The Miracle Worker

In real life, Helen Keller was one of the most accomplished and renowned figures in American history. Though she was deaf and blind from a young age, she would go on to be a successful activist and writer. In the play, she is portrayed at the age of six and a half. She is often referred to as “a little safe, locked that no one can open” with a potential “treasure inside” (16). By the end of the play, this statement proves to be true.

At the beginning of the play, Helen’s behavior demonstrates a lack of structure and discipline, as well as a keen curiosity about the world around her. Helen is the only character who is in any way a match for Annie Sullivan’s strong will. They are alike not only in their stubbornness, but also in their shared desire to learn and communicate.

When Helen’s parents tell Annie they have considered sending her to a hospital for people with disabilities, Annie remarks that they “don’t need [to] send Helen there. She’s strong enough” (62). Helen’s strength and resilience manifests in violent fits at the beginning of the play, though her stubbornness is a barrier between her and her teacher.

By the end of the play, Helen’s strength transforms into something remarkable: Helen discovers the meaning of words. Her discovery of language is where the play ends, but it’s only the beginning of Helen’s journey.

Kate Keller is the much younger wife of Captain Keller. It is made known throughout the play that Helen is Kate’s first child, and that Kate “isn’t battle-scarred yet” (5). Kate is much more optimistic than Captain Keller about Annie’s teaching, even when she disagrees with her methods of rearing Helen. Kate is the one who diligently asks the Captain to wire for Annie in the first place, and the only true ally Annie has upon her arrival.

Kate’s strong maternal instincts often conflict with what is best for Helen. Though Kate wants Helen to learn language as much as Annie, she depends on Helen much more than she first realized. When Annie is living with Helen in the garden house, Helen’s absence begins to wear on Kate, something James picks up on in Act III. When he mentions this to Captain Keller, the Captain responds by saying, “If and when you’re a parent, Jimmie, you will understand what separation means. A mother loses a—protector” (74). When Annie asks for more time, Kate’s strength finally breaks; she demands Helen’s return. There is a slight tension between the women in the final acts. The weeks in the garden house have reversed their roles. Annie, in caring for Helen by herself, has not only taken on the role of teacher, but of mother as well. Though it’s hard for her to accept at first, Kate eventually learns that the best way to love Helen is to share her with Annie.

Captain Keller, Helen’s father, is a proud Southern gentleman who “publish[es] a newspaper” (79). On the surface, Captain Keller often appears impatient, especially when he and the women disagree. However, he often gives in to both Kate and Annie. He is proud of his heritage and is wary of how “an inexperienced half-blind Yankee schoolgirl [can] manage [Helen]” (29). Captain Keller often says things like this loudly and bluntly, but there are intimate scenes between Captain Keller and Kate, scenes that reveal a softness to his character and make him more sympathetic. Ultimately, he is a frustrated and tired father to a child with disabilities, at a loss of what to do.

Captain Keller’s hubris is his greatest downfall. The audience sees this in his quarrels with the women (particularly Annie) about what is best for Helen, and in his relationship with his son from his first marriage, James. For most of the play, the relationship between father and son is strained. However, as Captain Keller softens, and James finds the strength to stand up him, a mutual respect emerges, paving the way for future reparations.

Other characters often ask the Captain: “Do you like the child?” (68). Throughout the play, he clearly loves Helen, but has given up on her having a more traditional life. He is amazed when Annie takes “a wild thing, and give[s them] back a child” (83). The Captain, finally, seems to like Helen as well as loving her. When he and Annie discuss how things must be handled with Helen moving forward, he surrenders his pride and agrees to help Annie discipline Helen.

James Keller is the eldest son of Captain Keller and stepson to Kate Keller. He is described as an “indolent young man” and is having a hard time adjusting to his father remarrying (8). His hesitation to accept Kate and Helen as part of the family can make Jimmy come across as cold. In the first act, James suggests to Captain Keller that he send Helen to a hospital for people with disabilities, insisting that “[i]t’s the kindest thing” (11). When Kate, appalled, reminds James that Helen is his sister, he responds by saying “[h]alf sister, and half-mentally defective” (11), brushing off any familial duty he might have to Helen. Likewise, he refers to Kate as “Mrs. Keller” and accuses his father of having forgotten his mother (21). However, by the end of the play, he makes amends with Kate, and stands up to his father on Helen’s behalf.

Aunt Ev is Captain Keller’s sister, and a frequent visitor to Ivy Green. She advocates for Helen to be seen by as many doctors as it takes to have a more fulfilling life. Like the rest of the Keller family, Aunt Ev is prone to giving in to Helen’s every whim, making it more difficult for Annie to discipline the child.

Viney is one of the servants of the Keller family. She often assists Kate with tending to Mildred, the baby of the family, especially when Helen is acting out. Like the rest of the household, Viney spoils Helen and is prone to sneaking her sweets when no one is looking. Viney has two children, Martha and Percy, who play with Helen.