Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Overview... a young man looking to make his mark. Fresh out of business school, Norville Barnes arrives at Hudsucker Industries with grandiose plans – and is shut down almost immediately. But while working in the mailroom, Norville gets his big break when he's called in to meet Sid Mussburger, the current head of Hudsucker. Not only does he save Mussburger's life, Norville also impresses him so much that he picks Norville to be the next head of Hudsucker Industries. Norville's blown away by the promotion, and despite the rumors and doubt about why he was chosen, he's ready to prove himself fit for the job.
Personality... plucky, idealistic, and naive. Growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Norville was voted "most likely to succeed" by his classmates, and he certainly believes them. However, while his strong work ethic and humility win him friends, Norville's small-town wholesomeness makes him an easy target for the far more cynical businessmen in New York City.
Get to Know him in...
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When Waring Hudsucker, head of hugely successful Hudsucker Industries, commits suicide, his board of directors, led by Sidney Mussberger, comes up with a brilliant plan to make a lot of money: appoint a moron to run the company. When the stock falls low enough, Sidney and friends can buy it up for pennies on the dollar, take over the company, and restore its fortunes. They choose idealistic Norville Barnes, who just started in the mail room. Norville is whacky enough to drive any company to ruin, but soon, tough reporter Amy Archer smells a rat and begins an undercover investigation of Hudsucker Industries.
