Charlotte
Selton is loosely based on the independent urban women who supported the Patriots
through various home-based efforts, although Charlotte is not shown conducting
any such efforts herself. When Benjamin
Martin goes off to war to keep an eye on his oldest son, Gabriel,
Charlotte acts as a surrogate parent to her nieces and nephews in his absence.
Her sister Elizabeth
had died of illness in 1773.
The relationship between Charlotte and Benjamin is restrained and reduced to
nothing more than glances and awkward smiles. Based on that, it's nearly unbelievable
when their first onscreen attempt at a discussion of their feelings results
in a kiss. I don't know if scenes developing the relationship better were left
on the cutting room floor, or the filmmakers hought that the emotion of Gabriel
and Anne's
wedding would be sufficient explanation for the sudden appearance of passion.
In either case, she and Benjamin marry and the final scene shows her with child
as they begin rebuilding the Martin farmhouse.
