Characters
Phillip Enright
Phillip is the protagonist of the novel, a young white boy from Virginia who undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the story. At the beginning of the novel, Phillip is portrayed as somewhat privileged and sheltered, with a limited understanding of the world beyond his own experiences. His initial prejudices against Timothy, based on racial and cultural differences, highlight his naivety and lack of exposure to diversity. However, as the story progresses, Phillip is forced to confront his biases and adapt to the harsh realities of survival on the island. The loss of his sight serves as a catalyst for his character development, challenging him to overcome his physical limitations and reevaluate his priorities. Over time, Phillip learns valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the true meaning of friendship through his interactions with Timothy. His journey from a sheltered and prejudiced young boy to a resilient and compassionate individual is central to the novel.
Timothy
Timothy is a pivotal character in "The Cay," serving as both a mentor and father figure to Phillip. Timothy, an elderly West Indian man with a strong sense of resilience and wisdom, is portrayed as resourceful, compassionate, and deeply knowledgeable about survival in the Caribbean. Despite facing his own physical limitations, such as his age and a leg injury, Timothy demonstrates remarkable strength and adaptability in the face of adversity. His unwavering determination to protect and guide Phillip reflects his selflessness and commitment to nurturing the younger generation. Through his guidance and teachings, Timothy not only imparts practical survival skills to Phillip but also instills in him invaluable life lessons about courage, perseverance, and the importance of looking beyond superficial differences.
