Slaughter Post #3

Males:

1.) Adam Stanton: Adam Stanton is an easy choice for the most morally sound character in All the Kings Men. Despite his impressive talents as both a surgeon and pianist, he doesn't use these abilities to acquire material things. He instead has devoted his whole life to helping others and making the world a better place. He even agrees to be in charge of Willie's newly constructed hospital (even though he hates Willie and his corrupt ways) because he realizes it presents a great opportunity for him to help lots of people.

2.) Willie Talos: Many would question Willie's character due to the large number of corrupt political tactics he often employs, but it is important to look at what these questionable strategies achieved. While Willie may take and give bribes and dig for dirt on his political opponents and blackmail them, he accomplished a huge number of things for the lower class of Louisiana. I view him as somewhat of a Robin Hood of the South, with his construction of roads, hospitals, etc. all helping out the common people of his state. In short, his good deeds FAR outweigh his bad ones.


3.) Judge Irwin: After much digging, Jack discovers that early in his life Judge Irwin took a bribe while in a tough financial situation. Despite this, he is still an honorable character throughout the course of the book. He refuses to become entangled in the affairs of corrupt politicians, instead choosing to remain neutral and make unbiased decisions. Even though he made a mistake early in life (one that many would have made given his tough financial circumstances), the Judge displays exemplary behavior throughout the rest of the book.

4.) Tiny Duffy: Tiny Duffy is an absolutely despicable character. He does whatever it takes to stay in power, sacrificing his morals, dignity, and pride all in favor of money and power. While his dedication to power is admirable, he is overall disgusting as a human being.


Females:

Lucy Talos: Lucy Talos is an admirable and exemplary wife. Even though Willie drinks and cheats on her constantly, she stays by his side in order to keep her family together. She is not afraid to call Willie out sometimes (even though it usually accomplishes nothing). Her loyalty to Willie is truly admirable and her dedication to her family makes her one of the most morally sound characters in the whole book.


Sadie Burk: Sadie Burk is another woman who exhibits admirable dedication to Willie. As his secretary, she knows about all the corruption and shady political actions that go on in his life but continues to aid him. She is the glue that holds Willie together and without her he would truly be lost. Despite these positive traits, she is having an affair with Willie and hopes that Willie will leave Lucy for her, which places her morally below Mrs. Talos.


Annabelle Trice: Similar to Tiny Duffy, Annabelle Trice seemingly possesses no human soul. She constantly cheats on her husband with Cass Mastern, and after her husband discovers this he kills himself. Annabelle seems fairly unaffected, then proceeds to sell the slave who discovered the affair (separating the slave from her family in the process). Annabelle is in general a horrible person, not just for her actions but also because she seems to show no remorse for them later.