Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Marco Polo | Protagonist, Traveler |
| Kublai Khan | Emperor of China |
| Cities | Major Supporting Roles |
| Italo Calvino | Author, Narrator |
Role Identification
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is the protagonist and a traveler who recounts his experiences to Kublai Khan, the Emperor of China.
Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan is the Emperor of China who listens to Marco Polo's stories and seeks enlightenment and understanding of the vast empire he reigns over.
Cities
The cities are major supporting roles in the book. Each city represents a different facet of human experience, emotion, or imagination.
Italo Calvino
Italo Calvino is the author and narrator of "Invisible Cities." He presents the narrative and guides the readers through the exploration of the cities.
Character Descriptions
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a Venetian merchant and traveler known for his extensive journeys across Asia. He is depicted as an astute observer, keen to explore and understand the cities he encounters. He is perceptive, adaptable, and skilled in capturing the essence of each city he visits through his vivid descriptions.
Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan, the Emperor of China, is a powerful ruler burdened by the weight of his empire. He relies on Marco Polo's descriptions to satisfy his curiosity, exploring the vastness of his dominion through the stories that transport him to the invisible cities. Kublai Khan's character is portrayed as an astute listener, hungry for knowledge and seeking meaning in his realm.
Cities
The cities in "Invisible Cities" are diverse and representative of different themes and emotions. They are described in imaginative and poetic detail, highlighting their unique attributes. Examples include Zenobia, a city of desire and indulgence, and Armilla, a city of elevated pathways and infinite perspectives.
Italo Calvino
Italo Calvino, as the author and narrator, presents the stories of these invisible cities to the readers. His writing style is lyrical, evoking vivid imagery and provoking philosophical reflection. Calvino's role is to guide the readers through the narrative, allowing them to immerse themselves in the enchanting realms created by Marco Polo's descriptions.
Character Traits
Marco Polo
- Observant
- Curious
- Perceptive
- Imaginative
- Adaptable
Kublai Khan
- Inquisitive
- Reflective
- Wise
- Intellectually curious
- Imaginative
Cities
- Varied
- Evocative
- Symbolic
- Multifaceted
- Reflective of human experience
Character Background
Marco Polo
Marco Polo was born into a prominent Venetian merchant family in the 13th century. His father and uncle were successful explorers and traders, which exposed Marco Polo to different cultures and sparked his curiosity. He embarked on a significant journey with his father and uncle, eventually finding himself in the court of Kublai Khan in China. It is during his time serving Kublai Khan that he shares his experiences and stories, shaping the narrative of "Invisible Cities."
Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan was a Mongolian emperor and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China. He is known for his ambitious expansionist policies that extended the Mongol Empire's reach to the largest extent. Kublai Khan was renowned for his curiosity and patronage of the arts, leading him to invite travelers and explorers to his court, such as Marco Polo. Through his interactions with Marco Polo, Kublai Khan seeks insight and knowledge about the vast empire he rules.
Character Arcs
Marco Polo
Marco Polo's character arc revolves around his journeys and the stories he shares with Kublai Khan. Initially, he is an eager traveler collecting experiences, but as he progresses, his descriptions become more imaginative and philosophical. Marco Polo's transformation lies in his ability to not only observe but also interpret and introspect the hidden meanings and emotions within each city, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan's character arc centers on his quest for enlightenment and understanding. Through Marco Polo's stories, the emperor discovers diverse aspects of his empire and himself. Each new city description contributes to his evolving perspective, questioning the nature of reality and the intricate interplay between imagination and reality. Kublai Khan's character arc epitomizes the human thirst for wisdom and knowledge.
Relationships
Marco Polo and Kublai Khan
The relationship between Marco Polo and Kublai Khan is one of storyteller and listener. Marco Polo's descriptions of the invisible cities enrapture Kublai Khan, stimulating his imagination and broadening his perspective. Their bond is built on the exchange of knowledge and the mutual exploration of the intangible and the tangible.
Marco Polo and the Cities
Marco Polo's relationship with the cities is one of observer and subject. He intimately explores each city, engaging with its elements, architectures, and inhabitants. Through his vivid descriptions, Marco Polo establishes an emotional and intellectual connection with the cities, ultimately unraveling their symbolism and philosophical significance.
Italo Calvino and the Characters
Italo Calvino acts as the mediator between the characters, transporting their stories from the realm of imagination to the pages of the book. His relationship with Marco Polo, Kublai Khan, and the cities is one of author and creation, skillfully presenting their experiences and inspiring readers to embark on their own imaginative journeys.
Conclusion
The characters in "Invisible Cities" are richly developed and contribute to the exploration of themes such as imagination, reality, and the human experience. Marco Polo's profound observations, Kublai Khan's inquisitiveness, and Calvino's lyrical narration combine to create an intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking narrative. Through their interactions and descriptions, the invisible cities are brought to life, allowing readers to ponder the depths of human perception and interpretation.
