Characters
Elaine Risley
Elaine Risley is at the heart of the story, embodying the themes of childhood cruelty and the struggle for self-identity. She grows up largely isolated, with her entomologist father taking the family on field research trips. This unconventional upbringing leaves Elaine ill-prepared for traditional social interactions and expectations when she begins forming her first friendships. Her natural yearning for companionship is compounded by an acute fear of exclusion, which Cordelia, her friend, deftly exploits. As a result, Elaine endures a harrowing dynamic where she becomes the target of Cordelia's and her group's torment. This experience leaves indelible marks on Elaine, manifesting in severe depression and a permeating distrust of female friendships throughout her adulthood. Elaine's family, in contrast to Cordelia's, is warm and loving, which makes the cruelty she faces even more shattering and contributes to her belief that she deserves such treatment. Elaine's artistic pursuits become a vessel for expressing her deep-seated anger, particularly towards figures like Mrs. Smeath, who condoned her victimization under the guise of divine punishment. Elaine's relationship with her brother Stephen is significant during her youth, yet it diminishes with time as they grow older.
Cordelia
Cordelia is a complex character who presents an outward facade of sophistication and self-assurance, which conceals deep-seated insecurities and a lack of love within her family. Being the youngest of three sisters, Cordelia faces exclusion and ridicule from her siblings, a dynamic driven by their father's cold and critical demeanor. This familial environment fuels Cordelia's insecurities and drives her to project her own experiences of humiliation onto Elaine, casting herself in the role of a controlling authority figure. This behavior is a direct manifestation of the psychological damage inflicted upon her at home, leaving Cordelia permanently scarred and unable to function as an adult effectively. Her manipulation of Grace and Carol to join in Elaine's torment underscores her role as a ringleader, and she becomes instrumental in perpetuating the cycle of cruelty that profoundly affects both her and Elaine's lives.
Stephen Risley
Stephen, Elaine's older brother, is portrayed as a prodigy with a keen interest in physics and astronomy from a young age. His intellectual prowess leads him to complete his education swiftly and gain recognition in astrophysics. Despite his achievements, Stephen's life ends tragically when terrorists hijack the plane he is on, en route to a conference in Frankfurt, resulting in his death. Through her art, Elaine commemorates Stephen and his work, notably with her paintings "One Wing" and "Unified Field Theory." Their close relationship during childhood shifts as they mature, yet Stephen's influence lingers in Elaine's life and work.
Mrs. Smeath
Mrs. Smeath, Grace's mother, is portrayed as a pious and judgmental figure. She suffers from a heart condition, which confines her to rest each afternoon. Her snobbery is evident in her belief that her church is superior due to its adherence to traditional attire. Despite being aware of the bullying Elaine faces, Mrs. Smeath rationalizes it as divine retribution for Elaine's family's lack of religious observance. This perception fuels Elaine's animosity, which she later channels into her art, depicting Mrs. Smeath in a series of controversial paintings. Mrs. Smeath's dismissive and morally superior attitude exemplifies the societal and familial pressures that contribute to the narrative's tension.
Grace Smeath
Grace Smeath is characterized as a bossy and self-centered child, a year older than Elaine. Exhibiting a desire for control, she plays the role of the teacher when the girls play school. Grace's authority in the group diminishes with Cordelia's arrival but she quickly aligns herself with Cordelia's leadership, participating in the criticism and bullying of...
(This entire section contains 1388 words.)
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Elaine. Despite Elaine's initial admiration for her, Grace's actions contribute to the emotional turmoil that Elaine endures. Grace reports Elaine's failings in Sunday school, reinforcing the group's cruel treatment. Her alliance with Cordelia and Carol in targeting Elaine accentuates her role in the group's dynamics.
Carol Campbell
Carol Campbell is one of Elaine's childhood friends who joins Grace and Cordelia in tormenting Elaine. Coming from a wealthier background, she enjoys flaunting her possessions to Elaine. Her parents' strictness and the physical punishment she receives contribute to her more delicate disposition, which Elaine perceives as sissy-like. Carol is not the group's leader but plays a significant role in informing Grace and Cordelia about Elaine's shortcomings due to their shared class. Her participation in the bullying stems from a desire for acceptance within the group.
Mr. Risley
Elaine's father, Mr. Risley, is a practical, self-made man who grew up on a farm in Nova Scotia. His career as an entomologist involves extensive travel and fieldwork with his family, instilling an unconventional lifestyle. Mr. Risley is pragmatic and often shares his bleak perspectives on humanity's future at family meals. His views, though sometimes expressed humorously, reflect his logical and scientific approach to life, which influences Elaine's upbringing and worldview.
Mrs. Risley
Mrs. Risley, Elaine's mother, defies the typical housewife stereotype of the 1940s and 1950s. She does not favor domestic duties, instead enjoying activities like skating and walking in nature. Her informal dress and hobbies set her apart from other mothers, which Elaine notices. Mrs. Risley's parenting is lenient, and when confronted with Elaine's bullying experiences, she is unsure how to respond. A significant event in her life is a miscarriage when Elaine is ten, adding to the personal challenges she faces within her family.
Jon
Jon is Elaine's first husband, an art student with a Bohemian lifestyle. Immature yet enjoyable company, Jon's lifestyle is chaotic, with his apartment often serving as a communal space. Their marriage is tumultuous, characterized by frequent, intense arguments, leading to their eventual divorce. After parting ways, Jon remarries, but he and Elaine reconnect upon her return to Toronto, rekindling their relationship briefly. Jon's career in film creates special effects, a contrast to the structured life Elaine later seeks.
Ben
Ben, Elaine's second husband, is described as practical and efficient, starkly contrasting Jon. He runs a travel agency focused on Mexican destinations and has a son from a previous marriage. Ben's grounded personality provides Elaine with stability after the turbulence of her first marriage, complementing her needs for a more settled life.
Miss Lumley
Miss Lumley is Elaine's schoolteacher when she is eight, known for her strictness and authoritarian control over her classroom. She instills discipline through fear, using a rubber strap for punishment. Her teaching style is harsh, creating a challenging environment for young Elaine.
Miss Stuart
In stark contrast to Miss Lumley, Miss Stuart is Elaine's grade five teacher. She is Scottish, beloved by students for her passion for art and her ability to maintain discipline with fairness. Her nurturing approach offers a reprieve from the otherwise oppressive educational experiences Elaine endures.
Josef Hrbik
Josef Hrbik, an Eastern European refugee, serves as Elaine's teacher in her Life Drawing class. His melancholic and serious demeanor, alongside his authoritarian opinions, earns him the nickname Uncle Joe among male students. Josef engages in affairs with Elaine and another student, Susie, simultaneously, complicating Elaine's emotional landscape. Elaine ends the relationship, recognizing her inability to fulfill Josef's needs, which contributes to her feelings of inadequacy.
Susie
Susie, a peer in Elaine's Life Drawing class, contrasts sharply with Elaine's perception of intelligence and seriousness. Known for her tight jeans and heavy makeup, Susie's involvement with Josef leads to an unintended pregnancy. Her attempt at self-abortion results in a medical emergency, with Elaine finding her in a critical state. Susie's experiences highlight the vulnerabilities and consequences faced by women in their shared environment.
Andrea
Andrea is a young newspaper reporter in her twenties who interviews Elaine about her painting retrospective. Her role emphasizes the ongoing public interest in Elaine's life and work, serving as a bridge between Elaine's past experiences and their present-day interpretation.
Mr. Banerji
Mr. Banerji, once a student under Elaine's father's tutelage, shares a connection with the Risley family during Elaine's childhood. His journey from a guest at their Christmas dinner to a professor at the University of Toronto highlights the enduring ties and cross-cultural exchanges within Elaine's formative experiences.
Charna
Charna is responsible for organizing Elaine's retrospective at the Sub-Versions gallery in Toronto. Her catalog, replete with scholarly and trendy language, offers interpretations of Elaine's paintings that sometimes diverge from Elaine's own insights. Charna's involvement underscores the complexities of artistic representation and public perception in Elaine's career.
