Characterization of Major and Minor Characters in

"Theodore Boone: The Accused" by John Grisham

Submitted by: Bhawana Bhandari

Roll no: 20
B.A.LL.B, 2ND Semester
Introduction
An Analysis of the Characters and Their Role in the Novel:
• "Theodore Boone: The Accused" is a legal thriller novel written by
John Grisham and published in 2012.
• The novel follows Theodore Boone, a 13-year-old aspiring lawyer, as
he tries to clear his friend's name after he is accused of stealing.
• The story takes place in Strattenburg, a small town in the United
States, and explores themes of justice, friendship, and family.
• In this presentation, we will analyze the major and minor characters
in the novel and their role in the story.
Main Characters in "Theodore Boone: The
Accused"
A Brief Introduction to the Key Characters:
• Theodore Boone: A 13-year-old aspiring lawyer who is the protagonist
of the novel.
• Woods and Marcella Boone: Theodore's parents, who are both lawyers.
• Pete Duffy: A suspect in a robbery case and the primary antagonist of
the novel.
• April Finnemore: A witness in the case who becomes an important ally
to Theodore.
• Judge Gantry: The judge presiding over the case.
Theodore Boone
The Protagonist of “Theodore Boone: The Accused”:
• Passion for law and justice: Theodore is deeply passionate about the law and
justice, and is determined to do everything in his power to clear his friend's
name. For example, he spends hours researching legal procedures and talking
to witnesses to build a case for his friend.
• Intelligence: Theodore is incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable about the
law, despite his young age. He often impresses the adults around him with his
knowledge and insights.
• Determination: Theodore is determined and persistent in his efforts to clear his
friend's name, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. For example, he
refuses to give up when he is initially denied access to certain information he
needs for his case.
Pete Duffy
The Antagonist of "Theodore Boone: The Accused“:
• Manipulative nature: Pete Duffy is a master manipulator who is able to deceive those
around him to achieve his goals. He lies and twists the truth to avoid taking
responsibility for his actions, and is not above threatening or intimidating others.
• Greed: Pete Duffy is driven by a relentless desire for money and power. He is willing
to commit crimes and manipulate the legal system to protect his financial interests.
• Arrogance: Pete Duffy is arrogant and overconfident in his abilities to outsmart
others. He underestimates Theodore's intelligence and determination, which
ultimately leads to his downfall.
• By understanding Theodore's personality traits and motivations, we can gain a
deeper appreciation for the novel's themes and messages. Theodore is a compelling
character whose journey inspires and captivates us throughout the novel."
Supporting Characters
The Roles of April Finnemore and Judge Gantry in "Theodore Boone:
The Accused“:
• April Finnemore: April is a key supporting character who plays a critical
role in the plot. She is the witness who sees the real perpetrator of the
crime, but is too scared to come forward at first. She eventually confides
in Theodore and helps him gather the evidence he needs to clear his
friend's name.
• Judge Gantry: Judge Gantry is the judge in charge of the trial. He is a
tough but fair judge who is committed to upholding the law. He is
skeptical of Theodore's involvement in the case at first, but ultimately
comes to respect Theodore's intelligence and determination
Minor Characters
The Role of Theodore's Friends and Classmates in "Theodore Boone: The
Accused“:
• Bobby Escobar: Bobby is one of Theodore's friends who helps him gather
evidence to clear his friend's name. He is a loyal friend and a valuable
ally in Theodore's quest for justice.
• Woody Lambert: Woody is another of Theodore's friends who provides
comic relief throughout the novel. He is a jokester who often lightens the
mood with his humor.
• Marcella Boone: Marcella is Theodore's cousin who is also interested in
law. She provides support to Theodore throughout the novel and helps
him think through his strategy for the trial.
Character Development
How the Characters in "Theodore Boone: The Accused" Change Over
the Course of the Story:
• Theodore Boone: Throughout the novel, Theodore becomes more
determined and focused on achieving justice for his friend. He learns
to think creatively and strategically in order to build a strong case, and
becomes more confident in his abilities as a lawyer-in-training.
• Pete Duffy: While Pete initially seems like a one-dimensional villain,
he becomes more complex as the story progresses. The reader begins
to understand his motivations and his past, and sees how he struggles
with guilt and regret over his actions
Conclusion
The Significance of Character Development in "Theodore Boone: The
Accused“:
• We have discussed the main and minor characters of the novel, their
roles, personality traits, and their development throughout the story.
• We have seen how character development adds complexity and depth
to the story, making it more engaging and relatable to the reader.
• The characterization also contributes to the overall themes and
message of the novel, such as justice, morality, and the importance of
standing up for what is right.
Refrences:
• Goodreads. (2023). Theodore Boone: The Accused. Retrieved from:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18909454-theodore-boone
?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=o1pK3ocg5s&rank=1
• "Theodore Boone: The Accused by John Grisham - Review." The
Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 17 May 2012,
https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2012/aug/30/revi
ew-theodore-boone-the-accused-john-grisham