Picturing Will: Analysis of Major Characters
"Picturing Will: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships through its central character, Will, a young boy navigating the complexities of his life after being abandoned by his father. Set in Charlottesville, Virginia, Will initially lives with his mother, Jody, a wedding photographer who grapples with her own challenges, including her abandonment by Will's father. As Jody’s career progresses, she becomes increasingly distant, leaving Will to form a deeper connection with his stepfather, Mel, who emerges as a loving father figure.
The narrative also delves into the character of Wayne, Jody's former husband, whose superficial charm and reluctance to commit highlight his estrangement from Will. In contrast, Mel's genuine affection for Will serves as the emotional heart of the story, emphasizing themes of love and belonging. Other characters, like D.B. Haverford, an art gallery owner, and Corky, Wayne's optimistic wife, further enrich the narrative by showcasing various responses to adversity and desire for connection. Through these characters, the story paints a nuanced picture of familial bonds and the longing for acceptance and emotional fulfillment.
Picturing Will: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ann Beattie
First published: 1989
Genre: Novel
Locale: Charlottesville, Virginia; New York; Florida; and Connecticut
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1989
Will, the son of Jody and Wayne. At the beginning of the novel, Will is a small child living with his mother in Charlottesville, Virginia; both were abandoned by his father four years earlier. He is imaginative, loves playing with his G.I. Joe doll, and longs for a puppy. In the course of the novel, Will also becomes essentially abandoned by his mother and finds a truer parent/child bonding with his stepfather, Mel. Will, as an overriding focus of the novel, helps to define other characters as they do or do not connect emotionally with him.
Jody, Will's mother. As described in the first section of the novel, Jody is a wedding photographer who has driven randomly to Charlottesville after being abandoned by her husband. The details of her background are unstated. The first impression of her is as a remarkable single parent who is doing an admirable job of supporting herself and her son. Small details accumulate that call her moral character into question, such as the fact that she mails manila envelopes throughout the year to her former husband; they are filled with such items as pharmacy receipts, bills, junk mail, and parking tickets. After Mel introduces her photographs to the New York art world, her career takes off, and she leaves most of Will's upbringing to Mel.
Wayne, Jody's former husband. As presented in the second part of the novel, Wayne is married for the third time and is still waiting for his life to happen as he works as a landscaper and part-time grocery delivery boy. He recognizes his handsomeness and is more interested in having affairs than he is in Will's visit. Will not only makes Wayne uncomfortable, but also makes him subtly aware of his own inability to make lasting commitments in life.
Mel Anthis, Will's stepfather. He has a successful administrative position in a New York art gallery. He is desperately in love with Jody at the beginning of the novel and constantly encourages her to move to New York and become a serious artist. Although initially he might have been friendly with Will as a means to gain access to Jody, he soon comes to deeply love Will and thinks of him as a son. Mel's love for Will is the emotional core of the novel.
D. B. Haverford, an art gallery owner who is referred to throughout the work as “Haveabud.” A heavy drinker and sexual wanderer, he spouts talk about art that he does not understand; he also serves as Jody's mentor. On a pivotal trip to Florida, he allows Will to witness a pedophiliac relationship with another young boy, the son of a former protégé.
Corky, Wayne's third wife. She is determined to see the bright side of every situation. She is idealistic, and has a good heart. She wants to have a baby with Wayne, but he refuses. She is genuinely loving and caring toward Will.