Characters
I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell them myself.
– Watermelon speech, 1907Mark Twain
HUCKLEBERRY FINN
The character of Huck Finn is based on the American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain in 1884.
Huck is a good hearted kid with his feet on the ground. However, he is insecure and has low self esteem caused by his lower class origins. In fact, Huck’s father was a homeless alcoholic who abused and neglected him through out his childhood. Even though Huck is a wealthy teenager now, he has a hard time to put his past behind him. He doesn’t no what he wants from life but he’s looking for an answer. Huck’s low self-esteem shows up in his relationship with his best friend Tom Sawyer. Huck admires the young Mr. Sawyer, and agrees with him even when he knows his wrong. The journey to California and his encounter with Sally McKay will make him face himself.
TOM SAWYER
Like Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer’s character is based on another classic work from Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). Tom is almost the complete opposite of Huck Finn. Still a child in many ways, Tom is, vain, hardheaded, and loves to be the center of attention. His immaturity leads him to act without thinking. His journey to California would teach him about love, friendship, and what it means to be a man.
SALLY MCKAY
Sally McKay belongs to one of the wealthiest family in the California territory but contrary to the etiquette of that time, she has received the same education of her brothers. She is highly educated, independent, and clever. Sally’s grandfather, Jack McKay, thought her how to use weapons and other mainly men skills improved during the years spent with the Navaho. Sally is divided between two worlds; the white people and the Native Americans. This conflict has a deep influence in her life. Now that she is a young woman is facing the difficulty of adulthood in a society that is not ready yet for a strong and independent woman.
