Characters

Room

'Room' is a powerfully dramatic novel that follows Ma and Jack as they attempt to escape from "Room" while navigating the constant threat their captor, Old Jack, presents.

Emma Baldwin

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Room,’ written by Emma Donoghue, is a novel that tells the story of a young woman named Ma and her son, Jack, who has been living in a small room for the entirety of Jack’s life. The book is a gripping and emotional exploration of the relationship between Ma and Jack, as well as an examination of the effects of trauma and isolation.

Ma

Ma is the central character of the book, and she is a complex and nuanced character. She is a survivor who has endured a traumatic experience, having been kidnapped and held captive in a small room for seven years. 

Despite this, Ma is a strong and resilient woman who is determined to protect and care for her son. Throughout the book, she is depicted as a loving mother who will do anything to ensure her son’s safety and well-being.

One of the most interesting aspects of Ma’s character is her relationship with Jack. While she loves him deeply, there are moments in the book where she struggles to connect with him, as he is a constant reminder of the trauma she has endured. 

She is also fiercely protective of him, which sometimes manifests as overbearing behavior. As the book progresses, Ma begins to heal from her trauma and develop a sense of independence, which is a powerful transformation to witness.

Jack

Jack is the other central character in the book, and he is a fascinating character to analyze. He is a five-year-old boy who has spent his entire life in the small room he shares with his mother. As a result, he has a unique perspective on the world and a limited understanding of the outside world.

Throughout the story of ‘Room,’ Jack’s innocence and naivete are contrasted with his growing awareness of the reality of his situation. 

As he begins to question his mother’s stories about the world outside the room, he becomes increasingly curious and independent. He is a smart and resourceful child who loves his mother deeply, and his relationship with her is the heart of the book.

One of the most striking things about Jack’s character is his narration style. The book is told from his perspective, and Donoghue does an excellent job of capturing the unique voice of a five-year-old. Jack’s observations and descriptions of the world are both charming and insightful, and his perspective adds a layer of depth to the book that would not have been possible if it had been told from Ma’s point of view.

Old Nick

Old Nick is the man who has kidnapped and held Ma captive for seven years. He is a menacing and dangerous character who is a constant threat to Ma and Jack’s safety. While he does not appear in the book very often, his presence is felt throughout, and his actions have a significant impact on the plot.

Old Nick is a character who represents evil and darkness in the book. He is a symbol of the trauma and isolation that Ma and Jack have experienced, and his presence serves to heighten the tension and drama of the story.

Grandma and Steppa

Grandma and Steppa are Ma’s parents, who are desperate to be reunited with their daughter and grandson. They are loving and supportive characters who provide a contrast to the trauma and darkness that Ma and Jack have experienced. Their relationship with Ma and Jack is a source of hope and healing in the book, and their arrival toward the end of the story serves as a turning point for the characters.

Dr. Clay

Dr. Clay is a physician who cares for Ma and Jack after they are rescued from their captivity. He is kind and compassionate and plays an important role in their healing process.

Noreen

Noreen is a nurse who works with Ma and Jack after their escape.

Paul

Paul is Ma’s brother, who has a strained relationship with his sister. He marries Deana while Ma is captive.

Deana

Deana is Paul’s wife and Ma’s sister-in-law. She has a daughter, Bronwyn.

Bronwyn

Bronwyn is the young daughter of Paul and Deana in ‘Room.’

FAQs 

Who is the main character in Room

The main character in Room is a young woman who is only known as “Ma.” She has been kidnapped and held captive in a small room for seven years. Her son Jack, who was born in captivity, is the other central character in the book.

What happens in the book Room

The main characters, Ma and Jack, are held captive in a small room, and the book explores their daily life in this confined space. As Jack grows older, Ma begins to realize that they need to escape in order to have a chance at a normal life.

Who is the antagonist in Room

The antagonist in ‘Room‘ is a man named Old Nick, who has kidnapped and held Ma captive for seven years. He is a menacing and dangerous character who is a constant threat to the protagonists’ safety.

Who is the narrator of the book Room

The narrator of the book ‘Room‘ is Jack, a five-year-old boy. The book is told from his perspective, and Donoghue does an excellent job of capturing the unique voice of a five-year-old. Jack’s observations and descriptions of the world are both charming and insightful, and his perspective adds a layer of depth to the book that would not have been possible if it had been told from Ma’s point of view.

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Emma Baldwin

About Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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