Parable of the Sower Characters: Chapters 1-13

Study Notes

Key Characters in "Parable of the Sower" (Chapters 1-13)

Lauren Olamina
- Protagonist whose diary entries narrate the story.
- Born with hyperempathy, experiencing the emotions of others due to her mother's drug addiction.
- Depicted as a resilient and introspective character, navigating a dystopian world.
Reverend Olamina
- Lauren's father, a respected Baptist minister and academic.
- Feels shame over his first wife's drug addiction and struggles to maintain family ties.
Cory Olamina (Corazon)
- Lauren’s Mexican-American stepmother, who manages the local school.
- Demonstrates favoritism towards her son Keith, complicating family dynamics.
Taylor Franklin Bankole
- 57-year-old widower and trained doctor.
- On a journey to his farm in Mendocino; symbolizes hope and survival on the road.
Zahra Moss
- Formerly homeless, sought after by Richard Moss for security.
- Represents the nuanced dynamics of gender and power in relationships.
Keith Olamina
- Lauren's 12-year-old reckless older brother with ambitions to escape to Los Angeles.
Joanne Garfield
- Lauren's close friend whose relationship with her strains over differing views on the future.
President Christopher Donner
- Newly elected presidential candidate; polarizes opinions within the community.
- Suspicions arise regarding his political promises and plans to defund space initiatives.
Mrs. Sims
- Elderly, deeply religious neighborhood resident exhibiting racist behavior.
- Commits suicide after facing traumatic events, challenging her own beliefs.
Tracy Dunn
- Amy Dunn's mother, whose tragic backstory influences the narrative.
Wardell Parrish
- Mrs. Sims' relative who later takes over her house, characterized by suspicion and negativity.
Curtis Talcott
- Lauren's neighborhood boyfriend; represents youthful relationships amidst turmoil.
Richard Moss
- A community member practicing a sexist, religious doctrine, symbolizing traditional vs. modern values.
Alicia Leal
- A deceased astronaut whose fate highlights the risks of space exploration and mortality.
Lauren's Mother
- The backstory includes her struggles with addiction and tragic death during childbirth.
Marcus Olamina
- Lauren's handsome second oldest brother; his death underscores the violence in their world.
Bennett and Gregory Olamina
- Lauren's younger brothers whose tragic ends emphasize the loss of innocence and family ties.
Amy Dunn
- A three-year-old girl viewed as neglected; her accidental death deeply impacts the community.
Rosalee Payne
- Wardell's widow sister, emphasizing the theme of loss as she and her children die in a fire.
Peter Moss
- Represents the influence of toxic masculinity and familial conflict within the Moss family.
Michael Talcott
- Curtis's brother, whose death signifies the brutal reality of their environment.
Bianca Montoya
- A pregnant teenager whose choices provide a contrast to Lauren's decisions regarding family and future.
Don Casey
- Alexandra's husband, expanding on the family connections within the narrative.

Description

Explore the key characters from chapters 1 to 13 of 'Parable of the Sower.' This quiz will help you understand Lauren Olamina and other important figures through insightful flashcards. Test your knowledge and deepen your comprehension of the novel.