"They Came on Viking Ships" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "They Came on Viking Ships" by Jackie French, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Siggy, is a young girl who experiences the arrival of Vikings in her village. Other key characters include Siggy's family members, such as her brother Gunnar, her mother Freya, and her father Harald. Olaf, the Viking chieftain, and Rolf, a Viking warrior, also play significant roles in the story. Additionally, Ingrid, Siggy's best friend, adds depth to the character dynamics.

Character Descriptions

1. Siggy: Siggy is a courageous and curious young girl with a wild spirit. She has chestnut hair, freckles, and a mischievous smile. Siggy possesses an adventurous nature that leads her to explore unknown territories and embrace new experiences.
2. Gunnar: Siggy's brother, Gunnar, is a protective and responsible older sibling. He has sandy hair and a sturdy build. Gunnar's sense of duty drives him to look after his sister and ensure their family's safety during challenging times.
3. Freya: Siggy's mother, Freya, is a nurturing and resilient woman. She has long, flowing blonde hair and a calm demeanor. Freya's unwavering love for her children motivates her to protect them and keep their family together.
4. Harald: Siggy's father, Harald, is a strong and wise Viking warrior. He has a rugged appearance with a thick beard and piercing blue eyes. Harald's leadership skills and battle experience make him a respected figure in their community.
5. Olaf: Olaf is the Viking chieftain who arrives in Siggy's village. He is tall and imposing, with a commanding presence. Olaf's character exudes power and authority, which instills fear in others.
6. Rolf: Rolf is a Viking warrior who accompanies Olaf. He is tall and muscular, with a scar across his cheek. Rolf's rough exterior hides a loyal and compassionate nature, as he develops a unique bond with Siggy.
7. Ingrid: Ingrid is Siggy's best friend, a spirited and adventurous girl with braided blonde hair. Ingrid's character serves as a source of companionship and support for Siggy throughout their shared experiences.

Character Traits

1. Siggy: Brave, curious, adventurous.
2. Gunnar: Protective, responsible, loyal.
3. Freya: Nurturing, resilient, loving.
4. Harald: Strong, wise, respected.
5. Olaf: Powerful, authoritative, feared.
6. Rolf: Loyal, compassionate, strong-willed.
7. Ingrid: Spirited, adventurous, supportive.

Character Background

Siggy and her family live in a coastal village during the Viking Age. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when Olaf and his Viking warriors arrive. Siggy's family has a heritage rooted in Viking traditions and warfare, making them valuable to Olaf. As the daughter of Harald, a highly regarded Viking warrior, Siggy possesses a unique perspective on the events unfolding around her.

Character Arcs

1. Siggy: Siggy's character arc revolves around her growth from an innocent and naive girl to a brave and resourceful young woman. Through her encounters with the Vikings, Siggy learns about courage, resilience, and the complexities of loyalty.
2. Gunnar: Gunnar's character arc focuses on his development as a protective and responsible older brother. He initially struggles with the weight of responsibility but gradually gains confidence and becomes an invaluable support to Siggy.
3. Freya: Freya's character arc explores her strength and determination as a mother. She must navigate the challenges of protecting her children in a dangerous and unpredictable world, ultimately showcasing her unwavering love and resilience.
4. Harald: Harald's character arc involves demonstrating his leadership skills and strategic thinking to ensure the safety of his family and village. He faces difficult choices and must balance his Viking heritage with his desire for peace and stability.

Relationships

1. Siggy and Gunnar: Siggy and Gunnar share a close sibling bond. They rely on each other for support and protection throughout their encounters with the Vikings.
2. Siggy and Freya: Siggy and Freya have a loving and nurturing mother-daughter relationship. Freya's guidance and wisdom shape Siggy's character and help her navigate the challenges they face.
3. Siggy and Harald: Siggy idolizes her father, Harald, and seeks his approval. Harald's presence and teachings influence Siggy's understanding of Viking culture and the importance of honor.
4. Siggy and Olaf: Siggy's interactions with Olaf are initially marked by fear and uncertainty. However, as the story progresses, their relationship evolves into a complex dynamic that challenges Siggy's perception of the Vikings.
5. Siggy and Rolf: Siggy and Rolf develop a unique bond based on mutual respect and understanding. Rolf's compassion and loyalty towards Siggy help her see beyond the stereotypes associated with Vikings.
6. Siggy and Ingrid: Siggy and Ingrid's friendship offers solace and companionship during challenging times. They support each other and embark on adventures together, strengthening their bond.

In conclusion, "They Came on Viking Ships" presents a rich array of characters who contribute to the narrative's depth and complexity. Siggy's growth, alongside her relationships with family members, Vikings, and her best friend, Ingrid, offers readers a compelling exploration of courage, resilience, and the power of human connections.