Familiaris

Mary is a supporting character whose wisdom, insight, and guidance significantly impact the narrative and other characters. Her role extends beyond her responsibilities on the Sawtelle farm to become a nurturing and insightful presence in the lives of those around her.

Mary’s guidance is evident in her private conversations and interactions. For instance, her advice to Frank, both in convincing him to change his vote and admonishing him for his prank, reflects her supportive nature and ability to offer practical yet encouraging feedback. Similarly, her encouragement of Elbow to persist in perfecting his furniture designs underscores her role as a mentor who values persistence and personal satisfaction over mere success. Her insightful nature is also shown through her actions and decisions, such as her thoughtful handling of the family business and interactions with the dogs. Her approach not only reveals her deep connection to the Sawtelle legacy but also serves to guide those around her in their personal and professional growth.

Edgar (Gar) Sawtelle, the eldest son of John and Mary, evolves throughout the novel, embodying both personal growth and the complexities of familial relationships. Gar’s physical transformation—from a slender youth of 18 to a man resembling a lumberjack—reflects his physical and emotional development, which later culminates in his desire to take over and innovate the Sawtelle dog company.

Generational conflict strains Gar’s relationship with his father, John. His decision to leave home and join the military, followed by his initial reluctance to train military dogs thinking they would be placed in dangerous situations, highlights his inner conflict and compassion. His interactions with Claude, who embodies the disruption and immorality that Gar strives to avoid, mirror this tension. Despite these challenges, Gar demonstrates a responsible and thoughtful attitude, as seen in his desire to manage the Sawtelle dog company. His success in this role underscores his maturity and dedication to preserving and advancing the family legacy.

Claude is a dynamic antagonist, and transformation and conflict mark his character arc. Initially, the text portrays Claude as a responsible member of the Sawtelle family, contributing to the family business and working at the vet clinic. His early depiction suggests a promising future, marked by a sense of duty and reliability. However, Claude’s involvement with Ev Minch and his secret veterinary work within a dog fighting ring introduces significant conflict into the narrative. His actions reflect a deeper dissatisfaction and a propensity for deceit, ultimately leading him to run away from home. This decision, combined with his subsequent life choices—such as stealing and manipulating or deceiving others—further establishes him as a complex and troubled figure.

Claude’s attempt to find redemption through enlisting in the Navy represents a shift in his character, establishing the context for The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. This decision, while seemingly an effort to atone for his past actions, also underscores his ongoing struggle with personal responsibility and identity. His journey highlights the concept of conflict and redemption, positioning him as a multifaceted antagonist whose actions drive a significant portion of the novel’s tension and narrative development.

Elbow is a dynamic side character whose evolution from a childhood friend of John to a master woodworker underscores his role in the narrative. A stoic and mild-mannered demeanor defines his character, complemented by his quiet nature and meticulous approach to woodworking. Initially focused on furnishing the Sawtelle farm, Elbow’s craftsmanship becomes more sophisticated over time, as he moved from creating Tonewood tables to working with voicewood.

Elbow’s dedication to his craft is evident in his work, which reflects both his thoroughness and a certain level of pickiness. However, this meticulousness results in exceptional quality, emphasizing his contributions to the theme of Finding a Purpose and Building a Legacy. His woodworking not only enhances the farm but also becomes a crucial element in John’s life, culminating in the construction and carving of John’s coffin.

Frank’s character arc includes a journey from youthful exuberance to one of disability and depression, culminating in a successful and redemptive career. The text portrays young Frank as a charming daredevil with a fondness for motorcycles; however, his experiences in war transform him, revealing the deep psychological and physical scars that accompany his military service.

The horrors of war are evident in Frank’s transition from a vibrant youth to a disabled veteran grappling with both physical impairments and mental health conditions. This transformation reinforces the subtle exploration of the lasting impact of trauma found throughout the novel.

Frank’s relationship with animals, such as his bond with Needles, becomes a key element in his healing process. Needles and the other animals play a crucial role in restoring Frank’s sense of purpose and connection. Through his interactions with animals, Frank discovers their remarkable capacity for providing comfort and aiding in emotional recovery, ultimately helping him to rebuild his life and find new meaning as a successful cook and entrepreneur.

So Jack is a notable side character whose role significantly enhances the narrative’s exploration of human-animal bonds. His dedication and innovative ideas mark his initial contribution to the Sawtelle farm, which played a key role in establishing the farm’s operations.

So Jack’s relationship with Granddaddy is central to understanding The Depth of Human-Animal Bonds. His love and compassion for Granddaddy are evident, yet his cleverness in managing their business together sometimes leads him astray, such as in his decisions to steal and brag about Granddaddy. This carelessness introduces a complex dimension to his character, illustrating the tension between affection and practical concerns.

Walter is a key protagonist in Part 2 and a minor side character in the rest of the novel. His character is complex, shaped by his past experiences and the challenges of raising Ida. The text depicts Walter as a practical and honest man, described as “rudderless” despite being “practical-minded and honest and a hard worker, with a calm demeanor and pleasant looks” (217). This lack of direction becomes a defining aspect of his early character arc, influencing his actions and decisions.

Walter’s role as a caretaker for Ida is central to the narrative and contributes to Finding a Purpose and Building a Legacy. He finds purpose in raising Ida and running a shop, both of which become his legacies. His decision to raise Ida despite her strange abilities and the challenges they face highlights his compassion and sense of parental duty. Yet, his struggle to find clarity and purpose in his life is evident, particularly in his attempts to understand Ida’s powers and the impact they have on those around them. His encounters with others, such as Kelaas Minch, further complicate his journey, revealing the dangers and moral dilemmas he faces.

Throughout Part 2, a desire to protect Ida and find stability drives Walter’s actions, even as her presence brings about increasingly unsettling events. His calm and steady demeanor contrasts with the chaos and uncertainties that Ida’s abilities introduce, making him a stabilizing force in their unconventional life together.