Michaela

Joines

Character Profiles

Florence Owen Thompson Protagonist

32-year old mother of 7. Originally from Oklahoma, Florence farmed alongside her husband
of 15 years on their farm. While also taking care of the kids and their schooling, she
occasionally helped with the wheat crop and raising the cattle, which she was quite fond of.
Now a migrant to California escaping the Dust Bowl, Florence spends her day trying to keep
her children fed. Despite being proud, resourceful, and intelligent, she is unable to
command any respect because of her gender. Values her childrens life above her own,
especially her youngest son Harry, who is disabled due to Polio. Also values independence,
having worked on a farm since she was a child. Having never been to California until
relocating, she has very little understanding of their culture and farming. Interpersonal
conflicts include the local Californians, who see her family and other refugees as vermin,
local law enforcement who does not acknowledge the unfair treatment of the refugees, and
the federal government, who is providing little help. Florences goal is to keep her children
fed and protected while her husband finds a job to support the family.


Oliver Thompson Husband

34-year old Oklahoma native. Farmer of wheat and cattle. Inherited his familys farm at age
25. Married 17-year old Florence in the summer of 1921. Loves Florence, but tends to be a
looker, especially once around the California women (although most do not share his
sentiment). This fault causes conflict with his oldest son Danny, who was raised mostly by
his grandparents since Oliver was 17 (and Florence 15) when he was born. His main goal,
after losing his farm, is to find a job working at a local farm, in order to raise enough money
to support the family. However, he intends to move back to Oklahoma as soon as possible
to regain his late fathers land once the Dust Bowl settles down. Has a dynamic relationship
with a local farmer, Cam, and his wife Eleanor.


Cam and Eleanor Bentley Local Californians - Antagonists

Cam (35) and Eleanor (26) are local pea in California. Selfish, snooty, and greedy, Cam sees
the refugees as vermin instead of fellow farmers. They are also a way to make easy money
by lowering their wages and having children work. Flaunts his wife Eleanor, who is young
and beautiful. Eleanor is mischievous but mostly devoted to Cam. Both have interpersonal
conflicts with the refugees, including the Thompson family. Goal is to make money off of
refugee labor, but drive them out after they are no longer useful.

Thompson Kids

Includes Danny (oldest, 17), Harry (youngest, disabled, 4), 1 other son, and 4 daughters. All
live in the tarpaper shack with Florence. Danny, as the oldest, goes out to work with his
father. However, there is some animosity between the two because of Olivers promiscuity
and Dannys childhood raised by Olivers parents.