Midnight at the Electric

Lily serves as a crucial supporting character in Midnight at the Electric, and her primary role is to facilitate Adri’s personal growth and development and to give readers a contemporary touchstone. Lily is 107 in 2065, meaning she was born around 1958 and has lived while the contemporary reader is living. Unlike Adri, Lily is relatively static, not experiencing significant changes throughout the story. Her consistent presence and unwavering support help to anchor Adri, providing her with the stability and emotional connection she needs to evolve.

Lily is characterized by her warmth, empathy, and friendliness. Despite the hardships she has faced, including the loss of family and her terminal illness, she remains hopeful and caring. Her enduring positivity and strength are vital in drawing Adri out of her shell and encouraging her to confront her emotional barriers. Lily’s ability to create a sense of home and belonging contrasts sharply with Adri’s initial self-isolation, highlighting the themes of connection and resilience.

Beyond supporting Adri; Lily embodies the themes of legacy and continuity. Her connection to the past through the letters and her own history provides a tangible link to the novel’s exploration of The Interconnectedness of Human Experiences Across Time. She also connects more directly with the reader as she is the only character who has lived during the era in which the novel is published. By introducing her as an ailing elder in a world that is suffering the late-stage effects of climate change, Anderson highlights the dangers of Environmental Destruction for the Sake of Progress, reminding readers where apathy today could lead humankind.

Catherine Godspeed is the daughter of Lenore Allstock but was raised by Beth Godspeed in Canaan, Kansas. She is a secondary protagonist, or deuteragonist. Her primary traits are similar to those of Adri, particularly her resourcefulness. Catherine is also a dreamer who takes action.

Catherine’s character arc centers on her journey toward self-trust and independence. At first, she is hesitant and struggles with the decision to leave her familiar surroundings. Her desire to escape the consequences of the Dust Bowl and find a better life for herself and Beezie is tempered by her fear and uncertainty. However, as the story progresses, Catherine finds the inner strength and determination to act on her dreams.

A defining moment in Catherine’s arc is her departure from home, demonstrating her resolve to protect Beezie. This decision is a testament to her growing self-confidence and her willingness to embrace the unknown. Her letters to Ellis reveal her resilience and determination, showcasing her ability to confront adversity. Catherine’s arc is also marked by her relationship with Beth, and she feels a sense of betrayal upon learning the truth about her parentage. Despite these challenges, Catherine’s dreamer nature and her commitment to her loved one, particularly Beezie, drive her forward.

Beezie, at six years old, is a dynamic side character whose presence significantly impacts Catherine’s narrative. Her innocence and vulnerability highlight the severe consequences of the Dust Bowl, exemplified by her dust pneumonia and near-death experience in New York.

Beezie serves to deepen Catherine’s character, revealing Catherine’s protective and nurturing sides. Her illness is a reminder of the harsh realities the characters face, driving Catherine to make bold decisions for their survival.

Through Beezie, the narrative portrays the human cost of environmental disasters. Her character not only elicits empathy but also emphasizes the themes of Resilience in the Face of Adversity and The Quest for Belonging and Acceptance. Her plight and recovery reflect the broader struggles of those affected by the Dust Bowl, making her a crucial element in the story’s emotional landscape.

Beth Godspeed is a dynamic side character whose arc sees her graduating from secretive and guarded to open and vulnerable. Initially, Beth conceals the truth about Catherine’s parentage and her past, which creates tension and mistrust between them. Her decision to give Catherine the letters following her near-death experience in the dust storm marks the beginning of her transformation. By sharing these personal documents, Beth starts to break down the walls she has built around her emotions and history. The walls Beth has constructed around herself reflect Adri’s self-isolation.

Beth’s character growth is further illustrated through her actions. Selling part of the farm and joining Catherine and Beezie in New York symbolizes her willingness to let go of the past and embrace a new future. This move contrasts with her initial reluctance to change and openness.

Beth’s relationship with Lenore also undergoes a transformation. Although she shuns Lenore for a time, Beth ultimately honors their bond by caring for Catherine and Galapagos. These acts of guardianship reflect her enduring connection to Lenore and her commitment to preserving Lenore’s legacy.

Lenore Allstock is a deuteragonist whose character arc centers on understanding and overcoming profound grief. Her primary traits include resilience, empathy, and introspection. Lenore’s resilience is evident as she navigates the hardships of early 20^th-century life, particularly during WWI and its aftermath.

A pivotal moment in Lenore’s arc is found in a remark in a letter to Beth:

Don’t you think, Beth, that it’s easy to judge people for their sadness when it hasn’t happened to you? To see it as too strange, or too big, or not done in the right way, until you’ve felt the monster of it inside you? I think that is one thing I’ve learned, and it’s made me better (198).

This quote captures Lenore’s journey toward empathy and self-awareness, as she recognizes that confronting her own sadness has made her a more understanding and compassionate person.

Throughout the novel, Lenore’s struggle with grief and her efforts to move forward shape her interactions and decisions. Her decision to leave for America while pregnant demonstrates her courage and determination to seek a better future. Her letters to Beth reveal her innermost thoughts and fears, highlighting her vulnerability and her hope for connection despite the years of distance between herself and Beth. Lenore’s relationship with Catherine and other characters is marked by a blend of love and sorrow, but ultimately she strives to leave a legacy of understanding and resilience. Her bond with Beth illustrates her capacity for forgiveness and enduring love, and her story, intertwined with the historical context of her timeline, contributes to the themes of Resilience in the Face of Adversity and The Interconnectedness of Human Experiences Across Time.

Ellis Parrish is a supporting character who deepens Catherine’s characterization. His charm and social ease contrast with Catherine’s more reserved and resourceful nature. Described as “not a vulture but a peacock, dark-haired, always with a twinkle in his eyes like he just heard a joke, and a smile like he never met a stranger” (43), Ellis embodies a carefree and likable persona.

His interactions with Catherine reveal layers of her personality, highlighting her struggles with trust and her desire for a sense of belonging. Despite her love for Ellis, Catherine decides to leave and pursue a new life in New York, demonstrating her resolve and independence. She sends Ellis money, hoping he will follow her, but the novel leaves their fate open-ended. This unresolved ending underscores the uncertainties and sacrifices inherent in Catherine’s storyline, adding depth to her character arc and illustrating her determination to forge her own path despite the risks and unknowns—characteristics shared by both Adri and Lenore.

James is another supporting character, and he serves to enhance Lenore’s characterization through his physical presence and the concept of trust. His stature, described as “enormously tall, at least two feet taller than Teddy. A giant” (101), initially intimidates Lenore. However, Lenore decides to trust him, seeking solace and support in their relationship. This decision highlights Lenore’s vulnerability and desire for connection. Her trust is later challenged when she learns James has been dishonest, adding complexity to both their characters and emphasizing themes of resilience.

James’s interactions with Lenore also reveal her capacity for empathy and understanding. His vulnerability and the traumas he carries mirror Lenore’s struggles, creating a bond between them that is both healing and transformative. Through her relationship with James, Lenore learns to confront her grief and find strength in connection. James’s impact on Lenore’s life, from their initial encounter to their deepening bond, illustrates the profound impact that one individual can have on another’s journey toward healing and self-discovery.