Stuart Whitworth, Jr. Character Analysis

The son of a prominent segregationist senator, Stuart courts Skeeter throughout the novel. Stuart’s recent break-up with his fiancée Patricia shakes him to the core, making him drink heavily and insult those around him. What depresses Stuart the most is the shame he feels for breaking-up with Patricia in order not to hurt his father’s political campaign, showing that he values what his parents think of him over the possibility for love. But Stuart is also kind, providing support and motivation to Skeeter to keep writing. Ultimately, however, he’s too invested in the racist status-quo of Mississippi to see the value of Skeeter’s book and breaks up with her because, once again, he fears it may hurt his father’s political ambitions. Still a loyal man, Stuart does not tell anyone about Skeeter’s book.