This post continues the previous one by describing the characters in II Sam. 15.13-19.8. No story would be worth reading without characters to move the plot along; this narrative has quite a variety of them!
The protagonist of the story is David. His flight is the first action, the tension focuses on his return to the throne, the resolution focuses on his response to the situation. David is a round character. He shows a wide spectrum of emotion: fear, confidence and grief. He is real to us, genuine to the reader because he is believable. We see ourselves in him and sympathize with him.
The antagonist is Absalom. He opposes David, taking his throne, forcing him to flee and threatening a civil war. We see a drastic removal of the mask that Absalom wears. He begins with suavity and arrogance as he fleeces the people and steals the throne (II Sam. 15.1-6). In the middle, we see his true character: uncertainty and insecurity as he sits and struggles through contrasting warroom counsel (II Sam. 17.1, 5). He ends up following the advice that appeals to his pride, fear and weakness – even though it comes from a man who was loyal to David only hours earlier. The unmasking ends with Absalom’s panicked fear and helplessness as he hangs by his hair until he is killed (II Sam. 18.9, 14).
The second main movement of the story focuses on five people that cross paths with David as he flees. The first three of them show differing types of loyalty. The first character is Ittai the Gittite. David recommends that he leave and be safe. Ittai insists, however, that he accompany David and help defend him (II Sam. 15.21). Second, we encounter Abiathar, leading Zadok and the priests who were loyal to David and offering to bring the ark with David. David wisely refuses (knowing that the ark is not a talisman) and sends them back to their positions, enjoining them to keep him informed. The third loyal character is Hushai. He appears as a direct answer to prayer (II Sam. 15.31, 34). His loyalty to David actually motivates him to take the most dangerous position: infiltration of Absalom’s inner circle. It is Hushai’s advice to Absalom that saves David’s life (II Sam. 17.14).
David then meets two characters who are not loyal. Ziba lies and betrays his master Mephibosheth. He demonstrates greed, deceit and selfishness (II Sam. 16.1-4). Following this meeting, David happens across Shimei – a bitter man who openly curses David. David’s response to Christlike: instead of cursing back or even permitting retribution by his men, David submits the situation to God (II Sam. 16.9-12). These two men act as foils to David: in contrast to their deceit, greed and bitterness, David shows generosity, peace and forgiveness.
Two other characters play minor roles in this story. Ahithophel is Absalom’s loyal adviser. His accurate advice is ignored and in response (perhaps because he knew what would happen as Absalom followed Hushai’s advice) he commits suicide (II Sam. 16.23; 17.23). Joab is the other notable character – he murders Absalom. His coldness serves as a foil to David’s tenderness and grief (II Sam. 19.1-8).
As quickly becomes apparent, the people in this story provide a wide variety of characteristics, actions and qualities that instruct us in godliness. A little time and attention to the characters brings the story to life, letting us picture the action and setting the message more deeply in our hearts!