The Takeover: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Takeover: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics among a diverse cast of characters, centered around the wealthy American, Maggie Radcliffe. Maggie is portrayed as charming yet egocentric, with a penchant for attracting a dissolute circle drawn to her wealth and extravagance. Her character reflects a relentless pursuit of justice as she navigates a world filled with deceit, including a former companion, Hubert Mallindaine, who seeks to rob her of her rightful ownership of sacred property.
Her devoted husband, Berto, provides stability despite his dismay at her unpredictable nature, while Hubert's secretary, Pauline Thin, grapples with her unreciprocated feelings and finds a role in Hubert's cult-like ambitions. Lauro Moretti, a houseboy turned opportunist, further complicates the social landscape through his self-interested choices and relationships. The younger generation is represented by Michael Radcliffe and his wife, Mary, whose marital dynamics become strained amidst personal desires and societal expectations. Additionally, the Bernadini family introduces themes of idealism and ambition, particularly through their children, Letizia and Pietro, who embody youthful fervor and aspirations. Through these interwoven narratives, the text delves into themes of power, betrayal, and the quest for identity.
The Takeover: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Muriel Spark
First published: 1976
Genre: Novel
Locale: Nemi, Italy
Plot: Satire
Time: 1973–1976
Maggie Radcliffe, the Marchesa Tullio-Friole (TEW-leeoh-free-OH-lay), a wealthy American in her forties. Charming and egocentric, Maggie draws to her a dissolute circle who find her great wealth and her prodigality equally attractive. Exhibiting a frivolous, fickle, and careless temperament, she seems to those around her to be easy prey to various criminal schemes. She is, however, relentless in pursuit of those who attempt to bilk her of her fortune and ruthless in meting out what she sees as justice against them. Having been deceived into believing that she is the owner of the sacred wood and sanctuary of Diana of Nemi, she subsequently finds herself dispossessed by a former companion who, having been lent the use of the house, now lays claim to it as a gift. The expulsion of her unwelcome tenant and the pursuit of her unscrupulous business manager, Coco de Renault, who has absconded with her fortune, send her into protracted litigation, and through the financial centers of Europe hunting the elusive confidence man. She plans and has executed a wild kidnapping and ransom scheme to restore all of her money and her rights. Like her ancient predecessor, the goddess of fertility and the hunt, Maggie shows both aspects of Diana in modern society as she seeks to claim what is hers.
Berto, Maggie's devoted and elderly husband. As a descendant of an ancient Italian family, he has vast wealth that encourages a predisposition to security. He, consequently, spends much of his time installing electronic alarms, hiring and maintaining guards, and providing impregnable defenses for his various properties. Although somewhat dismayed by his wife's unpredictability, he nevertheless indulges and supports her unflinchingly.
Hubert Mallindaine, an Englishman and a former companion of Maggie, a tenant of one of her houses. A handsome man of forty-five years, he possesses charisma and personal appearance that draw both men and women to him. He is a charlatan and a thief. He has half-convinced himself, on spurious evidence, that he is the descendant of the goddess Diana and the Roman emperor Caligula, whose ritual marriage took place, according to legend, at Nemi. His imposture as King-of-the-Wood in a quasi-religious cult would deny Maggie, his benefactor, her ownership of the site and make his ownership a claim by divine right. He has been systematically looting her house by replacing her antique furniture and furnishings with fakes.
Pauline Thin, Hubert Mallindaine's secretary. She is attracted to her employer but is brought to a realization that his sexual preference will not admit a more intimate relationship. She assumes a self-appointed prominence in the pagan cult that Hubert has founded. Despite her name, she is plump, with a flair for the dramatic in dress that ill suits her figure and face. She sees herself as chic and fashionable.
Lauro Moretti, a houseboy, first to Hubert Mallindaine and then to Maggie. He later, through polite blackmail, achieves the status of secretary to her. A handsome, graceful opportunist, he deserts a pregnant servant girl, Agata, to marry a middle-class salesclerk in a Roman boutique. Betty, his wife, provides him with a claim to the properties of Nemi and the distinction to which he aspires.
Michael Radcliffe, Maggie's son. Although recently married, he spends much of his time in Rome with a mistress, leaving his wife to her own devices and pleasures.
Mary Radcliffe, Michael's wife, born in California. She is striking, with long blond hair. A certain puritanical sense of orderliness and propriety is evident in her continual keeping of lists. At the top of her list is her duty to succeed in marriage, as did her sister. After a sexual encounter with Lauro, this goal becomes somewhat obscured in her mind.
Dr. Emilio Bernadini (eh-MEE-lyoh behr-nah-DEE-nee), a business lawyer and a tenant of Maggie who introduces her to Coco de Renault. He is sophisticated, fashionably slim, and graceful. His glasses lend a scholarly distinction and seriousness to his pale face.
Letizia Bernadini (leh-TEE-zyah), the eighteen-year-old daughter of Emilio Bernadini. She is full of teenage idealism and good works. She is also a nationalist and a collector of supposed injustices. She enjoys rehabilitating drug addicts and proclaiming Italy for the Italians. Athletic and large of frame, she is also overpowering in her opinions.
Pietro Bernadini (pee-EH-troh), the twenty-year-old son of Emilio Bernadini. He is dark-eyed, with delicate, aristocratic features. His great goal is to become a film star, and he travels with the film set whenever he can.