Becoming Character Analysis

Michelle Obama

The author and protagonist of Becoming. Michelle is born Michelle Robinson and grows up on the South Side of Chicago. From an early age, her parents make a great deal of sacrifices for her… read analysis of Michelle Obama

Barack Obama

Michelle’s husband and the forty-fourth president of the United States. Barack is the son of a white Kansan mother, Ann Dunham, and a black Kenyan father, Barack Obama Sr. He is born… read analysis of Barack Obama

Michelle’s mother

Michelle’s mom, named Marian Shields Robinson. Michelle’s mother works hard to make sure that her children get a good education. She teaches Michelle to read early, and when Michelle comes home from second grade… read analysis of Michelle’s mother

Malia Obama

Michelle and Barack’s elder daughter, born on July 4, 1998. When Malia is eighteen months old, Barack and Michelle travel to Hawaii and she spikes a high fever. Barack, despite needing to return to… read analysis of Malia Obama

Michelle’s father

Michelle’s dad, named Fraser Robinson III. Michelle’s father had been diagnosed in his thirties with multiple sclerosis, but throughout his life he largely ignores his declining health. Instead, he works hard at a filtration… read analysis of Michelle’s father

Sasha Obama

Michelle and Barack’s younger daughter, born on June 10, 2001. Sasha’s arrival in the family prompts Michelle to evaluate her priorities and to wonder whether the family would better be served by Michelle staying… read analysis of Sasha Obama

Craig

Michelle’s older brother. Craig and Michelle are very close growing up, and he often breaks ground for her in school because he is a very good student, as well. Craig is also a great… read analysis of Craig

Suzanne Alele

One of Michelle’s close college friends, whom she meets at the Third World Center. Personality-wise, she and Suzanne are very different despite their close friendship: Suzanne often prioritizes fun over making a practical choice… read analysis of Suzanne Alele

Robbie

Michelle’s great-aunt. Robbie lives downstairs from the Robinsons along with her husband Terry. Robbie teaches Michelle piano when she is four years old, and though she is strict, Michelle appreciates Robbie’s teaching and… read analysis of Robbie

Hillary Clinton

Barack’s main competitor for the 2008 Democratic nomination. Hillary then becomes Barack’s Secretary of State and runs for president as the Democratic nominee in 2016 against Donald Trump. Despite winning three million more… read analysis of Hillary Clinton

Valerie Jarrett

Michelle and Barack’s colleague. Michelle meets Valerie when she interviews with Valerie for a job at city hall in Chicago. Valerie is also a working mother who gave up corporate law to find work… read analysis of Valerie Jarrett

Dandy

Michelle’s paternal grandfather. Dandy grew up in South Carolina during the Great Depression before moving to Chicago in what became known as the Great Migration. Michelle notes that Dandy is often irritated and bitter… read analysis of Dandy

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A “firebrand Baptist preacher” who becomes a political leader as Michelle grows up. Jackson had worked with Martin Luther King and becomes the second African American to run a serious national campaign for president. He… read analysis of Reverend Jesse Jackson

Harold Washington

The first African American Mayor of Chicago, elected in 1983. He ran on the ideals of progressivism and inspired many young people of color to get involved in politics, including both Barack and Valerie Jarrett… read analysis of Harold Washington

Terry

Michelle’s great-uncle. Terry lives downstairs from the Robinsons along with his wife Robbie. Like Robbie, Terry’s life has also been deeply affected by the limited opportunities available to him as a black man… read analysis of Terry

Southside

Michelle’s maternal grandfather. Southside had grown up in the South during the time of Jim Crow before moving to Chicago. He is often mistrustful of the police and white people in general as a result… read analysis of Southside

Minor Characters

Reverend Jeremiah Wright

A pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Wright officiates at Michelle and Barack’s wedding. Later, Michelle and Barack are scrutinized for their connection to him because old sermons of his are unearthed, criticizing the treatment of African Americans in America.

Czerny Brasuell

A mentor of Michelle’s who works at the Third World Center at Princeton, a student center meant to support students of color. Czerny opens Michelle’s eyes to a variety of things: she shows her New York City, recommends academic reading to her, and always pushes her to “think bigger.”

Sam Kass

A young man Michelle and Barack hire during the campaign to cook meals for their family, after Malia’s body mass index starts to creep up. Sam helps Michelle plan the garden in the White House and helps her with her children’s health initiative, Let’s Move!

Ann Dunham

Barack’s mother, who grew up in Kansas and met Barack Obama Sr. in college in Hawaii. Their marriage was short-lived, but Ann always made sure that her son felt loved and got a good education. Ann passes away during Barack’s campaign for Illinois senate.

Hadiya Pendleton

A fifteen-year-old honor student from the South Side of Chicago who performed in the Inaugural parade. Eight days after the Inauguration, she was shot and killed in Chicago. Michelle attended her funeral.

Barack Obama Sr.

Barack’s father, a Kenyan man who married Barack’s mother, Ann Dunham, after they attended college. Barack Obama Sr. died in a car crash when Barack was twenty-six years old.

Donald Trump

The forty-fifth president of the United States and Barack’s successor as president. During his campaign, Michelle is appalled by his racist and misogynistic language and policies.

John Kerry

The Democratic nominee for president in the 2004 presidential campaign, running against George W. Bush. Kerry selects Barack as the keynote speaker for the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

John McCain

The Republican nominee for president in 2008, running against Barack. McCain was also a Senator from Arizona.

Jill Biden

Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, who works with Michelle on her Joining Forces initiative.

David Axelrod

A chief strategist for Barack’s presidential campaign and ultimately a senior advisor to Barack when he becomes president.

Bill Clinton

The forty-second president of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. Also Hillary Clinton’s husband.

John Edwards

One of Barack’s competitors for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008 and a former Senator from North Carolina.

George W. Bush

The forty-third president of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009.

Laura Bush

Michelle’s predecessor as First Lady and George W. Bush’s wife.

Santita Jackson

Michelle’s high school friend and the daughter of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Grandma

Michelle’s paternal grandmother, and Dandy’s wife.

Joe Biden

Barack’s Vice President.

Kevin

Michelle’s college boyfriend.

Cindy McCain

John McCain’s wife.

Melania Trump

Michelle’s successor as First Lady and Donald Trump’s wife.

Art Sussman

The in-house legal counsel for the University of Chicago.

Becoming Characters