Trapped in the attic, the Dollanganger children each cope differently with their imprisonment. Chris becomes their protector, Cathy grows into a determined survivor, Cory weakens under the strain, and Carrie is left heartbroken by his loss. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Casper comforts the family with stories and imagination while quietly carrying the burden of fears and changes he understands far too well for his age.

Cory is often described as the quieter, more sensitive twin and is talented in music.

Carrie is cheerful and affectionate as a child, but Cory’s death changes her deeply and leaves lasting emotional scars.

• Flowers in the Attic is narrated by Cathy, so most events are filtered through her perspective. Cathy later becomes both a professional ballerina and a writer

Chris is exceptionally intelligent and dreams of becoming a doctor. During their captivity, he acts as the protector and caretaker of his siblings. He eventually fulfills his dream and becomes a physician.

Corrine Foxworth Dollanganger

Many readers view Corrine as one of V. C. Andrews’ most infamous villains because she gradually chooses wealth and social status over her children. What makes her unsettling is that she begins the story appearing loving and devoted before revealing a much darker side.

Their Family Secret

One of the biggest revelations is that the children’s father, Christopher Sr., was actually Corrine’s half-uncle. Malcolm Foxworth considered their marriage a disgrace, which is why Corrine was disowned. This secret drives much of the story’s conflict.

Olivia Foxworth

The grandmother, Olivia Foxworth, is more complicated than she first appears. Later books and the prequel novel explore her strict upbringing, unhappy marriage, and the reasons she became so cold and religiously severe. Interesting Name Detail

Many fans have noticed that the family surname, “Dollanganger,” resembles the word “doll.” The children are often described as beautiful, almost perfect-looking blond children, which ties into recurring imagery of dolls and appearances throughout the novel.

A Lesser-Known Fact

V. C. Andrews hinted that the story was inspired by an account she had heard about children being hidden away for years, leading to decades of rumors that the novel had a basis in real events.