The Power

The Power

by

Naomi Alderman

Roxy’s mother Character Analysis

At the beginning of the novel, Roxy’s mom is murdered by two men in Primrose’s gang while Roxy is present. Roxy spends much of the book trying to avenge everyone who had been involved in her murder. At the end of the book, it is revealed that Bernie is actually the one who orchestrated her murder because she had been selling secrets about his business.
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Roxy’s mother Character Timeline in The Power

The timeline below shows where the character Roxy’s mother appears in The Power. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3: Roxy
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Two men break into Roxy’s home while she and her mother are there. It’s clear the men didn’t expect Roxy to be home, as one says... (full context)
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Roxy’s mother starts screaming, and Roxy breaks out of the closet. She catches the tall man with... (full context)
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Corruption Theme Icon
...He grabs her wrists, forces her to her knees, and knocks her out as Roxy’s mother begs him not to do it. When Roxy wakes, her face is pressed into the... (full context)
Chapter 8: Roxy
Power and Violence Theme Icon
...she’s always wanted the power to hurt people like he has. A year after Roxy’s mother’s death, Bernie tells Roxy that he and Roxy’s half-brothers (Terry, Ricky, and Darrell) are ready... (full context)
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Corruption Theme Icon
...him, grabbing his ankle and electrifying him several times. He screams. He realizes who Roxy’s mother is and apologizes that she saw it happen: he tells her that Newland said she... (full context)
Chapter 14: Roxy
Corruption Theme Icon
...felt like to kill Primrose. She admits it felt good to get vengeance for her mother. Darrell says, “I wish I could do it.” (full context)
Chapter 24: Roxy
Power and Violence Theme Icon
...a name catches her eye: Detective Newland, a cop. She remembers Primrose’s words about Roxy’s mother’s murder: “Newland said you weren’t going to be home.” (full context)
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Corruption Theme Icon
...swimming pool. Roxy sits at the edge of the pool, and Newland realizes who Roxy’s mother was. Roxy gives Newland a hard jolt, admits she intends to kill him, and tells... (full context)
Corruption Theme Icon
...Bernie’s, Darrell points a loaded gun at him. Bernie tells Roxy that he loved Roxy’s mother, but that someone paid her off to leak information about his operation, and so he... (full context)