role, ensuring Ima Dean's well-being while teaching her the necessary skills for survival.

Mary Call Luther and Devola Luther

Mary Call and Devola's relationship is one of mutual support and understanding. They share the burden of caring for the family, relying on each other for emotional strength and practical assistance.

Mary Call Luther and Roy Luther

Mary Call's relationship with her deceased father is marked by her determination to uphold his teachings and provide for the family as he would have wanted. His influence continues to guide her decisions and actions.

Mary Call Luther and Kiser Pease

Mary Call and Kiser's relationship is one of conflict and opposition, as she strives to protect her family from his manipulative actions. Their interactions are defined by the power struggle between the two families.

Romey Luther and Ima Dean Luther

Romey and Ima Dean's relationship is one of sibling camaraderie, as they rely on each other for companionship and support in a challenging environment. Their bond is essential to both of their growth and well-being.

Mr. and Mrs. Connell and the Luther Family

The Connells' relationship with the Luther family is one of mentorship and support, as they provide guidance and educational opportunities to the children. Their influence offers the family a connection to the outside world beyond the mountains.

Conclusion

"Where The Lilies Bloom" presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships that shape the narrative. The story's exploration of family dynamics, survival in a harsh environment, and the complexities of human relationships offers readers a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.