Lessons in Chemistry Character Analysis

Elizabeth Zott

Elizabeth Zott is the protagonist of Lessons in Chemistry and the mother of Madeline Zott. She is an intelligent, talented, and beautiful young woman, who constantly attacks and subverts the gender norms of her… read analysis of Elizabeth Zott

Calvin Evans

Calvin Evans is a brilliant young scientist and rowing enthusiast who works alongside Elizabeth at the Hastings Institute. Calvin is a genius with multiple Nobel Prize nominations, and he’s one of the most famous scientists… read analysis of Calvin Evans

Walter Pine

Walter Pine is the father of Amanda Pine and a producer for the local television network. He gives Elizabeth a TV show, Supper at Six, after witnessing her passion for nutrition. Although Walter’s instincts… read analysis of Walter Pine

Miss Frask

Miss Frask is a young woman whom Elizabeth meets at Hastings. At first, Frask is an unkind woman, who spreads crude rumors about Elizabeth and treats her abhorrently. However, that all changes when she and… read analysis of Miss Frask

Harriet Sloane

Harriet Sloane is Elizabeth’s neighbor who helps raise Madeline. Although Harriet initially aids Elizabeth because sees a neighbor in need, she is also motivated to help Elizabeth because it allows her time away… read analysis of Harriet Sloane

Madeline Zott

Madeline is the daughter of Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans. She is a precocious child who enjoys reading and researching in her spare time, despite being only four years old. Madeline does her best… read analysis of Madeline Zott

Wakely

Wakely is a reverend whom Calvin used to write to as a young man. By sheer coincidence, Wakely meets Madeline at the library, and they discuss a variety of topics, including religion and family. Despite… read analysis of Wakely

Avery Parker

Avery Parker is Calvin’s biological mother. Calvin was separated from her at birth, and she spent much of her life believing he was dead. When she discovered her son was alive, she did everything… read analysis of Avery Parker

Dr. Donatti

Dr. Donatti is the head of Elizabeth’s department at the Hastings Institute. Donatti hates Elizabeth and regularly belittles her to other people at Hastings. He also fires her when he discovers she is pregnant… read analysis of Dr. Donatti

Minor Characters

Six-Thirty

Six-Thirty is Elizabeth’s dog whom she teaches to understand English. After Calvin’s death, he serves as Madeline’s protector and provides Elizabeth with emotional support. Before becoming Elizabeth and Calvin’s dog, Six-Thirty was a bomb-sniffing dog for the military.

Phil Lebensmal

Phil Lebensmal is an executive at the local television station where Elizabeth works. He is a crude and abusive man who attempts to sexually assault Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth halts the attack by pulling a knife out of her purse, the sight of which gives Phil a heart attack.

John Zott

John is Elizabeth’s brother, whom she felt a close connection to. He died by suicide when Elizabeth was still a child because his parents emotionally abused him after discovering he was gay.

Elizabeth’s Father

Elizabeth’s father is a religious charlatan who makes a living by scaring people into believing the apocalypse is coming. After one of his stunts goes wrong, Elizabeth’s father ends up killing a few people, which puts him in jail.

Elizabeth’s Mother

Elizabeth’s mother was Elizabeth father’s partner in crime. She fled the country after Elizabeth’s father went to jail.

Dr. Meyers

Dr. Meyers is Elizabeth’s abusive doctoral thesis advisor. He sexually assaults Elizabeth, who stabs him in the stomach with a pencil in order to escape.

Franklin Roth

Franklin Roth is a reporter who interviews Elizabeth and eventually publishes an article that praises her and her work.

Marjorie Fillis

Marjorie Fillis is a woman who attends a taping of Elizabeth’s talk show. Elizabeth convinces her to go back to school so she can achieve her dream to be a heart surgeon.

Dr. Boryweitz

Dr. Boryweitz is a scientist who works at the Hastings Institute. He is bad at his job and regularly comes to Elizabeth for help.

Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason is a kind and understanding man who helps Elizabeth deliver Madeline. He is also the captain of the local rowing team.

The Bishop

The bishop is the man in charge of the boys’ home where Calvin grew up. He lies to Wilson and Avery about Calvin, leading them to believe Calvin is dead.

Mrs. Mudford

Mrs. Mudford is Madeline’s teacher. She disapproves of how Elizabeth treats her daughter’s education and spreads nasty rumors about the Zott family.

Wilson

Wilson is a lawyer, who helps Avery Parker track down Calvin (and eventually Elizabeth).

Amanda Pine

Amanda Pine is Walter’s daughter. She and Madeline are school friends.

Mr. Sloane

Mr. Sloane is Harriet’s abusive husband, whom she eventually leaves.