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Welcome to our in-depth character analysis of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This captivating novel takes readers on a journey through the glamorous yet complex world of Old Hollywood, revolving around the life of the enigmatic Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo.
As we delve into the intricate web of relationships and emotions woven throughout the story, in this blog post we’ll explore the multifaceted personalities of the main characters and the impact they have on Evelyn’s life and legacy.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Character List
- Evelyn Hugo:
- The novel’s protagonist and a Hollywood legend. Beautiful, ambitious, and savvy, Evelyn presents a false persona to the public. She conceals her bisexuality and enters into seven marriages of convenience. At the end of her life, she opens up about her true love story with fellow actress Celia St. James.
- Celia St. James:
- A talented actress and the love of Evelyn’s life. Young and emotional, Celia quickly falls for Evelyn. Throughout their decades-long relationship, she struggles with the choices Evelyn makes to protect their careers and hide their sexuality. They find peace together before Celia’s passing.
- Monique Grant:
- A struggling writer and Evelyn’s interviewer. Lacking confidence, Monique seizes the opportunity to interview Evelyn, leading to personal and professional growth. She learns the truth about her father’s death and gains more confidence in herself and her desires.
- Harry Cameron:
- Evelyn’s producer, best friend, and Connor’s father. He discovers Evelyn and forms a close friendship that eventually turns into a loving platonic marriage. Harry hides his sexuality and is the only one Evelyn confides in about her bisexuality. He guides and supports her throughout her life.
- Don Adler:
- An actor and Evelyn’s first love and second husband. Charming but abusive, Don becomes jealous of Evelyn’s success and pushes her to quit acting. They reconcile years later and star in a film together.
- Connor Cameron:
- Harry and Evelyn’s daughter, cherished by both her parents. She struggles with her father’s death and her relationship with her mother during her teenage years. Connor tragically dies of breast cancer at the age of 41.
- Max Girard:
- A French director and Evelyn’s sixth husband. Passionate and creative, Max and Evelyn have a creative partnership before they marry. However, Evelyn soon realizes that Max is more in love with the idea of her than her true self.
- John Braverman:
- A football player, Harry’s lover, and Celia’s husband. Kind and generous, John becomes an integral part of Evelyn’s unconventional family.
- Rex North:
- An actor and Evelyn’s fourth husband. Savvy and unflappable, Rex marries Evelyn for business purposes, and their relationship remains platonic.
- James Grant:
- Harry’s lover and Monique’s father. James hid his sexuality from his family and had a loving, companionable marriage with Monique’s mother. Evelyn frames James for a car accident that ended his and Harry’s lives, though it was Harry’s fault.
- Ernie Diaz:
- Evelyn’s first husband, whom she marries to get a ride to Hollywood. She divorces him when the studio asks her to.
- Robert Jamison:
- Celia’s brother and Evelyn’s seventh and final husband. They marry so that Evelyn can inherit Celia’s estate after her death. Robert plays a fatherly role in Connor’s life, and she adores him.
- Mick Riva:
- A rockstar and Evelyn’s third husband. Rash and self-involved, Mick and Evelyn marry and divorce on the same day to dispel rumors about her relationship with Celia.
- Monique’s Mom:
- Monique’s loving and enthusiastic mother, eager to hear about Monique’s interview with Evelyn.
- David:
- Monique’s estranged husband who left her to move to San Francisco.
- Grace:
- Evelyn’s assistant, treated like a daughter by Evelyn.
- Luisa:
- Evelyn’s maid, with whom she initially has a rocky start but eventually cherishes.
- Ruby Reilly:
- An actress and Evelyn’s co-star in “Little Women.” Jealous and striving, Ruby outs Celia to Evelyn. She later reveals that Don abused her, similar to Evelyn.
- Evelyn’s Mother:
- A chorus girl and aspiring actor. Evelyn’s loving mother died when she was eleven, and her dream of acting was driven by her mother’s unfulfilled ambitions.
- Evelyn’s Father:
- Evelyn’s abusive father, from whom she escapes at a young age.
- Frankie:
- Monique’s editor at Vivant, driven and no-nonsense.
- Ari Sullivan:
- A producer involved with underage girls. Evelyn sleeps with Ari to secure her first significant roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the characters in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” based on? The characters in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” are entirely fictional creations by the author, Taylor Jenkins Reid. They are not based on real individuals and represent unique personalities crafted for the novel.
- Who is the true love of Evelyn Hugo? The true love of Evelyn Hugo is Celia St. James. Throughout the novel, their relationship is portrayed as a deep and enduring love, despite the challenges they face in keeping it a secret from the public.
- Who are the husbands in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”? The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as mentioned in the title, are: Don Adler (first love and second husband), Mick Riva (third husband), Rex North (fourth husband), Harry Cameron (fifth husband), Max Girard (sixth husband), and Robert Jamison (seventh and final husband).
- Is there LGBTQ+ representation in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”? Yes, the novel features LGBTQ+ representation, primarily through the character of Evelyn Hugo herself. Evelyn is bisexual, and her romantic relationship with Celia St. James, another woman, is a significant aspect of the story.
- How does the novel address LGBTQ+ themes and issues? “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” explores LGBTQ+ themes by portraying the challenges and sacrifices Evelyn Hugo faces in concealing her bisexual identity to protect her career and reputation in the conservative environment of Old Hollywood. The novel also delves into the complexities of LGBTQ+ relationships in a society that might not be accepting of such connections.
- What are some other important themes explored in the novel? In addition to LGBTQ+ themes, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” delves into themes such as fame, ambition, identity, love, sacrifice, domestic abuse, family dynamics, and the price of success in the glamorous world of Hollywood.
- How does the character of Monique Grant impact Evelyn Hugo’s story? Monique Grant, the struggling writer and interviewer, serves as a narrative device through which the story of Evelyn Hugo’s life unfolds. Monique’s interactions with Evelyn and her journey of personal growth add depth to the overall narrative.
- Does the novel address the historical and social context of Old Hollywood? Yes, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is set in the backdrop of Old Hollywood, and it incorporates elements of the era, including the glitz and glamour, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry.
- Are there any trigger warnings for sensitive content in the novel? Yes, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” contains themes of domestic abuse, infidelity, and terminal illness, which may be triggering for some readers.
Character Analysis
Monique Grant
Monique Grant, a native of LA turned New York reporter, assumes the role of both narrator and interviewer in the captivating narrative. As a biracial woman with “light brown skin” and “an abundance of face freckles,” she has spent her life searching for representation and a reflection of her identity.
The sudden loss of her father at the tender age of 8 leaves her feeling disconnected from her black heritage, struggling to see herself as whole.
Her father serves as Monique’s greatest inspiration; a black man in the 1980s, he transformed his passion for photography into a successful career. In a bid to follow his example, Monique discovers her own passion for writing, yet she battles insecurity and allows herself to be overlooked. She even marries a man who lacks literary knowledge to safeguard her self-image as a writer.
However, Monique’s life takes a transformative turn when she crosses paths with Evelyn, leading her to understand her true worth and learn to demand what she deserves.
Through Evelyn’s guidance, Monique realizes the importance of putting herself first and asks, “Why shouldn’t it be me who comes out on top?” By asserting herself, she stands up to her boss and ends her marriage, embodying Evelyn’s lessons of choosing personal happiness.
As her journey progresses, Monique becomes a parallel to Evelyn; both women grapple with reconciling seemingly conflicting aspects of their identities. Their unexpected connection through the death of James Grant accentuates their contrasting personalities while revealing underlying similarities. While Monique disagrees with Evelyn’s lifelong deception and greed, she empathizes with the need to protect loved ones.
Throughout the narrative, Monique’s growth as a character exemplifies the power of self-discovery and the significance of acknowledging one’s value. As she transforms into a stronger, more assertive individual, Monique’s evolution reflects the overarching theme of the novel, celebrating the complexities of identity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Evelyn Hugo
Evelyn Hugo is a former Hollywood starlet from the 1960s, whose desire to release a tell-all biography marks the end of her life. Born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen, with Cuban roots, Evelyn’s early years were marked by financial struggles after her mother’s passing, leaving her in the care of an abusive father.
As she blossomed into a beautiful young woman, she attracted unwanted attention from men, prompting her to use her allure, intelligence, and determination to pave her way to Hollywood. Her rise to stardom was swift, fueled by her undeniable beauty and ability to captivate the media.
Yet, fame came at a cost, leading Evelyn to conceal her true identity and Cuban heritage behind the facade of a bombshell. From a young age, she learned to view sex as a means of control, a notion that shaped her perception of success in manipulating men.
However, her life takes a significant turn when she falls in love with Celia, another actress, making her realize the harm caused by her carefully crafted image. Through her love for Celia, Evelyn learns the importance of self-acceptance and embracing the complexities of her identity, realizing that fame and fortune mean nothing if one’s heart is broken.
In the novel, Evelyn’s most crucial role revolves around her contemplation of morality and truth. While she never claims to be entirely good, she refuses to regret her past choices, which were often driven by a need to protect herself and her loved ones. Her character lies somewhere between good and bad, and it is this moral ambiguity that makes her a fitting representation of truth.
Having built her entire identity on falsehoods, Evelyn’s embrace of the truth, however harsh it may be, allows the novel to explore the complexities and dilemmas that accompany it, rather than favoring a more comforting lie.
Celia St. James
Celia, the love of Evelyn’s life, hails from a wealthy family in Georgia and is discovered as a teenager, whisked away to Hollywood. With her captivating blue eyes, ‘strawberry-red hair,’ and a ‘girl-next-door kind of face,’ Celia possesses a beauty that exudes a potent ‘accessibility’ (86-87).
Initially, when Evelyn meets her, she perceives this charm and feels a tinge of resentment towards Celia. However, over time, Evelyn grows fond of Celia’s candidness and sweet nature. As characters, Celia acts as a foil to Evelyn; while Evelyn is cynical and secretive, Celia is idealistic and vulnerable.
Their most significant contrast lies in Celia’s wish to be open about her identity, while Evelyn strives to preserve her lifestyle by staying in the closet. As they age, they begin to understand each other’s perspectives, validating the reasons behind their respective concerns.
Similar to Evelyn, Celia’s morality exists in shades of gray. She struggles with resentment over Evelyn’s past relationships with men and often refuses to acknowledge Evelyn’s bisexuality. At times, she can be cruel, targeting Evelyn’s insecurities.
However, Evelyn cherishes this aspect of Celia because she recognizes these same traits within herself: ‘[S]omeone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly’ (251).”
Harry Cameron
Harry Cameron plays multiple roles in Evelyn’s life: he is her ex-husband, best friend, the father of her child, and her producer. Their connection begins when Harry discovers Evelyn while working for Sunset and helps her rise to stardom. They form a close bond based on shared ambitions, a love for money, and a passion for creating quality films.
However, Harry carries a secret throughout his life – he is gay and chooses to live in the closet. It takes him considerable time to come out to Evelyn, although she had already known the truth for a while. Despite their romantic relationship coming to an end, Harry remains an integral part of Evelyn’s family as the platonic love of her life.
Through the lens of Harry and Evelyn’s relationship, the text delves into the intricacies of chosen and unconventional family dynamics. Their daughter, Conner, benefits from this unique setup, being raised by two loving queer parents who share an unconditional bond, even if not romantically involved.
Like Evelyn and Celia, Harry’s character contributes to the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity; he loves wholeheartedly and selflessly, yet his struggles with alcohol lead to a fatal drunk driving accident that claims the life of James, the man he loves.
This final tragic decision casts a shadow on Harry’s virtuous qualities, but it does not erase the good he had done in his lifetime. Instead, Harry’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder that even remarkable individuals can make devastating mistakes—an idea that resonates with Evelyn’s own complex moral legacy.
Final thoughts
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a masterful work that not only enthralls readers with its captivating characters but also offers a poignant exploration of identity, love, and sacrifice.
Evelyn Hugo’s journey from Hollywood icon to a woman who embraces her true self leaves a lasting impression on readers. The novel’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in the backdrop of Old Hollywood adds depth and relevance to its narrative.
Through this character analysis, I hope you gained a deeper understanding of the novel’s central figures, their motivations, and the intricate connections that drive the storyline!
Happy reading! ❤️