Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Martine | Protagonist |
| Ben | Martine's best friend |
| Tendai | Martine's cousin |
| Grace | Martine's grandmother |
| Liam | Wildlife photographer |
| Mbuno | Safari guide |
| Sawubona | African elephant |
Role Identification
The book "Dolphin Song" by Lauren St. John features a diverse cast of characters who play significant roles in Martine's journey. Martine is the protagonist, a young girl with a special connection to animals. Ben is Martine's best friend, providing support and companionship throughout her adventures. Tendai is Martine's cousin, who joins her on her quest. Grace, Martine's grandmother, is a wise and nurturing presence in her life. Liam is a wildlife photographer who assists Martine in her mission. Mbuno, a safari guide, offers guidance and expertise. Lastly, Sawubona, an African elephant, plays a pivotal role in Martine's journey.
Character Descriptions
Martine is a brave and curious young girl with a deep love for animals. She has long, dark hair and expressive brown eyes, reflecting her passion and determination. Ben, Martine's best friend, is an adventurous and loyal companion. He has sandy hair and a mischievous smile. Tendai, Martine's cousin, is a thoughtful and intelligent boy with a warm smile. Grace, Martine's grandmother, is an older woman with a kind face and a wealth of knowledge about animals and their connections to the world.
Liam, the wildlife photographer, is a rugged and experienced individual. He has a rugged appearance, with a beard and weathered skin from his time spent in nature. Mbuno, the safari guide, is a wise and patient man with a deep understanding of the African wilderness. Sawubona, the African elephant, is a majestic and gentle creature with intelligent eyes and a strong presence.
Character Traits
Martine embodies several key traits throughout the book. She is courageous, showing bravery in the face of danger and adversity. Martine is also compassionate, displaying empathy and understanding towards animals and people alike. She is determined, never giving up on her mission to protect wildlife. Martine is resourceful, finding creative solutions to challenges she encounters. Lastly, she is curious, always seeking knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
Ben is adventurous, always eager to explore new places and take risks. He is loyal, standing by Martine's side no matter the circumstances. Tendai is intelligent, using his knowledge to help Martine unravel mysteries and solve problems. Grace is wise, sharing her wisdom and guiding Martine on her journey.
Liam is patient, allowing Martine to learn and grow at her own pace. He is also knowledgeable, providing valuable insights into the world of wildlife photography. Mbuno is experienced, drawing from years of guiding safaris to navigate the African wilderness. Sawubona is gentle and protective, displaying a deep sense of loyalty towards Martine.
Character Background
Martine grew up in a small coastal town, where she lived with her grandmother, Grace. Her parents tragically died when she was young, leaving her with a sense of loss and longing for a deeper connection. Martine discovered her unique ability to communicate with animals, particularly horses, which led her on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
Ben has been Martine's best friend since childhood. He shares her love for animals and is always ready to embark on exciting escapades with her. Tendai is Martine's cousin, visiting from Zimbabwe and adding an international perspective to her adventures.
Grace, Martine's grandmother, is a wise and loving figure who raised Martine after her parents' death. She instilled in Martine a deep appreciation for the natural world and taught her the importance of preserving wildlife. Liam is a wildlife photographer who has spent years traveling the world, capturing breathtaking images of animals in their natural habitats.
Mbuno has dedicated his life to guiding safaris and sharing his knowledge of the African wilderness. Sawubona is an African elephant who forms a special bond with Martine and becomes an integral part of her journey.
Character Arcs
Martine's character arc in "Dolphin Song" is one of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. At the beginning of the story, she is a curious and compassionate young girl with a special connection to animals. As she embarks on her journey to save the dolphins, she faces numerous challenges that test her courage and determination. Through these experiences, Martine learns to trust herself and her instincts, ultimately gaining the confidence to make a difference in the world.
Ben's character arc revolves around friendship and loyalty. He starts as Martine's best friend, always by her side. Throughout the story, Ben learns to be more independent and develop his own strengths. He becomes an invaluable companion to Martine, supporting her in her quest to protect the dolphins.
Tendai's character arc explores the theme of family and identity. As Martine's cousin, he initially joins her out of curiosity and a desire for adventure. However, as they face challenges together, Tendai discovers his own connection to the natural world and realizes the importance of preserving wildlife for future generations.
Relationships
Martine and Ben share a deep bond of friendship. They have been inseparable since childhood, always supporting and encouraging each other. Their relationship is characterized by trust, loyalty, and a shared love for animals.
Martine's relationship with Tendai evolves throughout the story. Initially, they are distant cousins who barely know each other. However, as they embark on their adventure, they develop a strong bond and become like siblings. Their shared experiences and challenges strengthen their connection.
Martine's relationship with her grandmother, Grace, is filled with love and wisdom. Grace serves as a mentor and guide for Martine, sharing her knowledge and nurturing her granddaughter's passion for animals.
Liam becomes a mentor figure to Martine, offering guidance and teaching her about the world of wildlife photography. He recognizes her potential and helps her develop her skills and understanding of the natural world.
Mbuno, as a safari guide, becomes a mentor and protector to Martine and her friends. He imparts his wisdom and expertise, ensuring their safety and guiding them through the African wilderness.
Sawubona, the African elephant, forms a unique bond with Martine. Through their connection, Martine learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In "Dolphin Song," the relationships between the characters contribute to the overall theme of the importance of friendship, family, and the preservation of nature.





