Character Comparison

Character Comparison

            The development of characters in novels and plays relies on several factors. The themes that an author wants to develop throughout their story plays a crucial role in determining the type of characters to have. Different authors may have characters with strikingly similar traits or entirely traits to represent similar or different themes. Some of the contrasting characters that have appeared in literature are Billie in the play ″Harlem Duet″ by Djanet Sears and Esch in the novel ″Salvage the Bones″ by Jesmyn Ward. Although the play and the novel are not related, a comparison can be made on the protagonists from both stories. The traits of Billie and Esch are based on differences and similarities portrayed in the roles they play in the build-up of both stories.

Billie and Esch portray similar traits in the roles they play in the build-up to both stories. Both characters are female and play the role of a protagonist role. The major similarity between the two characters is the confidence that they show in the journey to overcome the challenges that they meet in their lives. Billie grows up as a slave and life are not as easy as one would think. Racism poses a significant challenge and Billie has to stand against odds in her desire to acquire education (Djanet, n. p). Racial discrimination during Billie’s time does not stop her from pursuing her dreams. Also, Billie does not give up entirely after her love with Othello does not go as planned. Othello had promised to pay part of Billie’s tuition fees and his engagement with a white lady does little to distract Billie from pursuing her dreams. Generally, the environment around Billie works to her disadvantage, but she struggles to pursue her dreams despite the challenges. Similarly, Esch grows in an environment that has more challenges than opportunities. Esch also shows her strong determination comparable to Billie. Esch is born as the only woman in her family and also appears as one of the few female characters in the entire novel. Esch grows up around men, and she has to adapt to the environment in her bid to pursue her dreams. Besides, the growth around men exposed Esch to significant challenges, and her determination always helped her sail through the challenges. Both Billie and Esch show a bit of caring nature towards other characters, although the case of Billie changes after the betrayal by her husband. However, Billie and Esch and are not similar in all aspects since most of their long-term characters differ.

The character traits of Billie and Esch change as the stories advance with the characters portraying significant differences. The initial traits of both characters are based on caring for and supporting other characters. Billie, however, changes after the betrayal from her husband. The meeting between Billie and Othello had happened coincidentally due to their slavery state. Othello had promised to remain in love with Billie and even agreed to pay part of Billie’s tuition fees as long as they remained in love. However, things took a turn for the worst when Othello met a white girl, Mona and fell in love with her. Billie turns out to be a non-caring partner and gives up on their love with Othello. Billie attempts at some point to poisoning a handkerchief that she was supposed to give back to Othello. Esch, on the other hand, maintains her caring nature throughout the novel. The caring nature by Esch is seen through the way she treats Skeetah as her child. The death of Esch’s mother at an early age can be attributed to her confidence since she had to grow as the only woman in her family. Also, Billie’s confidence is easily broken, unlike Esch’s who fights for what she believes in and does not leave a chance for defeat: “Everything need a chance” Ward (214). When Billie discovers her husband’s betrayal, her studies are affected, and she decides to revenge on her husband. Billie decides to use the handkerchief to poison Othello who would pick the handkerchief because they were no longer in love. Esch, on the other hand, does not allow the struggles of life to weigh her down. Besides, Esch does not complain while going through the challenges of pregnancy and falling in love. Generally, Esch and Billie are differentiated by the extent to which they fight to maintain their confidence throughout the stories.

In sum, Billie and Esch portray traits that are based on differences and similarities portrayed in the roles they play in the build-up of both stories. Both characters have contrasting confidence that they show in the journey to overcome the challenges that they meet in their lives. Billie grows up as a slave and life are not as easy as one would think. Similarly, Esch grows up around men, and she encounters several challenges living her feminine life. However, both characters show a difference in their confidence at advanced levels of the stories with Esch maintaining her confidence while Billie easily gives up.