The Burden of Proof: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Burden of Proof: Analysis of Major Characters" focuses on the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the central characters in a narrative centered on loss, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth. The protagonist, Alejandro "Sandy" Stern, is a prominent lawyer grappling with the aftermath of his wife Clara's suicide, which compels him to seek answers about her death and navigate the convoluted legal issues surrounding his client, Dixon Hartnell. Dixon is portrayed as a skilled businessman with a questionable ethical background, entangled in potential insider trading and shrouded in family secrets that complicate his relationship with Sandy.
Supporting characters enrich the story, including Sonia Klonsky, an ambitious assistant district attorney whose personal struggles parallel the unfolding legal drama, and Sandy's children, Peter and Marta, who each face their own challenges in reconciling their identities with their father's legacy. The narrative also explores the impact of Sandy's friendships and romantic entanglements on his journey, particularly with figures like Margy Allison and Helen Dudak, who provide insight and comfort amid his turmoil. This multilayered character study offers a penetrating look at how personal and professional lives intersect in times of crisis, making it a compelling examination of the human condition.
The Burden of Proof: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Scott Turow
First published: 1990
Genre: Novel
Locale: Kindle County and Chicago, Illinois
Plot: Suspense
Time: The 1980's
Alejandro “Sandy” Stern, a prominent lawyer. Sandy immigrated to America in the 1940's and subsequently romanced and married Clara Mittler, who committed suicide shortly before the action of the novel. Sandy must discover why his wife killed herself and also has to deal with the complicated legal problems of his principal client, Dixon Hartnell. Discovering the reasons behind his wife's death and Dixon's erratic behavior forces Sandy to confront painful truths about his marriage and his family.
Dixon Hartnell, Sandy's brother-in-law, the head of Maison Dixon, a commodity-trading firm. A Korean War veteran, Dixon has used his talent at salesmanship to build his firm. He appears to have made illegal commodities transactions and could be guilty of insider trading. Dixon refuses to explain why Clara Stern gave him a check for $850,000 shortly before her suicide. He periodically avoids subpoenas and refuses to meet with Sandy to discuss his legal problems. Dixon also hides incriminating documents in a safe, which periodically disappears. Eventually, Dixon's motives are revealed, and he is discovered to be more honorable than he appears.
Sonia Klonsky, an assistant district attorney in charge of prosecuting the Hartnell case. She originally aspired to be a writer and became a lawyer in her mid-thirties. At the age of forty-one, Sonia is pregnant with her first child, but her relationship with her husband, Michael, is gradually worsening. At first, she seems very cold and calculating, but eventually she and Sandy become friends, and their friendship blossoms into romance.
Peter Stern, Sandy's son, a doctor. He has always had a difficult relationship with his father, and it worsens as the novel progresses. He occasionally gives his father medical advice.
Marta Stern, Sandy's daughter. She has just gotten out of law school and only recently decided to settle in Kindle County after a career as a Legal Aid lawyer in New York. Her passion and intelligence enable her to serve ably as her father's lawyer at several dramatic hearings in the book's final chapters.
Kate Granum, Sandy's youngest daughter, a quiet and unassertive woman who is closer to her father than either of her siblings.
John Granum, Sandy's son-in-law. He wanted to be a professional football player but was not drafted by a team. After drifting in and out of several jobs, he eventually ended up working for Maison Dixon as a commodity trader. He is quiet and easily manipulated by Dixon.
Nate Cawley, Sandy's next-door neighbor, a doctor. He assisted Clara Stern shortly before her death. His prescriptions and his refusal to tell Sandy that his wife had contracted a disease cause his longtime friendship with Sandy to end.
Margy Allison, the chief operating officer of Maison Dixon. Margy, a redhead from Oklahoma, is Dixon's assistant and has intimate knowledge of Dixon's finances and records. She reveals many of these secrets to Sandy during a brief but torrid affair.
Helen Dudak, a longtime friend of Sandy. She comforts him after Clara's death, and eventually they have an affair.