The Rimers of Eldritch: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Rimers of Eldritch" is a play that delves into the complexities of small-town dynamics through its richly developed characters. Key figures include Robert Conklin, an introspective eighteen-year-old grappling with the death of his adventurous brother, and Eva Jackson, a fourteen-year-old girl marked by physical disability and fluctuating emotions, who becomes intertwined with Robert's journey. Evelyn Jackson, Eva's mother, showcases a protective yet rigid stance as a devout Christian, while Mary Windrod, an elderly woman with a diminishing mental state, provides poignant observations that often go unheard. Nelly Windrod, Mary’s assertive daughter, faces trial for her actions, reflecting the play's themes of accountability and communal scapegoating. The character of Skelly Manor, the town hermit, is portrayed as a figure of fear and contempt, embodying the community's tendency to project their own evils onto others. Cora Groves, a strong-willed diner owner, and her lover Walter, a charming drifter, highlight themes of vulnerability and betrayal amid societal judgment. The narrative explores the interplay of innocence, responsibility, and the harsh realities of life in Eldritch, inviting reflection on how personal and communal narratives shape identity and morality.
The Rimers of Eldritch: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lanford Wilson
First published: 1967, in The Rimers of Eldritch and Other Plays
Genre: Play
Locale: Eldritch, a small town in the American Midwest
Plot: Poetic
Time: The 1960's
Robert Conklin, an eighteen-year-old, average in most ways but quieter and more serious than most of his contemporaries. Robert is sensitive and thoughtful. He is almost the opposite of his popular and adventurous brother, who died in an automobile crash. He chooses to spend his time with a fourteen-year-old girl rather than with his schoolmates. It is his “out of character” behavior that creates the situation around which the play revolves.
Eva Jackson, a fourteen-year-old girl. Although she is physically disabled and therefore something of an outsider, Eva is in many ways a typical young girl. She is intelligent but given to quick shifts of mood. The willingness of Robert and Eva to indict another person for their own wrongdoings is one of the major issues that this play raises.
Evelyn Jackson, Eva's mother. Protective and suspicious, Evelyn is a devout Christian who can find fault with her own daughter but will not allow a word of criticism to be spoken by anyone else.
Mary Windrod, a senile old woman. Berated frequently by her daughter, Nelly, Mary is tolerated by the people of Eldritch. She was once known as “the first registered nurse in Des Moines,” but now most people consider her harmlessly crazy. Despite her mental state, Mary is observant and aware, and she tends to see the truth of most situations. She also has dreams that seem to predict the future. Her testimony at the trial is ignored, even though she knows what actually occurred.
Nelly Windrod, Mary's middle-aged daughter. A dominating person, Nelly is strong-minded and enduring. It is Nelly who responded to her mother's shouting and who shot Skelly, and it is she who is on trial during the play.
Skelly Manor, the town hermit. Sixty years old, disheveled, and unkempt, Skelly is regarded by the townspeople with a mixture of fear and contempt. Boys and men taunt him for a prior act of bestiality with a sheep, whereas women are frightened by his wild ways and sudden appearances. A loner, Skelly serves as the scapegoat for the town's own evil.
Cora Groves, the owner of the local diner, the Hilltop Cafe. A strong-willed, independent woman, she is also passionate and vulnerable. Considered an outsider by the townspeople because she has been living with Walter, a young drifter, she remains fair-minded and befriends even Skelly. When she discovers the truth of the murder, she is castigated as a whore. She is hurt deeply when Walter leaves her.
Walter, a young, handsome drifter and Cora's lover. Easygoing and friendly, Walter has worked hard to help Cora improve the restaurant. He is not interested in long-term commitments, however, and is seduced easily by a pretty young girl.
Patsy Johnson, who is sixteen years old and the prettiest girl at Centerville High. Patsy is bright and a flirt. Hypocritical and shallow, she becomes pregnant by Walter and forces a boy from town to marry her.
Peck Johnson, a farmer and Patsy's father. Peck is careful, pragmatic, and fair. He is interested in his farm and not given to gossip or undue alarm.
Mavis Johnson, Patsy's mother. Prim and proper, Mavis is almost always sure that the worst will happen, and her reactiontothatistoworry.
Josh Johnson, Patsy's brother, a typical young boy with high spirits but no ill will.
Lena Truit, Patsy's best friend and Josh's girlfriend. She is utterly loyal to Patsy and easily influenced by her.
Martha Truit and Wilma Atkins, town gossips.