Kings Row: Analysis of Major Characters
"Kings Row: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives of several intertwining characters set in the fictional town of Kings Row. The narrative primarily follows Parris Mitchell, an orphan raised by his German grandmother, who becomes a physician at the local asylum. Parris grapples with the impact of Dr. Gordon's controversial medical practices, which lead to tragic outcomes for his friends, including Drake McHugh, who suffers a life-altering accident resulting in the amputation of his legs.
Randy Monaghan, Drake's devoted wife, navigates her own challenges after his death, while the tragic fate of Cassandra Tower, who is killed by her father, further highlights the darker themes of the story. Other notable characters include Elise Sandor, who captures Parris's affection, and Dr. Gordon, depicted as a morally questionable figure obsessed with performing surgeries. The narrative encapsulates themes of loss, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of ambition and negligence, making it a poignant exploration of human experiences within a tight-knit community.
Kings Row: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry Bellamann
First published: 1940
Genre: Novel
Locale: Middle West
Plot: Social criticism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Parris Mitchell, an orphan who lives in Kings Row with his German-born grandmother. He studies medicine in Vienna and becomes a staff physician in the Kings Row insane asylum. Through Louise, he discovers the tragedy caused in Kings Row by Dr. Gordon's needless operations. During an absence in Europe, he is accused of profiting from the sale of land to the hospital, but nothing comes of the charges. He broods over the many tragedies of his hometown.
Drake McHugh, Parris' friend, another orphan, an idler obsessed with women. After his guardian absconds with Drake's money inherited from his aunt and uncle, Drake gets a railroad job through Randy's father. Following an accident, Dr. Gordon amputates Drake's legs. Randy marries Drake, and Parris gives them the Tower property that he had inherited. They start a real estate business in which Parris is a silent partner. Drake dies from an illness that Parris attributes to the unnecessary amputation performed by Dr. Gordon.
Randy Monaghan, a railroad employee's daughter, who marries Drake after he loses his legs. Following Drake's death, she cares for her brother Tod.
Cassandra Tower (Cassie), Parris' friend, who gives herself to him. She is shot to death by her father, who afterward kills himself.
Dr. Tower, Cassie's father, a strange physician who commits suicide after incest with Cassie and who wills his money and property to Parris.
Elise Sandor, a newcomer to Kings Row, Parris' friend whose father buys Madame von Eln's home. Parris falls in love with her.
Jamie Wakefield, Parris' friend.
Renée, Parris'first love, who moves away from Kings Row.
Madame von Eln, Parris' grandmother.
Dr. Perdorff, Parris' piano teacher.
Dr. Gordon, a physician who amputates Drake's legs; a medical butcher, obsessed with performing surgery.
Louise Gordon, his daughter, who reveals to Parris her father's butcheries.
Dr. Nolan, Parris' superior at the asylum.
Tod Monaghan, Randy's mentally incompetent brother.