Character Profiles

This section provides detailed character profiles for the main characters in "Driving Miss Daisy".

Daisy Werthan is a 72-year-old Jewish widow at the start of the play. Born shortly after the Civil War, she witnesses major social changes in American history including women's suffrage, both World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. Daisy comes from a successful business family and had a career as a teacher. Her personality is described as independent, self-confident, and energetic, though she can be bossy at times.

Highlight: Daisy's character spans from age 72 to 97 over the course of the play, allowing the audience to see her evolution over a quarter century.

Boolie Werthan is Daisy's 40-year-old son at the beginning of the play. He takes over and expands the family business, showing his capability. Boolie is portrayed as caring and dutiful towards his mother despite her difficult personality. He's married to Florine but has no children of his own.

Example: Boolie's hiring of Hoke as Daisy's chauffeur, despite her initial protests, demonstrates his concern for her wellbeing.

Hoke Colburn is a 60-year-old African-American man from Georgia. He starts the play illiterate and having never traveled, but grows significantly over the course of the story. Hoke is a widower with a daughter and granddaughter, emphasizing the importance of family to him. His character experiences segregation, discrimination, and racism throughout his life.

Vocabulary: Segregation - The practice of separating people based on race, as was common in the American South during this time period.

Florine Werthan is Boolie's wife and Daisy's daughter-in-law. The play suggests that Daisy doesn't care for Florine and makes little effort to hide this opinion.

Writing Techniques and Historical Context

This section provides guidance on writing about the play and offers historical context.

When writing a summary of "Driving Miss Daisy", it's important to start with an introductory sentence that sets the scene. For example: "The episodic play 'Driving Miss Daisy' by Alfred Uhry, set in Atlanta in 1987, explores the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur."

When characterizing a character from the play, begin with a thesis statement that outlines your main point about the character. Then, provide details about their traits, ambitions, conflicts, and role in the story. Use the simple present tense and organize your thoughts into paragraphs.

Example: "In 'Driving Miss Daisy', Hoke Colburn is presented as a patient and empathetic individual who navigates racial prejudice with dignity. This becomes evident through his interactions with Daisy and his responses to discriminatory situations."

Historically, "Driving Miss Daisy" was inspired by the relationship between Alfred Uhry's grandmother, Lena Fox, and her longtime chauffeur, Will Coleman. This personal connection adds depth to the story's exploration of race relations in the American South.

Highlight: The play's setting from 1948 to 1973 allows it to encompass major events in the Civil Rights Movement, providing a rich historical backdrop for the characters' personal journeys.