Last night the lucky people in the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York were extremely fortunate to witness the final performance of Hamilton with the 3 original leads. As of this morning Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr and Phillipa Soo have passed the torch to 3 lucky new stars.
It’s a sad time for every Hamilton fangirl like myself. I will never get the chance to see these actors in these roles on stage (though the chance of that happening regardless was pretty slim). But I like to remind myself this is a natural process in the world of theatre. I’m going to compare it to Doctor Who – the show goes on, the actors are just always changing. Plus, we all know they taped the entire performance not too long ago. I am just waiting for them to tell me how I can watch this. I, along with so many others, will pay money to see that.
To celebrate the passing of the torches of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Elizabeth Schuyler, I think it’s time for another installment in my historical fangirl series: A Fangirl’s Guide to the Characters of Hamilton: Part I.
Alexander Hamilton
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Game of Thrones House: Stark
Divergent Faction: Erudite
Quidditch Position: Seeker
Alexander Hamilton is the star of the show and is currently the most famous Founding Father. Born out of wedlock in the West Indies and orphaned as a child, Alexander was able to rise up and become the first Secretary of the Treasury for the United States. He was largely able to do this because he was brilliant. Alexander was recognized early on for his abilities and talent; he was ambitious and smart. He was a writer and he was never satisfied. Alexander was one of the first people George Washington chose for his cabinet.
Alexander’s ambitious nature and ability with the quill make me wonder whether he should be in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. But he is also courageous and brave and loving. Himself and his rise are his number one priority but he does love Eliza and his country. A lot of his actions are defined by how much he cares about these two things. As for Game of Thrones, Alexander was well respected and generally liked until he pushed it too far and made mistakes, which triggered a series of unfortunate events and a similar downfall to the Starks.
Aaron Burr
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
Game of Thrones House: Lannister
Divergent Faction: Erudite
Quidditch Position: Seeker
Aaron Burr is the villain of our story and that in itself classifies him as a Slytherin. But Aaron is much more complicated than just that. At his height he was elected a United States senator and became Thomas Jefferson’s vice-president. To some he is the worst US vice-president, but he also worked to abolish slavery and promote children’s education. Aaron is most famously remembered for his deadly duel with Alexander Hamilton. Throughout Alexander’s life, Aaron Burr was his rival and nemesis. He was a master politician and skilled parliamentarian, but more than that, he wanted power. Alexander predicted that if Aaron gained power, his leadership would be for personal gain, and not to preserve the Constitution.
Many feel sympathy for Aaron Burr during Hamilton, but based on history there’s no denying he’s a Slytherin and Lannister. And naturally I want Aaron and Alexander to be seekers, preferably on competing teams. Let’s see who wins this duel.
Elizabeth Schuyler/Hamilton
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Game of Thrones House: Stark
Divergent Faction: Candor
Quidditch Position: Chaser
Elizabeth Schuyler has to be one of the nicest characters in Hamilton. She is charitable, forgiving and kind, and she has a great heart and so much courage. I think these are Gryffindor characteristics. Eliza is smitten with Alexander early on and the two of them are married during the Revolutionary War.
Eliza is strong and brave. Eliza knew what she wanted and went for it… but she’s also forgiving. As the show progresses she experiences a number of extreme hardships and devastating losses but she perseveres. Eliza Hamilton lives another 50 years and the list of what she accomplishes in the time is incredible. She loves Alexander and through it all she is driven by her honour to tell his story. I struggled with her Game of Thrones house. But I ultimately classified her as a Tully. Their motto of, “Family, Duty, Honor,” fits Eliza perfectly.
I hope you enjoyed A Fangirl’s Guide to the Characters of Hamilton: Part I! There are a number of supporting characters in the Hamilton story, so stayed tuned for Part II at a later date.
Till next time,
Justine Alyssa
