Hugh Miller- Hugh Miller, despite his small role, is by far the character of "most good" and represented a key symbolic part of the storyline. He wanted to do good for the state of Louisiana, and did everything in his power to be true to himself and his people, however upon seeing how corrupt Willie's administration was becoming thought it best to leave then and there, before he to would be swallowed into the corruption. This act symbolized the finality of Willie's Machiavellian reign, where on the outside he was the greatest governor of Louisiana's history however inside the Capitol a different side of Willie shown: and there were no Angels left to keep the demons of politics tamed.
Judge Irwin- The Judge was by far my favorite character in the book, and his undying sense of good was pristine except for a single, small stain occurring far before the story. He did everything for Jack, and was an extraordinary Father, literally and figuratively. His virtues far outshine his one little fault, an integrity which he kept until his last breath.
Sugar Boy- Sugar Boy can only be described with one word: Loyal. He will do anything and everything for the boss, whom he considers his life, as someone greater and more important than himself. His words of sorrow and sense of loss that overcame Sugar Boy in evidence of his purity, for he loved another more than himself, and would do no wrong.
Cass Mastern- Despite Cass' change from a plantation owner to an abolitionist, he did not do much good: I thought his acts of wrongdoing slightly outweighed his sudden change. Yes, he spent a good deal of his life finding a slave, however his affair with his best friend's wife, and his willingness to do so, brings him far down the list
Gilbert Mastern- Gilbert is another neutral figure, and is not described enough to be thought of as "good" or "bad", so he remains in the middle of the list.
Tom Talos- While Tom did have his moments of admittance and honor, he was mainly just a very ego-oriented jock who knew and abused the fact that he could do anything and get away with it, as his father was the Governor.
Willie Talos I believe we all loved Willie for the first half of the book, however from there on his quick demise into a portrait of Machiavellian causes his purity to come tumbling down.. With his ranking on this list.
Tiny Duffy- Tiny Duffy is a terrible person, one of the most well-known corrupt characters of the book, and should require no explanation as to why he places at the bottom of this list: from the start he is a bad person.
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Lucy- Lucy is an amazing woman, for while being full aware of Willie's many mistresses she never lost her composure and loyalty. She continued to care for Willie despite the many reasons against such affection, and such loyalty and continued love can only be admired.
Phoebe- Phoebe is near the top of the list due to her neutrality: like George, her purpose was to support another character's actions, and has no positive or negative side.
Sadie- Sadie, despite her raw strength and "passionate hatred" towards Willie is not a bad character, just not good. While she is not corrupt, she did everything she could to stay in power, and did not try to prevent the wrongs Willie committed.
Jacks Mom- Jacks Mom is at the bottom due to her detachment from Jack and her rather clueless opinion on life. She appears to be confused throughout the entire book, and does things without rational thought or effort, but following the wants of her drifting mind as it wanders over petty desires. Her withholding of the secret of Jack's Father is what brings her below neutrality on this list.
Annabelle Trice- Annabelle is at the bottom of the list simply because of her reasons for getting rid of Phoebe (Because she did not like the way they looked at her). None of the women in the book are particularly bad, so this action drives her to the bottom of the list.
Sugar Boy- Sugar Boy can only be described with one word: Loyal. He will do anything and everything for the boss, whom he considers his life, as someone greater and more important than himself. His words of sorrow and sense of loss that overcame Sugar Boy in evidence of his purity, for he loved another more than himself, and would do no wrong.
Adam Stanton- Adam was a great guy until near the end, when his character and tension, fueled by Willie, finally snapped. However, I completely understand and sympathize with his intentions and frustration.
Scholarly Attorney- The Scholarly Attorney was always the person whom Jack believed to be his true Father. Despite his non-radicalism, very justified reasons for leaving Jack and his Mother, and caring towards others, his priorities should have lain with supporting Jack his Mother: instead of taking in homeless bums who steal from him, such care should have gone towards Jack. This fault brings him slightly down the list
Cass Mastern- Despite Cass' change from a plantation owner to an abolitionist, he did not do much good: I thought his acts of wrongdoing slightly outweighed his sudden change. Yes, he spent a good deal of his life finding a slave, however his affair with his best friend's wife, and his willingness to do so, brings him far down the list
George: George is a very odd character, however is very minor and neutral in the story. He does not really do good, or bad, or anything really except make Angels out of chewed bread. His role is not a main character, but rather a support character for the Scholarly Attorney.
Gilbert Mastern- Gilbert is another neutral figure, and is not described enough to be thought of as "good" or "bad", so he remains in the middle of the list.
Governor Stanton- The Governor also did not play a large role in the story, however his political corruption places him low on the list.
Tom Talos- While Tom did have his moments of admittance and honor, he was mainly just a very ego-oriented jock who knew and abused the fact that he could do anything and get away with it, as his father was the Governor.
Willie Talos I believe we all loved Willie for the first half of the book, however from there on his quick demise into a portrait of Machiavellian causes his purity to come tumbling down.. With his ranking on this list.
Tiny Duffy- Tiny Duffy is a terrible person, one of the most well-known corrupt characters of the book, and should require no explanation as to why he places at the bottom of this list: from the start he is a bad person.
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Lucy- Lucy is an amazing woman, for while being full aware of Willie's many mistresses she never lost her composure and loyalty. She continued to care for Willie despite the many reasons against such affection, and such loyalty and continued love can only be admired.
Anne- Anne is second to top because of her innocence and purity. Despite the politics around her, she did everything she could to help children and do good.
Phoebe- Phoebe is near the top of the list due to her neutrality: like George, her purpose was to support another character's actions, and has no positive or negative side.
Lois- Lois is another neutral character: while she did not do anything good nor bad, her views on life and straightforward logical behavior leads her slightly down the list.
Sadie- Sadie, despite her raw strength and "passionate hatred" towards Willie is not a bad character, just not good. While she is not corrupt, she did everything she could to stay in power, and did not try to prevent the wrongs Willie committed.
Jacks Mom- Jacks Mom is at the bottom due to her detachment from Jack and her rather clueless opinion on life. She appears to be confused throughout the entire book, and does things without rational thought or effort, but following the wants of her drifting mind as it wanders over petty desires. Her withholding of the secret of Jack's Father is what brings her below neutrality on this list.
Annabelle Trice- Annabelle is at the bottom of the list simply because of her reasons for getting rid of Phoebe (Because she did not like the way they looked at her). None of the women in the book are particularly bad, so this action drives her to the bottom of the list.
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