"Zeely" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Zeely" by Virginia Hamilton, Elizabeth is the protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Zeely, Uncle Ross, Mr. Crat, and Aunt Justine are the supporting characters who play important roles in Elizabeth's life and her character development.

Character Descriptions

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a young African American girl with a vivid imagination and a thirst for knowledge. She is described as observant, curious, and imaginative. Elizabeth is determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding Zeely and her own heritage.
• Zeely: Zeely is an enigmatic woman who lives on a farm near Elizabeth's home. She is described as tall, graceful, and majestic. Zeely embodies an air of mystery and wisdom, captivating Elizabeth's imagination.
• Uncle Ross: Uncle Ross is Elizabeth's caring and supportive uncle. He encourages Elizabeth's curiosity and helps her navigate through her journey of self-discovery. Uncle Ross is wise and patient, offering guidance and wisdom when Elizabeth needs it most.
• Mr. Crat: Mr. Crat is the owner of the local store in Elizabeth's town. He is kind-hearted and always willing to engage in conversation with Elizabeth. Mr. Crat provides Elizabeth with valuable insights and advice throughout her journey.
• Aunt Justine: Aunt Justine is Elizabeth's aunt and caretaker. She is a strong and nurturing figure in Elizabeth's life. Aunt Justine supports Elizabeth's intellectual pursuits and encourages her to explore her interests.

Character Traits

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth is intelligent, determined, and inquisitive. She has a vivid imagination and a strong desire to uncover the truth. Elizabeth's curiosity and tenacity drive her to explore her heritage and question the world around her.
• Zeely: Zeely is mysterious, wise, and captivating. She represents a symbol of strength and inspiration for Elizabeth. Zeely's presence sparks Elizabeth's imagination and prompts her to delve deeper into her own identity.
• Uncle Ross: Uncle Ross is patient, supportive, and wise. He serves as a guiding figure for Elizabeth, offering her encouragement and advice as she navigates her journey. Uncle Ross's love and understanding provide Elizabeth with the stability she needs to explore her identity.
• Mr. Crat: Mr. Crat is kind-hearted, friendly, and knowledgeable. He acts as a mentor to Elizabeth, sharing his wisdom and insights. Mr. Crat's conversations with Elizabeth help her gain a broader perspective and deepen her understanding of the world.
• Aunt Justine: Aunt Justine is strong, nurturing, and supportive. She understands Elizabeth's need for exploration and encourages her intellectual pursuits. Aunt Justine's love and guidance provide Elizabeth with a solid foundation to embark on her journey of self-discovery.

Character Background

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a young African American girl growing up in a small town. She is curious about her family history and her African heritage. Elizabeth's passion for learning and her vivid imagination propel her to seek answers and uncover her roots.
• Zeely: Zeely is a mysterious woman who lives on a farm near Elizabeth's town. She is known for her elegance and grace. Zeely's background is shrouded in mystery, and her presence sparks Elizabeth's curiosity and desire to understand her own heritage.
• Uncle Ross: Uncle Ross is Elizabeth's caring and supportive uncle. He has a deep understanding of the importance of heritage and encourages Elizabeth to explore her roots. Uncle Ross's own experiences and knowledge become crucial in guiding Elizabeth on her journey.
• Mr. Crat: Mr. Crat is a friendly store owner who becomes a mentor to Elizabeth. He has a deep appreciation for history and shares his knowledge with Elizabeth. Mr. Crat's background and insights provide Elizabeth with valuable perspectives as she seeks answers about her own heritage.
• Aunt Justine: Aunt Justine is Elizabeth's loving and nurturing aunt. She provides a stable and supportive environment for Elizabeth to grow. Aunt Justine's background and understanding of the importance of identity play a significant role in Elizabeth's journey.

Character Arcs

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth undergoes a significant character arc throughout the book. At the beginning, she is a curious and imaginative girl who yearns for answers about her heritage. As she delves into her journey of self-discovery, Elizabeth gains a deeper understanding of her own identity and the importance of embracing her roots.
• Zeely: Zeely's character arc is intertwined with Elizabeth's journey. As Elizabeth seeks answers about her heritage, Zeely becomes a symbol of strength and inspiration. Zeely's presence prompts Elizabeth to question her own identity and encourages her to embrace her African heritage.
• Uncle Ross: Although Uncle Ross remains a supportive figure throughout the book, his character arc involves guiding Elizabeth towards self-discovery. He provides her with the necessary support and wisdom, allowing her to navigate the complexities of her journey.
• Mr. Crat: Mr. Crat serves as a mentor to Elizabeth, offering her valuable insights and knowledge. His character arc involves sharing his wisdom with Elizabeth and helping her broaden her perspectives on heritage and identity.
• Aunt Justine: Aunt Justine's character arc revolves around nurturing and supporting Elizabeth's journey. She encourages Elizabeth to explore her interests and provides her with a loving environment where she can grow and discover her own identity.

Relationships

• Elizabeth and Zeely: Elizabeth's relationship with Zeely is central to the story. Zeely becomes Elizabeth's source of inspiration and guidance as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery. Zeely's majestic presence captivates Elizabeth, and their interactions deepen Elizabeth's understanding of her own identity.
• Elizabeth and Uncle Ross: Elizabeth shares a strong bond with her caring and supportive uncle. Uncle Ross understands the importance of heritage and encourages Elizabeth to explore her roots. Their relationship serves as a guiding force for Elizabeth throughout her journey.
• Elizabeth and Mr. Crat: Elizabeth forms a mentor-student relationship with Mr. Crat, the local store owner. Mr. Crat shares his knowledge and insights with Elizabeth, broadening her perspectives and encouraging her to embrace her heritage.
• Elizabeth and Aunt Justine: Elizabeth's relationship with her nurturing aunt plays a significant role in her journey. Aunt Justine provides a stable and supportive environment for Elizabeth to explore her interests and encourages her intellectual pursuits.

In "Zeely" by Virginia Hamilton, Elizabeth's journey of self-discovery is driven by her relationships with Zeely, Uncle Ross, Mr. Crat, and Aunt Justine. The characters in the book contribute to Elizabeth's character development and play important roles in her exploration of her heritage and identity.