"Kiss the Dust" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Tara Sullivan is the main protagonist in the novel "Kiss the Dust" by Elizabeth Laird. She is a twelve-year-old Kurdish girl who is forced to flee her homeland with her family due to political persecution and the threat of violence.

Character Descriptions

Tara Sullivan

Tara is a determined and resilient young girl who faces numerous challenges throughout the novel. She is described as having long black hair, expressive brown eyes, and a strong spirit. Tara's physical appearance often contrasts with her emotional vulnerability, as she must learn to navigate the complexities of being a refugee in a foreign country.

Amira

Amira is Tara's mother. She is a loving and protective figure who prioritizes her family's safety above all else. Amira is depicted as a strong-willed woman who relies on her intuition and survival instincts to guide her family through difficult times.

Baba

Baba is Tara's father. He is portrayed as a wise and steadfast individual who acts as the family's anchor during their journey. Baba is respected by his family and the community for his leadership qualities and ability to make difficult decisions.

Jamal

Jamal is Tara's older brother. He is an adventurous and curious teenager who often takes on the role of protector for Tara. Jamal's love for his family and desire to find a better life drive him to take risks and face the unknown.

Ali

Ali is Tara's cousin. He is a kind-hearted and compassionate boy who befriends Tara during their journey. Ali serves as a source of comfort and support for Tara, helping her adjust to the challenges of their new life.

Uncle

Tara's uncle plays a minor role in the story. He is a courageous and resourceful individual who assists the family in their escape from their homeland. Uncle's presence provides a sense of security and guidance for Tara and her family.

Auntie

Auntie, Tara's aunt, is a caring and resilient woman. She demonstrates strength in the face of adversity and serves as a mother figure to Tara. Auntie's nurturing nature helps Tara find comfort and stability during their journey.

Mustafa, Khalid, Ahmed, Hani, and Asif

These are Tara's cousins who, like her, are forced to flee their homeland. They each have distinct personalities and contribute to the dynamics within the family. Mustafa is a responsible and mature cousin, Khalid is mischievous and adventurous, Ahmed is intelligent and resourceful, Hani is shy and reserved, and Asif is brave and protective.

Character Traits

Tara Sullivan is portrayed as resilient, courageous, and adaptable. Throughout the novel, she demonstrates an unwavering determination to protect her family and find a safe haven. Tara's ability to adapt to new environments and face adversity head-on showcases her strength of character.

Amira, Tara's mother, is characterized as nurturing, intuitive, and selfless. She constantly puts her family's needs before her own and relies on her intuition to make decisions. Amira's resilience and ability to provide emotional support to her family are notable traits.

Baba, Tara's father, is depicted as wise, authoritative, and protective. He takes on the role of a leader, making difficult decisions to ensure the safety of his family. Baba's strength and determination serve as a guiding force for Tara and the rest of the family.

Jamal, Tara's brother, is adventurous, caring, and resourceful. He often takes risks to protect his family and demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility. Jamal's courage and curiosity drive the family forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

Ali, Tara's cousin, is kind-hearted, compassionate, and empathetic. He offers support and friendship to Tara during their journey, providing her with a sense of belonging and comfort. Ali's ability to empathize with others makes him an important source of emotional support.

Character Background

Tara and her family are Kurds from a small village in Iraq. They live a peaceful life until political tensions and violence escalate in their region. The family is forced to flee their home and embark on a dangerous journey to find safety in the UK. Their background as a Kurdish family highlights the challenges faced by refugees and the struggles they encounter when forced to leave their homeland.

Character Arcs

Tara's character arc in "Kiss the Dust" is one of growth and resilience. At the beginning of the novel, she is a young girl who must quickly adapt to the realities of being a refugee. As the story progresses, Tara demonstrates increasing strength and courage, facing numerous obstacles and overcoming them with determination. Her character arc culminates in her ability to find hope and build a new life for herself and her family in the UK.

Relationships

Tara's relationships with her family members play a crucial role in the novel. Her bond with her mother, Amira, is particularly strong, as they rely on each other for emotional support and guidance. Tara's relationship with her father, Baba, is one of respect and admiration, as she looks up to him as a leader and source of wisdom. Her connection with her brother, Jamal, is characterized by their mutual love and desire to protect each other.

Tara's relationship with her cousin, Ali, is one of friendship and understanding. They share a special bond and provide comfort to each other during their journey. Tara's interactions with her other cousins, Mustafa, Khalid, Ahmed, Hani, and Asif, showcase the unity and strength of their family unit as they rely on each other for support and companionship.

The relationships forged between the characters in "Kiss the Dust" highlight the importance of family and the resilience that can be found in the face of adversity.