Who Is Roberta A Dynamic Character

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The Evolution of Roberta “Recitatif” by Toni Morrison tells the story of a young girl named Twyla spending a portion of her childhood in a shelter and its effect on her adulthood. One of the most significant characters in this short story is Roberta, a friend Twyla made while in the shelter. Like all dynamic characters, Roberta changes significantly throughout the course of the story. The first sign I found that Roberta had changed was when Twyla was reunited with her at the Howard Johnson’s. Roberta’s characterization at the beginning of the story shows Roberta as an accepting, non-judgemental girl “she nodded her head and I liked the way she understood things so fast” (Morrison 132). However, when Twyla met her again at the Howard Johnson’s she seemed condescending and disdainful “She laughed then a private laugh that included the guys but only the guys, and they laughed with her” (Morrison 137). It’s in this scene that I first noticed Roberta displaying the prejudice and disdain Roberta’s mother seemed inclined …show more content…

Whereas in the Howard Johnson’s Roberta had worn thick makeup and a halter top, in the market Roberta had “diamonds on her hand, a smart white summer dress” (Morrison 138). Instead of a cigarette she held “a bunch of asparagus and two cartons of fancy water” (Morrison 138). In the second meeting Roberta was genuinely excited to see Twyla. Roberta’s varied reactions upon meeting Twyla mark her as a round character because you never know exactly what to expect when the two characters meet again. Twyla and Roberta met again when Roberta was protesting against her children changing schools for racial reasons. It’s at this point in their lives that Roberta and Twyla’s relationship became openly hostile. This strain in their relationship again pointed to Roberta being a dynamic and round character because you saw that Roberta is no longer the accepting little girl she had

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