Barefoot in the Head: A European Fantasia: Analysis of Major Characters
"Barefoot in the Head: A European Fantasia" presents a rich tapestry of characters navigating a post-psychedelic war landscape. Central to the narrative is Colin Charteris, a Serbian who seeks stability while working for the Italian government. His journey leads him to Metz, where he experiences profound visions that ultimately propel him to England as a messianic figure. As he preaches his philosophy of multilogic, his influence grows, but it becomes a double-edged sword when the movement he leads turns authoritarian, prompting his resignation and an eastward wander with his devoted follower, Angeline.
The narrative also includes Phil Brasher, a young man grappling with his own savior complex, who feels overshadowed by Charteris. Angeline, Brasher's wife, becomes a pivotal character after Brasher's death, remaining loyal to Charteris and bearing his child. Other notable figures include Banjo Burton, a hitchhiker whose tragic fate intertwines with Charteris's rise to fame, and Jan Koningrijk, the chief of the rescue squad, whose actions inadvertently contribute to the mythology surrounding Charteris. The eclectic ensemble of musicians, disciples, and admirers adds depth to the exploration of themes like leadership, devotion, and the complexities of human relationships in a tumultuous world.
Barefoot in the Head: A European Fantasia: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Brian W. Aldiss
First published: 1969
Genre: Novel
Locale: Europe
Plot: Science fiction
Time: The near future
Colin Charteris, the main character, a Serbian. After the psychedelic wars, he does resettlement work for the Italian government. Seeking stability, he drives north to Metz, where he has a vision of the multiple paths of human life. His visionary powers lead him to England, where he becomes a popular messiah figure. Later, he preaches his brand of multilogic through England and then arrives in Ostend. On the way to Brussels, he switches cars with Banjo Burton, who crashes into a truck. Because Charteris survives, people think that he has risen from the dead. When the movement gets dictatorial, he resigns and wanders eastward with Angeline.
Phil Brasher, a young psychedelic who survives an airplane crash and believes himself to be a savior. He resents Charteris' coming. During a fight, Charteris pushes him in front of a car.
Angeline, Brasher's wife. After his death, she becomes Charteris' mistress and his most loyal follower. She bears his child and is the only one faithful to the end.
Banjo Burton, a hitchhiker whom Charteris picks up in Great Britain. He is a member of a rock group and introduces Charteris to Phil Brasher.
Army Burton, Banjo's brother, also a musician, who enthusiastically encourages Charteris to become the leader of the world.
Robbins, a young musician and disciple of Brasher. He turns to Charteris after Brasher's death.
Ruby Dymond, another musician who is in love with Angeline and writes songs for her. He never becomes her lover.
Greta, a groupie who is distraught after Brasher's death.
Featherstone-Haugh, another musician.
Cass, a disciple of Charteris who wants him to become a world leader. When Laundrei comes along, he teams up with him, abandoning Charteris.
Ranceville, a prop man for Boreas. He is so moved by the accident that kills Banjo that he wants to be in the car, otherwise populated by mannequins, during the filming of the crash.
Elsbeth, a young Jewish girl who temporarily becomes Charteris' mistress.
Jan Koningrijk (yahn kohn-ihn-kreek), the chief of the rescue squad for the Belgian freeway system. He is called to the accident that kills Banjo Burton in Charteris' car, leading people to believe that Charteris has risen from the dead.
Marta Koningrijk, the young schizophrenic wife of Jan who becomes Charteris' mistress after the accident.
Nicholas Boreas, a Belgian film director, middle-aged and fat, who partakes of questionable sexual activities. He wants to make a film on the life of Charteris. He re-creates the accident scene.
Kommandant Laundrei, a local military chief, middle-aged and pompous, always dressed in a splendid uniform with many medals. He arrests Charteris for loitering and then tries to get Charteris to help him become the leader of Germany by teaching him self-control, but Charteris refuses.
Hirst Wechsel (huhrst VEHK-zuhl), an aide to Kommandant Laundrei. He introduces Charteris to Laundrei. Later, he seemstoturnintoabird.
Angelina, a young waitress who works at the hotel in Metz. She refuses to sleep with Charteris and is not heard from again.