Characterization in Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee is superior to that of Turn Homeward, Hannalee. In Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee, Beatty studies Hannalee's family life and her struggle to make a place for herself in Atlanta. In the previous book, her adventures in the North were emphasized, and other characters were not sketched in detail, but in Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee the emphasis is not on adventure but on how relationships are important to personal survival. Thus, several characters besides Hannalee are presented in detail.

Her interactions with these characters help to make Hannalee a fully rounded character. She is a strong person; her accepting of the challenge of finding work and making a living shows that.

Her admirable qualities include courage, compassion, love of family, loyalty to friends, and a love of learning. Beatty also develops her negative traits, including allowing her hatred of...