Student Question
Describe the main character of "A Long Way from Chicago".
Quick answer:
The main characters in "A Long Way from Chicago" are Mary Alice, Joey Dowdel, and Grandma Dowdel. The story follows the siblings' annual summer visits to their eccentric grandmother, who teaches them valuable life lessons through her unconventional problem-solving methods. Grandma Dowdel, despite her tough exterior, is kind-hearted and deeply cares for her community, making her a pivotal figure in the children's coming-of-age journey.
There are actually three main characters in the story. Mary Alice and Joey Dowdel visit their Grandma Dowdel every summer, and the book is a coming-of-age story for the grandchildren. Each new chapter tells of a new summer visit. Grandma has an unusual way of dealing with people and problems, but her grandchildren learn that she is not what she appears to be. She's kind and cares about her friends and neighbors, and the kids learn much from her. I don't see how you could say that only one of these characters is the main character.
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