The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Parvana

Parvana is the protagonist of the novel. She is an eleven-year-old girl living in Kabul, Afghanistan, under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Parvana is forced to disguise herself as a boy in order to support her family after her father is unjustly arrested.

Father

Parvana's father is a well-educated man who has lost his leg in a bomb explosion. He is a source of hope and wisdom for the family, and his arrest leaves them in a desperate situation.

Mother

Parvana's mother is initially portrayed as traditional and subdued. However, as the story progresses, she reveals her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Nooria

Nooria is Parvana's older sister, who initially dreams of escaping Kabul to be with her fiancé in Mazar. She is a source of support for Parvana and takes on a maternal role in the absence of their father.

Maryam

Maryam is Parvana's younger sister, who is too young to understand the complexities of their situation. Her innocence serves as a reminder of the harsh realities the family must endure.

Mrs. Weera

Mrs. Weera is a former teacher who becomes a friend and ally to Parvana's family. She provides guidance and support, demonstrating resilience in the face of oppression.

Shauzia

Shauzia is Parvana's friend, who also disguises herself as a boy to navigate the dangerous streets of Kabul. She dreams of escaping to a better life in France.

Character Descriptions

Parvana

Parvana is a determined and resourceful young girl who demonstrates courage and resilience in the face of adversity. She is intelligent and compassionate, often putting the needs of her family above her own.

Father

Parvana's father is a kind and educated man who encourages his daughter to pursue her education and independence. Despite his physical limitations, he remains a pillar of strength for the family.

Mother

Parvana's mother initially appears traditional and submissive, but as the story unfolds, her inner strength and resilience are revealed. She is fiercely protective of her family and demonstrates unwavering determination.

Nooria

Nooria is portrayed as headstrong and determined, with a deep sense of responsibility towards her family. She takes on a maternal role in the absence of her father, providing guidance and support to her younger siblings.

Maryam

Maryam is depicted as innocent and naive, serving as a reminder of the loss of childhood innocence in the midst of conflict and hardship. Her presence highlights the family's struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Mrs. Weera

Mrs. Weera is characterized as a strong and resilient woman who provides guidance and support to Parvana's family. Her background as a teacher allows her to impart wisdom and knowledge to the children, becoming a source of hope in their bleak reality.

Shauzia

Shauzia is portrayed as independent and adventurous, with dreams of escaping the harsh realities of Kabul. She shares a bond with Parvana, both navigating the challenges of life under the Taliban while disguised as boys.

Character Traits

Parvana

• Determined
• Resourceful
• Courageous
• Compassionate
• Intelligent

Father

• Kind
• Educated
• Supportive
• Wise
• Resilient

Mother

• Traditional
• Submissive (initially)
• Protective
• Resilient
• Determined

Nooria

• Headstrong
• Responsible
• Supportive
• Maternal
• Determined

Maryam

• Innocent
• Naive
• Sensitive
• Childlike
• Vulnerable

Mrs. Weera

• Strong
• Resilient
• Wise
• Supportive
• Nurturing

Shauzia

• Independent
• Adventurous
• Determined
• Resourceful
• Rebellious

Character Background

Parvana

Parvana comes from a loving and educated family in Kabul, Afghanistan. The family's life is disrupted by the Taliban's oppressive rule, forcing Parvana to take on the role of a breadwinner after her father is unjustly arrested.

Father

Parvana's father is an educated man who lost his leg in a bomb explosion. Despite his physical disability, he is an intellectual and a source of guidance for his family.

Mother

Parvana's mother comes from a traditional background and initially conforms to societal norms. However, her resilience and determination are revealed as she navigates the challenges of life under the Taliban.

Nooria

Nooria dreams of escaping Kabul to be with her fiancé in Mazar, but the family's circumstances force her to take on more responsibility at home.

Maryam

Maryam is too young to comprehend the complexities of their situation, sheltered from the harsh realities of life under the Taliban.

Mrs. Weera

Mrs. Weera is a former teacher who becomes a friend and ally to Parvana's family. Her background in education and her own experiences provide valuable insights and support to the children.

Shauzia

Shauzia shares Parvana's struggles and dreams of escaping the oppressive conditions in Kabul. Her rebellious nature and desire for independence drive her actions and decisions.

Character Arcs

Parvana

Parvana undergoes a significant transformation from a young girl constrained by societal norms to a brave and resourceful breadwinner for her family. Her journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a growing sense of independence.

Father

While physically limited by his injury, Parvana's father remains a source of wisdom and guidance for the family. His unwavering support and love provide a foundation for Parvana's resilience.

Mother

Parvana's mother experiences a profound evolution, transitioning from a traditional and submissive figure to a resilient and determined woman who fights for her family's survival.

Nooria

Nooria's arc is defined by the shift from pursuing personal dreams to prioritizing the needs of her family. She takes on a maternal role, displaying strength and responsibility in the face of adversity.

Maryam

Maryam's arc reflects the loss of childhood innocence in a tumultuous environment, as she is gradually exposed to the harsh realities of life under the Taliban.

Mrs. Weera

Mrs. Weera's arc showcases her transition from a former teacher to a nurturing and supportive figure for Parvana's family, offering guidance and wisdom in their time of need.

Shauzia

Shauzia's arc is characterized by her pursuit of independence and her rebellious nature, as she seeks to escape the oppressive conditions of Kabul in pursuit of a better life.

Relationships

Parvana and Father

Parvana shares a deep bond with her father, who encourages her to pursue education and independence. Their relationship is marked by love, respect, and mutual support.

Parvana and Mother

Parvana's relationship with her mother evolves from one of traditional roles to a partnership built on resilience and determination. They support each other in the face of adversity.

Parvana and Nooria

Parvana and Nooria share a sisterly bond, and their relationship is defined by mutual support and the shared responsibility of caring for their family.

Parvana and Maryam

Parvana's relationship with Maryam is one of protection and nurturing, as she strives to shield her younger sister from the harsh realities of their situation.

Parvana and Mrs. Weera

Mrs. Weera becomes a mentor and source of support for Parvana, offering guidance and wisdom in the absence of her father.

Parvana and Shauzia

Parvana and Shauzia share a close friendship, united by their shared struggles and dreams of escaping the oppressive conditions in Kabul.

The characters in "The Breadwinner" demonstrate resilience, determination, and the strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity. Each character undergoes a unique arc, contributing to the powerful narrative of survival and hope in the midst of conflict.