Lina Character Analysis in We the Animals

Lina is Ma’s coworker and boss at the local brewery, where Ma works nightshifts. When Paps leaves for a long period of time, Lina calls to find out why Ma isn’t coming to work, though Ma never answers the phone. Finally, Lina takes it upon herself to come to the house, bringing a bag of groceries that she gives to the boys before trying to console Ma, who weeps in her arms. As the boys watch, Lina kisses Ma all over her face before softly kissing her on the lips—something that deeply confuses the narrator and his brothers, though they don’t say anything about it.

Lina Character Timeline in We the Animals

The timeline below shows where the character Lina appears in We the Animals. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...meals of saltines, peanut butter, and other random provisions they find in the cupboards. Meanwhile, Lina—Ma’s supervisor—calls multiple times, wanting to know where she is. Finally, she decides to come over,... (full context)