Estelle Character Analysis

Felix’s supervisor in his job at the prison, a well-connected professor and pioneer of the Literacy Through Literature program. A stylish and vivacious woman, Estelle is passionate about prison education and uses the connections she’s inherited from her political family to secure funding and support for initiatives in Fletcher Correctional Center. She also takes a personal interest in Felix; the only person to guess his real identity after he takes on the name Mr. Duke, she’s impressed by his background and mysterious air, and flattered to be his main confidante. It’s Estelle who brings Felix the news that Tony and Sal are visiting the prison and, motivated by her attachment to him and desire to save the theater program, assists him in his daring plan for revenge. Felix often compares her to a star or describes her as “shining” or “twinkling,” creating a comparison between her and The Tempest’s Ariel, an elemental spirit who provides Prospero with magical assistance. Unwilling to give up his obsession with the imaginary Miranda, Felix resists a personal friendship with Estelle for most of the novel; however, at the end they embark on a cruise together, signaling a new era in their relationship.