"Tehanu" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Tehanu" by Ursula K. Le Guin, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. Here is an analysis of the key characters and their roles.

Character Descriptions

1. Tenar: Tenar is the protagonist of the story. She is a middle-aged widow who has experienced a challenging life. Tenar is known for her strength and resilience. She is determined and willing to fight for justice and equality.
2. Ged: Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk, is a powerful wizard who becomes a mentor figure for Tenar. He is wise and knowledgeable, and his past experiences have shaped him into a compassionate and understanding character.
3. Therru: Therru is a young girl who Tenar takes in as her foster daughter. She has a mysterious past and is initially cautious and fearful of others. Therru is described as having a fiery spirit and a strong will.
4. Moss: Moss is a young boy who lives in the village near Tenar's home. He is curious and eager to learn. Moss idolizes Ged and looks up to him as a role model.
5. Ogion: Ogion is a wise old wizard who has a significant influence on Ged. He is known for his deep connection with nature and his ability to understand the balance of power in the world.
6. Aspen: Aspen is a man who Tenar meets during her journey. He is kind-hearted and offers Tenar support and guidance. Aspen becomes a love interest for Tenar.
7. Lark: Lark is a friend of Tenar's and a fellow widow. She provides emotional support and companionship to Tenar throughout the story.
8. Ged's Father: Ged's father appears in the story as a reflection of Ged's past and the influence his family had on his development as a wizard.
9. Ivy: Ivy is a young girl who becomes friends with Therru. She is kind-hearted and curious, and her friendship helps Therru open up and trust others more.
10. Apple: Apple is a horse that Tenar acquires during her journey. The horse serves as a symbol of freedom and independence.

Character Traits

1. Tenar: Tenar is determined, resilient, compassionate, and courageous.
2. Ged: Ged is wise, knowledgeable, compassionate, and understanding.
3. Therru: Therru is cautious, fearful, fiery, and strong-willed.
4. Moss: Moss is curious, eager to learn, and looks up to Ged as a role model.
5. Ogion: Ogion is wise, connected to nature, and understands the balance of power.
6. Aspen: Aspen is kind-hearted, supportive, and becomes a love interest for Tenar.
7. Lark: Lark is a supportive friend, providing emotional support and companionship.
8. Ged's Father: Ged's father represents the influence of family and the past on Ged's development.
9. Ivy: Ivy is kind-hearted, curious, and helps Therru open up and trust others.
10. Apple: Apple symbolizes freedom and independence.

Character Background

1. Tenar: Tenar was once a priestess in the Kargad Lands but escaped and is now living in the village of Re Albi. She has faced numerous challenges in her life, including the loss of her husband and the oppression she experienced in the Kargad Lands.
2. Ged: Ged is a powerful wizard who has overcome many trials and tribulations. He has a deep understanding of magic and has learned from his mistakes in the past.
3. Therru: Therru's background is mysterious, and her past is slowly revealed throughout the story. She has suffered trauma and has learned to be cautious and wary of others.
4. Moss: Moss is a young boy who has grown up hearing stories about Ged and is eager to learn from him.
5. Ogion: Ogion is a respected and wise wizard who has mentored Ged in the past.
6. Aspen: Aspen is a kind and supportive man who meets Tenar during her journey. He becomes a love interest and offers her emotional support.
7. Lark: Lark is a fellow widow and friend of Tenar's. She understands Tenar's struggles and provides companionship and emotional support.
8. Ged's Father: Ged's father represents Ged's family background and the influence they had on his development as a wizard.
9. Ivy: Ivy is a young girl who becomes friends with Therru. She is kind-hearted and curious, providing friendship and support to Therru.
10. Apple: Apple is a horse that Tenar acquires during her journey. The horse symbolizes freedom and independence.

Character Arcs

1. Tenar: Tenar begins the story as a strong-willed and determined character, but throughout the book, she undergoes a transformation. She learns to trust others, finds love and companionship, and discovers her own inner strength.
2. Ged: Ged's character arc focuses on his role as a mentor and guide for Tenar. He also reflects on his past mistakes and learns to forgive himself for his actions.
3. Therru: Therru's character arc revolves around her journey of healing and learning to trust others. She starts as a fearful and cautious character but gradually opens up and forms meaningful relationships with Tenar and Ivy.
4. Moss: Moss's character arc centers around his growth as a young boy who idolizes Ged. He learns important lessons about magic and the responsibilities that come with it.
5. Ogion: Ogion serves as a mentor figure for Ged and has a limited character arc in the book. His role is to provide guidance and wisdom to Ged and Tenar.
6. Aspen: Aspen's character arc revolves around his role as a love interest for Tenar. He supports her throughout her journey and helps her find love and happiness again.
7. Lark: Lark's character arc focuses on her role as a supportive friend to Tenar. She provides emotional support and companionship, helping Tenar navigate her challenges.
8. Ged's Father: Ged's father represents Ged's past and serves as a reflection of his family background. His character arc is limited but provides insight into Ged's upbringing.
9. Ivy: Ivy's character arc revolves around her friendship with Therru. She helps Therru open up and trust others, providing companionship and support.
10. Apple: Apple's character arc is symbolic, representing freedom and independence. The horse serves as a companion and a source of strength for Tenar.

Relationships

1. Tenar and Ged: Tenar and Ged develop a close bond throughout the story. Ged serves as a mentor and guide for Tenar, and their relationship grows into a deep friendship.
2. Tenar and Therru: Tenar takes Therru in as her foster daughter and develops a motherly bond with her. Their relationship is built on trust and love.
3. Tenar and Moss: Tenar becomes a source of guidance and inspiration for Moss. He idolizes Ged and looks up to both Tenar and Ged.
4. Tenar and Ogion: Tenar has a limited relationship with Ogion, but he serves as a wise figure who provides guidance and support to both Tenar and Ged.
5. Tenar and Aspen: Aspen becomes a love interest for Tenar and offers her emotional support and companionship.
6. Tenar and Lark: Tenar and Lark share a close friendship. Lark provides emotional support and companionship to Tenar throughout her journey.
7. Therru and Ivy: Therru and Ivy form a close friendship. Ivy helps Therru open up and trust others, providing companionship and support.
8. Ged and Moss: Ged becomes a mentor figure for Moss, teaching him about magic and the responsibilities that come with it.
9. Ged and Ogion: Ged has a deep respect for Ogion and considers him a wise mentor figure. Ogion provides guidance and wisdom to Ged.

Overall, the characters in "Tehanu" play crucial roles in the development of the story. Their relationships, backgrounds, and character arcs contribute to the overall narrative and themes explored in the book.