In "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the central characters are:
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Lizabeth: The protagonist and narrator of the story. Lizabeth is a young girl transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Her internal struggles and emotional growth are pivotal to the themes of the story, particularly how she grapples with her feelings of confusion, anger, and maturity.
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Miss Lottie: An older woman in the community who cares for her marigolds. Miss Lottie is a symbol of beauty and resilience in a harsh environment. Her marigolds represent hope and the capacity for growth, even in difficult circumstances. Lizabeth's interactions with her profoundly affect her understanding of compassion and empathy.
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Lizabeth's father: He plays a significant role in Lizabeth's life, representing traditional values and the burdens of adulthood. His struggles to provide for the family also highlight the themes of hardship and responsibility.
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Lizabeth's mother: Although her role is less prominent, she is part of the family dynamic that influences Lizabeth's development and understanding of familial love and care.
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Lizabeth's friends: Characters like Joey and the other neighborhood children represent the innocence of childhood and the social dynamics that shape Lizabeth's experiences.
Each character is important as they contribute to Lizabeth's journey towards self-discovery and understanding of her emotions. The relationships and conflicts among them help illustrate the broader themes of the story, including the loss of innocence, the complexities of growing up, and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of hardship.
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