Characters
Alexandra Spofford
Alexandra Spofford, a large, gray-blonde divorcée and mother, stands as the predominant figure among the witches, recognized for her elemental connection to nature and artistic endeavors. Her affinity with the natural world manifests in her sculptural work, where she molds sensuous female forms, affectionately termed "bubbies," from clay. In her late thirties, Alexandra's character is richly explored as she navigates a tumultuous web of relationships and emotions. She is an unconventional mother, occasionally sparking controversy with her non-traditional parenting methods, such as sharing marijuana with her teenage son.
Despite engaging in multiple affairs to fulfill her physical and emotional desires, Alexandra largely shuns the hypocrisy of Eastwick's societal norms, opting instead for personal fulfillment. Her powers, rooted in the earthly elements, allow her to conjure storms and create clay statuettes, yet her moody and vain tendencies sometimes lead to impulsive actions, such as the inadvertent death of a squirrel. Nevertheless, she rarely uses her magic malevolently, viewing it instead as a means for subtle manipulation until coaxed into darker arts by her peers.
As the coven's leader, Alexandra assumes a pivotal role in their rebellion against societal constraints, using witchcraft as a form of liberation. Her initial actions, such as transforming her ex-husband into polychrome dust, display her power but also hint at the chaos that magic can unleash. The witches' involvement with the enigmatic Darryl Van Horne culminates in tragedy when they conjure the death of Jennifer Gabriel. Chastened by guilt, Alexandra finds redemption and a new beginning by marrying an art instructor and relocating to Taos, New Mexico, thus restoring her life to a semblance of normalcy.
Jane Smart
Jane Smart, the second witch of the trio, is notable for her short stature, dark complexion, and musical talent, particularly with the cello. In her late thirties, Jane's character is defined by her willfulness and hostility, often prioritizing personal gratification over other responsibilities. Her self-centered nature is evident in her neglect of her children, a trait shared with her fellow witches, as they pursue their magical endeavors and sisterhood.
Jane's magic often takes a sinister turn, illustrated by her transformation of her ex-husband into a dried herb. Her jealousy fuels darker deeds, such as inciting Alexandra to harm Jennifer Gabriel. Despite her outwardly respectable appearance in Eastwick, Jane engages in extramarital affairs with married men, revealing her understanding of the town's pervasive hypocrisy. Her relationships are often possessive, leading her to withdraw from the coven when feeling neglected by Darryl Van Horne.
Jane's powers ultimately secure her a new husband from a prestigious Boston family, demonstrating her ability to manipulate her circumstances. Her usage of magic, coupled with her musical passion, underscores the corrupting allure of power, as Jane's personal satisfaction often comes at the expense of others.
Sukie Rougemont
Sukie Rougemont, the youngest member of the coven, is a vibrant redhead in her early thirties. As a writer for the Eastwick Word, she serves as the coven's link to town gossip, her "monkeyish" curiosity and energetic demeanor painting her in a favorable light. However, beneath her outward exuberance lies a cunning nature, coupled with feelings of powerlessness and guilt, which fuel a destructive jealousy.
Free from patriarchal constraints, Sukie embarks on a love affair with Clyde Gabriel and participates in the coven's orgies with Darryl Van Horne. Her magic, though potent, is misused to inflict illness on her rival, Jennifer Gabriel. Despite these transgressions, Sukie's narrative concludes with her capturing the interest of a word processor salesman, finding solace in writing formulaic romantic novels, an attempt to reestablish a sense of normalcy.
Darryl Van Horne
(This entire section contains 961 words.)
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Darryl Van Horne
Darryl Van Horne, the enigmatic newcomer to Eastwick, is portrayed as a devilish figure with an irresistible charisma. His presence disrupts the town's norms, boasting eclectic tastes and a lavish lifestyle. His home, filled with ostentatious art and furniture, echoes his hedonistic lifestyle, particularly the infamous playroom designed for indulgent bacchanals.
Van Horne's manipulative nature draws the witches into his orbit, enticing them with wealth and disdain for societal conventions. His disregard for nature starkly contrasts with the witches' elemental ties, positioning him as a demonic entity, possibly a creation of their fantasies. His suspected involvement in Jennifer Gabriel's death serves to underline his existential void. Ultimately, Van Horne absconds to New York with Jennifer's wealth, revealing his true nature as a collector of both art and people.
Felicia Gabriel
Felicia Gabriel, the embittered wife of the local newspaper editor, is known for her volatile temper, which often results in bizarre manifestations such as feathers and wasps spewing from her mouth. Despite her self-proclaimed virtue and dedication to noble causes, Felicia harbors malicious energies, further complicated by her husband's affair with Sukie Rougemont. Her antagonism towards the witches is overshadowed by her own eccentricities, painting her as a paradoxical figure within Eastwick's social fabric.
Jennifer Gabriel
Jennifer Gabriel, an unmarried X-ray technician, enters into the witches' sphere as a competitor for Darryl Van Horne's affections. Her marriage to him soon follows, but it is marred by her untimely death from cancer, a fate possibly orchestrated by the witches' malevolent magic. Despite her initial appearance of innocence, Jennifer is astutely aware of the power struggles at play, seeking to secure her position through marriage. Her ambition, however, marks her as a threat to the coven, ultimately leading to her downfall as the witches act to preserve their own "family" dynamic.
Brenda Parsley
Brenda Parsley emerges as a critic of the witches, taking over the Unitarian Church with an efficiency that surpasses her husband. Her quest for control transforms her into a formidable presence, yet she meets poetic justice when insects emerge from her mouth as she denounces the witches, underscoring the novel's theme of supernatural retribution against those who oppose the coven.