In this activity, you will answer questions about your observations while reading Trifles.
Part A
Describe the characters in the play. Include their names and a brief description of what they are like, what they experience, and how they are involved with the murder.
The characters in the play Trifles are:
1. Mrs. Peters - She is the wife of the sheriff's deputy, and she is a quiet and reserved woman. She is involved in the investigation of the murder and helps to find important evidence.
2. Mrs. Hale - She is the wife of a neighboring farmer, and she is a bit more outgoing than Mrs. Peters. She is also involved in the investigation and provides important insights into the life of the victim.
3. Mr. Hale - He is a farmer who discovers the murdered body of John Wright. He is involved in the investigation and provides his testimony to the authorities.
4. Sheriff Peters - He is the local sheriff who is in charge of the investigation of the murder. He is initially dismissive of the women's observations but ultimately comes to rely on their insights.
5. County Attorney - He is a lawyer who is assisting in the investigation of the murder. He is dismissive of the women's observations and thinks they are wasting time looking at trifles.
All of the characters are involved in the investigation of the murder of John Wright. However, the play focuses primarily on the perspectives of the two women, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale. They provide valuable insights into the life of the victim and ultimately help to solve the case.
In the play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell, there are several characters central to the story. Here are the main characters and a brief description of each:
1. Mrs. Minnie Wright: Also referred to as Minnie Foster, she is the wife of John Wright, who has been found strangled in their farmhouse. Mrs. Wright is portrayed as a quiet and withdrawn woman who has become isolated and lonely over time. Through her experiences, we learn about the struggles she faced in her marriage and her potential involvement in the murder.
2. Mrs. Peters: Mrs. Peters is the wife of the local sheriff and one of the few female characters in the play. She is described as reserved and morally upstanding. Initially, she seems hesitant to get involved in the investigation and is more concerned about social matters and following the law. As the play progresses, Mrs. Peters becomes more aware of the pressures faced by women and gains empathy for Minnie Wright.
3. Mrs. Hale: Mrs. Hale is the wife of a local farmer and neighbor to the Wrights. She is presented as kind-hearted and pragmatic, understanding the hardships faced by rural women. Mrs. Hale assists in gathering personal belongings for Mrs. Wright while the men focus on the murder investigation. She provides insight into Minnie's character and life, reflecting on how Mrs. Wright's husband's behavior may have contributed to the desperate act.
4. George Henderson: As the county attorney, George Henderson is a key figure in the investigation of the murder. He is described as professional and serious-minded, determined to solve the case. Henderson's role is significant as he represents the authority and traditional perspective of men in the society depicted in the play.
5. Henry Peters: Henry Peters is the local sheriff and husband of Mrs. Peters. He is portrayed as the typical law enforcement figure adhering to his duty and the rules. While his role in the play is not as prominent as others, he represents the male-dominated power structure that affects the lives of the women involved.
These characters' interactions and observations throughout the play shed light on the dynamics of gender, power, and the relationship between husbands and wives in rural America during the early 20th century.