Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Mary Alice Dowdel

Mary Alice isn't just the narrator of A Year Down Yonder; she's the protagonist. The whole book is told from her perspective and—let's face it—it's all about her. Even when it isn't. Sure, there are a lot of subplots: the Halloween pranksters; the plight of Mrs. Abernathy and her son; Arnold Green's love life. But even when Mary Alice isn't at the center of the action, we're getting her thoughts on what's going on and seeing how it all affects her outlook on life.