How does Adichie effectively portray the protagonist, (fictional) Melania Trump, in this short story?
“The Arrangements” is a short story written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and one of the first works that were commissioned by, and for, The NY Times Book Review. The story depicts the lives of the Trumps through the eyes of Melania Trump, the current first lady who is often silent and stoic in the press. Adiche portrays Melania as a fully-fledged protagonist by delving deep into her internal thoughts and illuminating her struggles with her family.
Initially, Adiche establishes that the story is going to be told through the eyes of Melania Trump by illuminating her thoughts from the beginning. As she discusses with Tiffany we see “herself warming to Tiffany, perhaps more because the girl was leaving today. Tiffany was nice. Tiffany courted her. Tiffany acknowledged her power.” She prefers having the power, feeling in control of her life, and can change her opinions of others on a whim. By showing her internal thoughts and conflicts, Adiche develops Melania from a cryptic enigma that many readers often see in the news to a complex protagonist that thinks and ponders about her actions. This is further developed when she receives a text message from Donald that says “I’m leading in the latest poll. National! Nice!”, even though her response is short; “That is so great!” Adiche reveals a short paragraph of thinking behind her response. In the paragraph, Adiche reveals the insecurities in her relationship with Donald, that it was probably “what he had tweeted as well”, and by doing so Adiche explores the insecurities that Melania may conceal and her anxieties around it. In addition to this, the insecurities that plague the Trumps’ relationship are realistic, they are problems that readers can believe from watching the news, and so grounds the story in reality and makes Melania a grounded protagonist. The inner family conflicts reach a climax as Ivanka Trump is introduced, even the thought of Ivanka brings an “exquisite, slow-burning irritation” to Melania, presenting an opposing force to our protagonist. Ivanka is similar to Melania, in that she enjoys a luxurious lifestyle and understands how to talk to Donald, however, unlike Melania, she is adored by Donald and is given the highest authority when making decisions. By depicting Ivanka as an opposing force that is present throughout the story, Adiche presents a challenge to our protagonist, allowing the readers to root for her throughout the story and connect with her as the protagonist of the story.
Ultimately, Adiche delves deep into Melania’s internal thoughts and illuminates her conflicts within the family to present her as a multi-dimensional protagonist that readers can understand to navigate through the complex power dynamics of the Trump family.