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Table of Contents | Downloadable/Printable Version KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS SETTING The story takes place in Georgia, mostly in Atlanta, during the Civil War of the 1860's. However, important sections also take place in Tara, the plantation home of the OÂ’Hara family. The plantation is one of several that spanned southern Georgia and is, fictionally, one of those that survived the destruction of General Sherman's march. The story begins with the Civil War and spans seven or eight years following the war, a time period during which the "old south" with its elegance, wealth and aristocratic traditions is subjected to a federally mandated program called "Radical Reconstruction." Atlanta is first burned and then rebuilt by Yankees who prosper while southerners who cling desperately to the old traditions subsist in proud poverty. An interesting aspect of the setting is that much of it takes place on Peachtree Street, the house of Aunt Pittypat that resembles the childhood home of the author herself. The Margaret Mitchell house still stands in its original location although it took the work of the Atlanta Historical Society in the latter portion of the 20 th century to prevent it from being torn down. Other houses that once surrounded it and are a part of the story have been replaced by various shops. CHARACTER LIST Major Characters Scarlett OÂ’Hara The protagonist of the novel. She is the daughter of Gerald and Ellen O'Hara and is accustomed to getting her own way, whether with clothes or boys. She surrounds herself with young men, flirting mercilessly and is not above stealing the beaux of other girls. She is willful, conniving, and yet far more intelligent than well-bred girls are supposed to be.
Ashley Wilkes Husband to Melanie Hamilton and object of Scarlett's life-long fantasy. He is a true member of the old south who feels unable to cope with the new world. Melanie Hamilton Wife to Ashley Wilkes and sister-in-law to Scarlett. Described by Rhett as the only truly kind person he has ever known. Unable to believe anything bad about people she loves. Rhett Butler Scarlett's life long antagonist who is in love with her from the moment he sees her. He is an opportunist willing to take advantage of any situation, but not without kindness or generosity under the right conditions. Mammy Scarlett's childhood nurse and life-long servant and companion. Mammy understands Scarlett better than Scarlett understands herself and is remarkably intuitive, but also protective and motherly. Minor Characters Tarleton boys Stuart, Brent, Boyd, Tom: young men from a neighboring plantation James Tarleton The father of the Tarleton boys Mr. Calvert and his "Yankee" wife The owners of smaller neighboring plantation The Calvert children Raiford, Cade, Cathleen Joe and Tony Fontaine Sons on another nearby plantation Sally Monroe JoeÂ’s bride Dimity Munroe Sally's sister John Wilkes AshleyÂ’s father Ellen OÂ’Hara Scarlett's mother Gerald OÂ’Hara Scarlett's father Suellen and Coreen OÂ’Hara Scarlett's younger sisters Charles Hamilton ScarlettÂ’s first husband, brother to Melanie Prissy, Dilcey Additional slaves purchased by Gerald early in the story. Prissy is given to Scarlett Pork Gerald's personal servant Frank Kenney ScarlettÂ’s second husband stolen from Suellen Honey and India Wilkes AshleyÂ’s younger sisters The Merriwethers, the Elsings, the Meads Citizens of Atlanta Peter Pittypat's house servant Belle Watling Owner of the whorehouse of Atlanta Rene Picard Beau to Maybelle Merriwether Wade Scarlett's first child by Charles Ella Scarlett's second child by Frank Bonnie Blue Scarlett's third and last child Archie A homeless soldier with a past who stays in Melanie's basement and serves as a bodyguard to the women Hugh Elsing Husband of Mrs. Elsing Tommy Gallagher A low class foreman who runs one of Scarlett's mills. Table of Contents | Downloadable/Printable Version | |
