Tarrou: A Bold Character

The audience believes that Dr. Rieux is unchanging in his beliefs and perceptions and this could very well be true. However, an old character is brought into the spotlight through new actions and behavior and he, could possible be a new character that can help Oran return back to the conditions it was once in- this character is Tarrou. Tarrou is a reoccurring character that befriends Dr. Rieux during the plague after finding himself lonely. After becoming friend with Dr. Rieux, Tarrou realizes the severity of the plague and begin drawing up efforts or plans to restore his town of Oran. Tarrou also begins configuring ways in which to seek out more volunteers that can contribute to the well being of the society. Furthermore, Tarrou is a character that efficiently highlights the worries of his friend, Dr. Rieux. In this section, it is easy for readers to get lost and become confused with the main character, Dr. Rieux beliefs and desires. However, because of Tarrou is seemingly inquisitive of Rieux’s perceptions, the audience is able to remain connected him. I agree with Lauren Schrager, in that Tarrou serves as a useful transition between the conditions that were described in the novel and the worries of the townspeople. Through Tarrou, Camus gives the audience a better understanding of the fears of the townspeople and that is the death of all the people of Oran. I believe that Jean Tarrou is a useful character to the author that can further emphasize or translate further occurrences in the novel that Camus wants the audience to understand.