Precious (Clareece Precious Jones)
Protagonist of 'Precious' (2009 film); symbol of resilience against trauma
Clareece 'Precious' Jones is the central character of the 2009 film 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire,' adapted from Sapphire's 1996 novel 'Push.' Portrayed powerfully by Gabourey Sidibe, Precious is a 16-year-old girl living in Harlem, New York during the 1980s, navigating an extraordinarily difficult existence marked by poverty, physical and sexual abuse from her mother and father, teen pregnancy (having already given birth to a child with Down syndrome fathered by her abusive father), and functional illiteracy despite being school-age. The narrative follows her transformative journey as she enrolls in an alternative school, develops relationships with supportive educators, and begins to rebuild her sense of self-worth and agency. Her character arc represents triumph over systemic oppression and personal trauma, ultimately achieving literacy, emotional growth, and hope for a better future. The film was critically acclaimed and brought significant attention to issues of urban poverty, abuse, and education inequality, with Sidibe's performance earning numerous award nominations.
Fictional Character
American
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009 film)
Thinking about the name
Precious
English origin
“An English virtue name drawn directly from the adjective meaning of great value and rarity. Precious emerged in African American and Caribbean communities during the 20th century as an affectionate and affirming choice, celebrating a child's worth beyond material measure. The name carries warmth, pride, and intimate tenderness.”