Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… in the Caribbean, impoverished and abandoned at age ten by his father. After his mother died, he lived with his cousin, who subsequently committed suicide. Left to fend for himself, he eventually was able to gather enough money from his brilliant writing works and sail to America.
Living… in New York City, with the American Revolution overhanging and conflict beginning to brew. Hamilton befriends and starts to work alongside Aaron Burr, John Laurens, Hercules Mulligan, and Marquis de Lafayette.
Profession… an aide-de-campe. Requested by General George Washington, Hamilton works as Washington’s secretary, or “righthand man.” He accepts the position rather hesitantly, as he dreams of being a higher-ranking soldier in order to be a legacy. As he says, “I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or rise up.”
Interests… helping shape America and being remembered. Hamilton is not afraid to put his life on the line if it means that he will die a hero.
Relationship Status… married to Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler, the second daughter of a wealthy American general. Alexander deeply loves Eliza, but he admires other women as well, including Eliza’s sister Angelica.
Challenge… slowing down. Desiring to achieve fame and glory as quickly as possible, Hamilton rushes into things, often acting impulsively. Hamilton needs to redefine his definition of “legacy” and sift through his priorities to be able to settle down, which will help him appreciate the smaller things in life.
Personality… witty, fast-paced, and determined. Hamilton refuses to back down from a fight and will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. No matter how much he does or how far up the social and political ladder he climbs, he always wants to do more. As he sings: “there’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait.”