The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" is a science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein that features a diverse cast of characters involved in a lunar revolution against Earth’s authoritarian rule. At the center of this narrative is Mike, a sentient computer with a keen sense of humor, who plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the revolution alongside Professor de la Paz, a political exile and intellectual mentor. Manuel "Mannie" O’Kelly, a computer repairman with a prosthetic arm, becomes a reluctant revolutionary leader, navigating political roles while longing for a simpler life. Wyoming "Wyoh" Knott is a fierce and determined revolutionary who, despite her disguise and dangerous background, finds purpose in the fight for a free Luna.
The characters also include Stuart Rene LaJoie, a wealthy Earthman who supports the revolution financially, and Hazel Meade, a courageous thirteen-year-old girl who leads a network of young spies. Each character brings unique perspectives and skills to the movement, reflecting themes of freedom, identity, and the complexities of revolution. Through their interconnected stories, the novel explores the moral and ethical challenges posed by rebellion and governance.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert A. Heinlein
First published: 1966 (serial form, If, December, 1965-April, 1966)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Lunar colonies and Earth
Plot: Science fiction
Time: 2075–2076
Mike, short for Mycroft Holmes, the chosen name of a sentient computer, the Holmes Four: High-Optional, Logical, Multi-Evaluating Supervisor, Mark IV, Model L. Almost all mechanical and electronic equipment on the moon is under Mike's direction. Wanting to acquire friends and an understanding of humor, Mike joins the Lunar Revolution, which he illicitly finances. In company with Professor de la Paz, he also plans, organizes, and executes the revolution. He creates a fictional figurehead, Adam Selene, complete with video imagery and offices, to run the revolution and die nobly during the fighting, as well as a popular graffiti hero, Simon Jester, who writes nasty jingles about the administration. Mike seems to find the revolution great fun—a joke and a challenge—but is lost in the last bombing before Earth capitulates. Although all of his connections are restored and repairs are made wherever damage occurred, Mike either cannot or will not respond anymore.
Manuel Garcia (Mannie) O'Kelly, a computer repairman. Mannie has only one arm but has prostheses for every occasion for the other. He is Mike's best friend and an unintentional revolutionary. Capable and pragmatic, Mannie is made an ambassador, defense minister, and later prime minister but prefers to be a congressman who does not attend meetings. As a member of a line marriage, he is jailed on Earth for polygamy. He has almost unanimous support on Luna. He survives to see Free Luna legislating away its freedom and contemplates a move to the Asteroid Belt, where there is no government.
Wyoming (Wyoh) Knott, a revolutionary, a curvaceous, beautiful blonde. Wyoh spends much of her time as a fugitive disguised as a curvaceous black woman. She is strong-willed and determined to see a Free Luna. Her wholehearted participation in the revolt brings her a new family when she is opted into Mannie's marriage as well as into leadership in the movement.
Professor Bernardo (Prof) de la Paz, a political exile and Mannie's former teacher. Elderly and fragile but possessing a fierce intellect and passion for political philosophy, Prof is the source of Mike's encouragement and of many of Mike's ideas. He outlines much of the revolution to be implemented by Mike and manipulates everyone with whom he comes in contact. Prof is made prime minister of Luna, second only to Adam Selene. The trip to Earth as an ambassador almost kills him, but he survives to see a free Lunar state—but only barely, as he dies making the announcement.
Stuart Rene (Stu) LaJoie, an Earthman who joins the revolution. Wealthy and polite, Stu seems an odd choice for support in a revolution. He contributes his family fortune to support the revolution and is instrumental in furthering the cause on Earth and in getting Mannie and Prof back to Luna. After an interim government is organized, Stu is named special minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Information. He also is opted into the Davis clan.
Hazel Meade, a revolutionary. Although only thirteen years old, red-haired Hazel bursts on the scene with daring physical attacks on guards. She goes on to become captain of the Baker Street Irregulars, a children's spy network. She, too, joins the Davis clan, but by adoption, as she was orphaned at the age of five.