Cold Sassy Tree is a novel by Olive Ann Burns that tells the story of Will Tweedy, a 14-year-old boy living in the small town of Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906. The novel follows Will as he navigates the complexities of growing up and coming of age, while also exploring the relationships and dynamics within his family and community.
One of the central characters in Cold Sassy Tree is Will Tweedy, the protagonist and narrator of the novel. Will is a curious and intelligent young man who is determined to understand the world around him. He is deeply affected by the death of his mother and the subsequent marriage of his grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeson, to a much younger woman named Love Simpson. Will is torn between his loyalty to his grandfather and his feelings of betrayal towards his mother's memory.
E. Rucker Blakeson, also known as "Grandpa," is another important character in the novel. He is a successful businessman and a larger-than-life figure in Cold Sassy. Despite his gruff exterior, Grandpa is a loving and caring man who takes Will under his wing and becomes a father figure to him. He is also a complex character who grapples with his own personal demons and regrets.
Love Simpson is a controversial figure in Cold Sassy, as she is the woman who marries Grandpa shortly after the death of Will's mother. Love is a strong and independent woman who is unapologetic about her unconventional relationship with Grandpa. Despite facing criticism and backlash from the community, she stands by her love for Grandpa and proves to be a loyal and supportive wife.
Miss Mattie Lou Blakeson is Grandpa's daughter and Will's aunt. She is a prim and proper woman who is deeply opposed to her father's marriage to Love. Miss Mattie Lou is a rigid and judgmental character who is unable to see beyond societal expectations and norms.
Other notable characters in Cold Sassy Tree include Lightfoot McLendon, a young woman who becomes Will's first love; Mrs. Agnes Blakeson, Grandpa's first wife and Will's grandmother; and Tom Wink, a kind and compassionate man who works for Grandpa and becomes a close friend to Will.
Overall, the characters in Cold Sassy Tree are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique motivations and flaws. Through their interactions and relationships, the novel explores themes of love, family, and the search for personal identity and fulfillment.
