Randy’s Mom Character Analysis in The Last Lecture

Randy’s mom is a tough, old-school English teacher who had high expectations, and Randy considers her high expectations to be part of his good fortune in life. She is a Christian who believes kids should work hard, look at themselves honestly, and that people should generally be kind, charitable and resourceful. She and Randy’s Dad founded a dormitory in Thailand for girls who wanted to avoid prostitution and remain in school.

Randy’s Mom Character Timeline in The Last Lecture

The timeline below shows where the character Randy’s Mom appears in The Last Lecture. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...was able to live out his childhood dream is because of his amazing parents. Randy’s mom is a strict, tough English teacher, and Randy says her high expectations were part of... (full context)

Teaching, Learning, and Feedback Loops Theme Icon

...because you’re in the driver’s seat… doesn’t mean you have to run people over.” Randy’s mom, on the other hand, sees it as her mission to keep Randy’s cockiness in check.... (full context)

...his father (who “loved to watch the spark of enthusiasm turn into fireworks”), but his mother wasn’t so sure, though she relented in the face of Randy’s excitement. For two days,... (full context)

...late 70’s, Randy also wrote, “Disco sucks!” over his door, and the only alteration his mom made was painting over the word “sucks.” When Randy showed them his room, his mother... (full context)

The Principal called Randy’s parents, and Randy’s mom said she would let Randy’s dad handle it. When he got home from work and... (full context)

...that he didn’t think Jai meant it. Randy asked what he should do, and his mom told him to just “Be supportive… If you love her, support her.” (full context)

Randy’s mom always calls him Randolph, even though he hates that name. As a teen, Randy confronted... (full context)

...tipping back the chair at his dining room table. When Randy went back home his Mom would always yell that he was going to break it. Randy liked doing it, so... (full context)

Randy has always felt the need to be prepared. When he was seven-years-old, Randy’s mom took him to the grocery store, and when they got to the checkout counter she... (full context)

...totally giddy. They gave the present to their parents, told them the story, and Randy’s mom and dad were especially impressed by Disney’s customer service. This impressive customer service, Randy claims,... (full context)

...measure profits and losses. On every level, institutions can and should have a heart.” Randy’s mom still has that $100,000 salt-and-pepper-shaker. (full context)