Eliza Schuyler

Characteristics:

• Eliza Schuyler is portrayed as loving, loyal, and compassionate. She is deeply devoted to her husband, Alexander Hamilton, and their family, often putting their needs above hers.

• For example, "Helpless, look into your eyes and the sky's the limit," reflects Eliza's deep love and admiration for Hamilton, showing how quickly she falls in love with him and how committed she is to their relationship.

  

• The quote "I'm erasing myself from the narrative" reveals Eliza's pain and strength. She distances herself from Hamilton after the Reynolds affair, indicating her resilience in the face of betrayal.

Development:

• Eliza's development throughout the musical is marked by her journey from a young, hopeful bride to a woman who faces immense personal trials, including her husband's infidelity and the loss of her son, Philip.
• Despite these hardships, Eliza shows incredible strength and forgiveness, particularly after Hamilton's death, when she decides to preserve his legacy. "I put myself back in the narrative," she says, demonstrating her decision to take control of how Hamilton's story and their shared life will be remembered.
• Eliza's evolution is one of growing independence and inner strength, culminating in her significant contributions to society, including establishing the first private orphanage in New York City.

Role in the Story:

• Eliza plays a central role as Hamilton's wife, providing emotional support and grounding him through the turbulent events of his life. Her love and loyalty are vital elements in Hamilton's personal story and the broader narrative of the musical.
• Eliza's role becomes especially crucial after Hamilton's death, as she dedicates herself to preserving his legacy. "I stop wasting time on tears, I live another fifty years," she sings, showing her determination to continue his work and ensure his contributions to the nation are not forgotten.
• Eliza's story represents themes of love, forgiveness, and legacy. Her actions highlight the importance of remembering and honouring the past, and she emerges as a guardian of Hamilton's memory, ensuring that his life's work lives on.