Two orphans cross paths and find out they are more similar than they realized. Both Molly and Vivian felt out of place and unwelcome in their foster homes. In Christina Baker Kline’s novel, Orphan Train, she uses characterization to show how two orphans struggling with identity and trauma help each other feel welcomed and loved. Seventeen-year-old Molly has constantly struggled with herself and fitting in, when she meets Vivian, who welcomes her in and makes her feel comfortable within herself. At the beginning of the novel, the author states, “When something does go right, she hardly knows what to think” Kline pg 4. Molly doesn’t believe that anything good can happen to her, and she is living in a constant struggle. Over the period of time, …show more content…
Molly becomes eager to go to Vivian’s house and admits she has a “growing relationship with Vivian” and even finds a quicker ride to her house after school (Kline p 172). When Molly and Dina get into an argument about money and how having Molly around causes a burden. The author emphasizes Dina’s emotions when she yells “I want her out. OUT” Kline pg 208. Even though Molly was kicked out, Vivian still accepted her in. Once Molly arrives, Vivian “settles Molly in a red wingback” Kline, pg 216. The two talk and eventually Molly moves in with Vivian. Molly grows as a human, and begins to feel comfortable in her own skin. Molly is able to help Vivian continue to thrive in her new relationship. They both continue to support each other, and find comfort within the other. After spending large amounts of time together and opening up to each other about their past, Molly reveals to Vivian that she found important information from her past. Vivian was an orphan that came from Ireland and, so she thought, lost all her family in a fire. After sharing her information with Molly, she does research into Vivian’s past. Molly points out “there happened to be a family reunion blog.