Which character do you think has the greatest struggle?

Ruth, Charlotte, and George are all oppressed in some way. Who do you think has the greatest struggle?

I think Charlotte had the greatest struggle...if only because she really had no one who knew her well and loved her unconditionally. Ruth and George struggled but they were more innately capable and confident. Charlotte's largest hurdle was to come to grip with her own self doubt.

This is a hard question. I think Bowden and Charlotte at different levels will suffer the most with a slight edge given to George. Perry's rescue of Bowden must have been a blow to Bowden; however, he is so weak that he will most likely will return to his parasitic and unhappy life with him. Charlotte is a lady expected to fit the confines of her society. Whether or not Dryer lives she will remain at her Mama's house. Dora's baby and Charlotte's baby are going to grow up to look very similar; Bowden will always be around to remind her of her goodby; and Perry will still degrade her. Charlotte, however, will have both children to love in her Mama's house.

I think Charlotte does. Charlotte was brought up to be a lady and the life of a boxer does not fit this life. It was a very big change for her and had to take great courage.

I agree with the Charlotte crowd. It seems that her struggle is both internal and external. She also seems most aware of her struggle. Ruth is impoverished and lived in terrible conditions, but she finds companionship and has a sense of herself. George struggled with addition but in many ways is unwilling/unable to address that issue. His struggle is internal but he doesn't see it as a struggle (until his demise).

I think Charlotte because George, if he was a better man, could have chosen a different path. He was an educated male. Charlotte was a victim of her sex and her class. Ruth was born into poverty and was surrounded by such, she knew her "lot in life" was predestined and had no illusions that she could rise above where she was.
Charlotte was probably raised to believe she would marry someone who would take care of her and that her family would always be there for her.

I agree with everyone who selects Charlotte.

Actually, although Ruth, Charlotte, and George all have great struggles, Perry may have the biggest struggle. He never wanted the responsibility of being in charge of the estate; he struggled with his sexual identity; he was devastated by the loss of an older brother and he suffered from the disease of alcoholism. The novel suggests that he was twice blessed - by being away from home both times that smallpox struck - but, what kind of guilt did that leave him with? Most significantly, his struggles never have a turn-around - life ahead does not look rosy for him.