logo

49 pages 1 hour read

Adrienne Brodeur

Little Monsters

Adrienne BrodeurFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character Analysis

Abby Gardner

Described as “a bit rodent-like” by Steph (81), Abby is the protagonist of the novel. She works as an artist and teacher at the local high school. Abby was left on the beach on her own as a child while Adam and Ken went sailing together. Her artwork incorporates many of the objects she finds on the beach. She “would build neighborhoods out of seaweed, driftwood, shells, and whatever flotsam and jetsam she came across” (21). Her alone time proves essential for her growth as an artist and her independence as an adult. It propels her to spurn David’s efforts to marry her, instead choosing to maintain an affair with him after he marries Rebecca.

Abby briefly experienced artistic success and fame years earlier. Now, she stands on the edge of success again. Her work is deeply personal. Her painting Little Monster narrates Ken’s abuse, which her father ignored. Abby stands in contrast to her brother. She opens up when she is interviewed by a reporter from Art Observer and is willing to appear vulnerable, unlike her brother. She lists Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein as one of her influences during her interview.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 49 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools