"Wither" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Rhine Ellery is the protagonist of "Wither" by Lauren DeStefano. She is the central character through whom the story is told. Linden Ashby and Cecily Ashby are supporting characters who play important roles in Rhine's journey. Gabriel is another supporting character who influences Rhine's decisions. Madame is the antagonist, creating conflict and obstacles for Rhine. Jenna is a supporting character who becomes Rhine's confidant.

Character Descriptions

Rhine Ellery

Rhine Ellery is a sixteen-year-old girl who is kidnapped and forced into a polygamous marriage. She has strikingly beautiful violet eyes, which become a significant plot point in the story. Rhine is described as having long, dark brown hair and fair skin. She is often seen as fragile and delicate due to her small stature and timid demeanor.

Linden Ashby

Linden Ashby is a wealthy young man who becomes Rhine's husband. He is described as having blond hair, blue eyes, and a tall and athletic build. Linden is portrayed as naive and sheltered, lacking awareness of the harsh realities of the world outside his home.

Cecily Ashby

Cecily Ashby is Linden's younger sister. She is only thirteen years old at the beginning of the story. Cecily is described as having curly blond hair and a mischievous personality. Despite her young age, she shows resilience and adaptability as she navigates the difficult circumstances of her life.

Gabriel

Gabriel is a servant in Linden's household. He becomes a close friend and confidant to Rhine. Gabriel has dark hair and expressive green eyes. He is depicted as compassionate, loyal, and willing to help Rhine in her attempts to escape her situation.

Madame

Madame is the powerful and manipulative woman who runs the House of Ashby. She is the one responsible for capturing and selling young girls as brides. Madame is described as having a stern and commanding presence. She is relentless in her pursuit of maintaining control and power over her captives.

Jenna

Jenna is a fellow captive and friend of Rhine. She becomes a confidant and source of support for Rhine throughout the story. Jenna is described as having curly brown hair and a warm smile. She is depicted as kind-hearted and optimistic, despite the dire circumstances they all find themselves in.

Character Traits

Rhine Ellery

Rhine is intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She possesses a strong sense of self and refuses to let her circumstances define her. Rhine is also compassionate and empathetic, often showing concern for the well-being of others. She possesses a curiosity and thirst for knowledge that drives her actions.

Linden Ashby

Linden is portrayed as naive, sheltered, and easily influenced. He lacks the ability to critically analyze the world around him and often relies on others to make decisions. Linden is also depicted as kind-hearted and genuinely cares for Rhine, despite their forced marriage.

Cecily Ashby

Cecily is portrayed as spirited, resilient, and adaptable. She displays a mix of innocence and maturity as she navigates the challenges of her situation. Despite her young age, Cecily shows determination and strength in the face of adversity.

Gabriel

Gabriel is compassionate, loyal, and selfless. He puts the well-being of others before his own and becomes a source of support and comfort for Rhine. Gabriel is also shown to be intelligent and resourceful, assisting Rhine in her attempts to escape.

Madame

Madame is manipulative, ruthless, and power-hungry. She uses fear and control to maintain her authority over the girls in her captivity. Madame is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals and preserves her status.

Jenna

Jenna is kind-hearted, optimistic, and supportive. She provides emotional support to Rhine and acts as a pillar of strength amidst the challenging circumstances they face. Jenna's positive outlook and resilience shine through her interactions with others.

Character Background

Rhine Ellery

Rhine grew up in a small, impoverished town with her twin brother, Rowan. They lived with their grandparents until tragedy struck and they were separated. Rhine was kidnapped and taken to the House of Ashby, where she becomes one of Linden's wives.

Linden Ashby

Linden is the son of a wealthy and powerful family. He grew up sheltered in a luxurious mansion and was groomed to take over his father's business. Linden's upbringing and social status make him an eligible bachelor, leading to his forced marriage with Rhine.

Cecily Ashby

Cecily is Linden's younger sister. She also grew up in a privileged environment but is more sheltered and naive than her brother. Cecily's innocence is shattered when she is thrust into the same polygamous marriage as Rhine.

Gabriel

Gabriel is a servant in the House of Ashby. He has a mysterious past that is slowly revealed throughout the story. Gabriel's background includes experiences that are similar to Rhine's, which creates a bond between them.

Madame

Madame's background is largely unknown. She is portrayed as a powerful and ruthless figure who profits from the sale of young girls as brides. Madame's motivations and past remain a mystery, adding to her enigmatic and formidable persona.

Jenna

Jenna's background is also not extensively explored in the story. She, like Rhine, was kidnapped and brought to the House of Ashby. Jenna's role primarily revolves around being a source of support and friendship for Rhine.

Character Arcs

Rhine Ellery

Rhine undergoes a significant character arc throughout the story. At the beginning, she is focused on survival and escape. As the story progresses, Rhine becomes more determined to uncover the truth behind the House of Ashby and find her brother. She grows in resilience and strength, ultimately making choices that challenge the status quo and fight against injustice.

Linden Ashby

Linden's character arc is one of realization and transformation. Initially oblivious to the horrors within the House of Ashby, he gradually becomes aware of the truth. Linden is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the manipulations of Madame. This realization leads him to question his own beliefs and make difficult decisions.

Cecily Ashby

Cecily's character arc centers around her growth and adaptation to her circumstances. Initially portrayed as a spoiled and naive young girl, Cecily matures and becomes more resilient as she faces the challenges of her forced marriage. She learns to navigate the complexities of her new life and develops a bond with Rhine and Gabriel.

Gabriel

Gabriel's character arc is intertwined with Rhine's. He starts as a loyal and supportive friend, but as their relationship deepens, his feelings for Rhine become more apparent. Gabriel is torn between his loyalty to Rhine and his desire to protect her. His character arc explores his internal struggle as he grapples with his emotions and navigates the dangers they face.

Madame

Madame's character arc is less pronounced than the others. She remains a formidable antagonist throughout the story, manipulating and controlling those around her. However, as the story progresses, glimpses of vulnerability and cracks in her facade are revealed, providing a glimpse into her motivations and past.

Jenna

Jenna's character arc is primarily focused on her friendship with Rhine. She remains a steadfast and supportive ally to Rhine, offering comfort and advice. Jenna's role is to provide emotional support and friendship to Rhine, acting as a constant source of strength.

Relationships

Rhine and Linden

Rhine and Linden's relationship is complicated by the circumstances of their forced marriage. Initially distant, they develop a fragile bond as Linden's innocence and kindness shine through. Rhine starts to see him as more than just her captor, leading to conflicting emotions and a complex dynamic between them.

Rhine and Cecily

Rhine's relationship with Cecily evolves from initial skepticism to a sisterly bond. They find solace and support in each other, navigating the challenges of their shared circumstances. Rhine becomes a protector and mentor to Cecily, and their relationship becomes one of mutual understanding and reliance.

Rhine and Gabriel

Rhine and Gabriel's relationship begins as a friendship born out of their shared captivity. As they spend more time together, their feelings deepen, and a romantic connection develops. Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, trust, and a shared desire for freedom.

Rhine and Madame

Rhine and Madame's relationship is one of power dynamics and manipulation. Rhine is constantly at odds with Madame's authority, while Madame seeks to control and exploit Rhine's abilities. Their relationship is fraught with tension and conflict as Rhine fights against Madame's influence.

Rhine and Jenna

Rhine and Jenna's relationship is one of unwavering support and friendship. Jenna acts as a confidant and provides emotional support to Rhine throughout the story. Their bond strengthens as they navigate the challenges of their captivity together, becoming each other's pillars of strength.

Conclusion

Lauren DeStefano's "Wither" introduces readers to a cast of diverse and complex characters. Each character plays a distinct role in the story, contributing to the development of the plot and the protagonist's journey. The relationships between the characters shape their individual arcs and create a rich tapestry of emotions and conflicts. From Rhine's determination and resilience to Linden's transformation and Madame's manipulation, the characters in "Wither" come to life through their unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships.