The Children of Men

by

P. D. James

Felicia Rankin Character Analysis

Head of Home Affairs on the Council of England. Theo describes her as having made him uneasy during his time on the Council, noting her misshapen, asymmetrical face. A former lawyer, she is curt and has a particular dislike for Theo, telling him that, as a historian, he should continue “living in the past,” since it’s “where he’s most at home. Even when he killed his child [Natalie] he was going backwards.”
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Felicia Rankin Character Timeline in The Children of Men

The timeline below shows where the character Felicia Rankin appears in The Children of Men. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 11
History, Mythology, and Memory Theme Icon
Fatalism and Despair vs. Action and Hope Theme Icon
Power and Ambition Theme Icon
...and the “universal grandmother” of the council, is in charge of Health, Science, and Recreation; Felicia Rankin, a distinguished lawyer, leads Home Affairs, which includes Housing and Transport; Carl Inglebach, Minister... (full context)
Chapter 12
History, Mythology, and Memory Theme Icon
Power and Ambition Theme Icon
...last met, or even spoke, he thought Theo “might like to meet [with] old friends.” Felicia remarks that Theo is not a friend, but an acquaintance, and that she never understood... (full context)
Fatalism and Despair vs. Action and Hope Theme Icon
Power and Ambition Theme Icon
...asking if a “murderous parade [is] what the Council means by security, comfort, [and] pleasure.” Felicia is aware that that particular Quietus was “mismanaged” and promises “appropriate action will be taken... (full context)
History, Mythology, and Memory Theme Icon
Fatalism and Despair vs. Action and Hope Theme Icon
Apocalypse: Revelation, Renewal, and Redemption Theme Icon
Power and Ambition Theme Icon
...Penal Colony, and whether Xan and the Council are aware of the dire conditions there. Felicia insists that Theo had “no objection” to the establishment of the Colony back when he... (full context)
Chapter 33
Fatalism and Despair vs. Action and Hope Theme Icon
Apocalypse: Revelation, Renewal, and Redemption Theme Icon
...members in and orders the Grenadiers to take Xan’s body away. Once inside, Harriet and Felicia approach Julian and the child. Harriet reaches out a finger, and the baby grasps it.... (full context)