Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Norma Jean Moffatt

Goal-oriented, Energizer Bunny Norma Jean is the antagonist in the sense that her actions and purpose are against Leroy's. Let's face it, she's the only one in the story who has actions and purpose. Leroy likes the idea of being home with her all the time, but to her he's a big ol' dustball she can't vacuum away, and while he's dead-set on building a log cabin for her, she wouldn't be caught dead in one.

Norma Jean symbolizes the changes and opportunities coming to the rural areas and small towns of the South in this time (particularly for women) and looks to the future, while Leroy seems stuck in the past. She isn't his enemy, but she's at cross purposes with his desires.