Roll_of_Thunder,_Hear_My_Cry__Character_Analysis

Character Analysis Life-like characters are the life-blood of a novel. The reader must understand the character and develop an opinion of them. To accomplish this, the author uses characterization. Characterization is the representation of a character or characters on the stage or in writing, especially by imitating or describing actions, gestures, or speeches. ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry”, by Mildred Taylor had extremely well-developed characters that were very life-like. Cassie, Logan Taylor’s main character, was the hot-blooded daughter of Mary and David Logan. Cassie’s strong sense of fairness, sharp wit and stubborn ways helped her to become a strong and intrepid fighter for freedom in a racist Mississippi. Cassie Logan had an impeccable sense of justice and fairness. She demonstrated her values by contradicting Mr. Barnett in his Mercantile when he waited on a white girl before Cassie, even though Cassie had arrived first. Cassie could understand being waited on after an adult, but not a kid her own age. Also, she failed to understand the unfairness of slavery throughout history. Cassie rejects (or rejected) the history and refuses to accept it because of her sense of justice. Another important trait is Cassie’s intelligence surpassed that of the average nine year old. She had a mind for business and problem solving. In Strawberry, Cassie knew that Big Ma’s wagon would get more business in the front of the line, and not the back. Also, after the fire, she realized the truth. She knew Papa had started the fire to stop T.J. from being killed. Cassie’s intellect gave her an advantage in the world. An important attribute to Cassie’s character was her stubbornness. She gets into most of her troubles because of it. Like when Cassie refused to take the book after reading what Little Man had seen. She understood, and took a beating for it. Also, she wouldn’t say “Miz” Lillian Jean after accidentally bumping into her on the side of the street. So instead of only having to call her “Miz”, she was kicked off the sidewalk and humiliated. Stubbornness was almost Cassie’s very essence. A good writer should always have well-developed characters. Well-developed characters help the reader to fully understand the novel. Mildred Taylor’s ability to develop well-developed characters is clearly shown in “Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry”. In the story, the reader really understands the life-like nature of the Logan’s and feels like they know them. Cassie Logan was the strong-willed heroine of the story, with impeccable virtues. With strong characteristics, Cassie was able to overcome obstacles that faced her in the prejudice south.