A Wrinkle in Time: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Wrinkle in Time: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the key figures that shape the narrative of Madeleine L'Engle's classic novel. Central to the story is Meg Murry, a thirteen-year-old girl portrayed as awkward and misunderstood, struggling with societal expectations and her own intelligence. Her younger brother, Charles Wallace, is depicted as highly intelligent yet socially isolated, speaking in sophisticated terms despite his young age. The Murry family, including their father Dr. Murry, a missing scientist, and their mother, a dedicated biologist, exemplifies a blend of intellect and warmth. The twins, Sandy and Dennys, represent the more conventional success found in school and sports. The narrative also introduces supernatural beings, namely Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, who guide the Murry children on their journey. Calvin O'Keefe, Meg’s friend, provides companionship in their quest, while Aunt Beast, a nurturing creature, symbolizes recovery and care. Finally, the disembodied brain known as It serves as the antagonist, representing control and conformity in the world of Camazotz. This character analysis highlights themes of individuality, family dynamics, and the struggle against oppressive forces.
A Wrinkle in Time: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
First published: 1962
Genre: Fantasy; moral tale; science fiction
Locale: The northeastern United States and the planets Camazotz and Uriel
Plot: Fantasy
Time: The mid-twentieth century
Meg Murry, the protagonist. At the age of thirteen, Meg is going through an awkward phase. Her figure is gangly and her hair stringy; she wears both braces and glasses. Moreover, she has a quick temper that marks her as “unfeminine.” Because Meg is not a conventionally “good” student, her teachers assume that she is “slow.” They are sadly mistaken; Meg has mastered short-cuts in mathematics. Understandably, her ability makes her stubborn and frustrated when she is asked to work problems in the traditional, roundabout way. Meg is ashamed of her faults, but as the story progresses, she learns that these “faults” are her greatest assets.
Charles Wallace Murry, Meg's younger brother. Like Meg, Charles is considered to be “slow.” He seldom talks around people outside his family and did not speak at all until the age of four. When he does talk, however, his vocabulary and syntax are those of an adult. Besides being highly intelligent, Charles Wallace is thoughtful beyond his five years. In the first chapter, for example, he rises from bed during a storm to make cocoa and sandwiches for his mother and sister, who have been awakened by the thunder.
Dr. (Mr.) Murry, Meg and Charles's father. A brilliant scientist, Dr. Murry has been sent by the federal government to the planet Camazotz to rectify the wrongs in its society. When the novel begins, he has been missing for nearly a year.
Dr. (Mrs.) Murry, his wife and the children's mother. A biologist and bacteriologist, she exemplifies women who successfully combine scholarship, homemaking, and motherhood. While she conducts experiments in the laboratory affixed to her house, a stew simmers on a nearby Bunsen burner. She also shows concern over Meg's bruises and enjoys cozy moments with her family.
Sandy Murry and Dennys Murry, the Murrys' ten-year-old twin sons. Good students and athletes, the twins fit the stereotype of “well-rounded” children.
Mrs. Whatsit, one of three supernatural beings who commission and enable the Murry children to journey to Camazotz. She assumes the guise of an elderly bag lady.
Mrs. Who, another of the supernatural beings, who appears as a plump little matron.
Mrs. Which, the third supernatural being, who materializes as a shimmer of light.
Calvin O'Keefe, Meg's friend, who accompanies her to Camazotz.
Aunt Beast, a furry, tentacled creature who nurtures Meg back to health after she passes through the near-lethal chill of the Dark Thing, an extraterrestrial embodiment of evil.
It, a huge, disembodied brain that controls the thinking of all the people on Camazotz.