Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Keoko Kim | Protagonist |
| Sun-hee Kim | Protagonist's sister |
| Mother Kim | Protagonist's mother |
| Tae-yul Kim | Protagonist's brother |
| Uncle | Supporting character |
| Grandfather | Supporting character |
Role Identification
Keoko Kim
Keoko is the protagonist of "When My Name Was Keoko." She is a young Korean girl who experiences life under Japanese occupation during World War II.
Sun-hee Kim
Sun-hee is Keoko's sister. She plays a significant role in the story as she also navigates the challenges of living under Japanese rule.
Mother Kim
Mother is the matriarch of the Kim family. She is a central figure in the family dynamics and faces her own struggles during the wartime setting of the novel.
Tae-yul Kim
Tae-yul is Keoko's brother. His experiences and choices add depth to the family's narrative and provide additional perspectives on life under occupation.
Uncle
Uncle is a supporting character who influences the family dynamics and provides guidance and wisdom to the protagonists.
Grandfather
Grandfather's wisdom and experiences contribute to the family's resilience and determination to preserve their Korean heritage.
Character Descriptions
Keoko Kim
Keoko is a resilient and resourceful young girl who learns to navigate the complexities of living under Japanese rule. She is depicted as intelligent and courageous, facing numerous challenges with determination.
Sun-hee Kim
Sun-hee is portrayed as compassionate and loyal. Her character undergoes significant growth as she adapts to the changing circumstances brought about by the war and occupation.
Mother Kim
Mother is depicted as a strong and nurturing figure within the family. She exhibits unwavering strength in the face of adversity and strives to protect her children amidst challenging circumstances.
Tae-yul Kim
Tae-yul is portrayed as brave and steadfast. His character development reflects the impact of the war on the younger generation and the choices they must make to protect their family and heritage.
Uncle
Uncle is depicted as wise and supportive. His guidance and wisdom provide a stabilizing influence within the family, offering insights into navigating the difficult realities of the wartime setting.
Grandfather
Grandfather is portrayed as a symbol of wisdom and tradition. His experiences and advice contribute to the family's resilience and determination to preserve their Korean identity.
Character Traits
Keoko Kim
- Resilient
- Resourceful
- Intelligent
- Courageous
Sun-hee Kim
- Compassionate
- Loyal
- Adaptable
- Empathetic
Mother Kim
- Strong
- Nurturing
- Protective
- Resilient
Tae-yul Kim
- Brave
- Steadfast
- Protective
- Determined
Uncle
- Wise
- Supportive
- Stabilizing
- Insightful
Grandfather
- Wise
- Traditional
- Resilient
- Influential
Character Background
Keoko Kim
Keoko comes from a proud Korean family living under Japanese occupation during World War II. Her experiences and challenges shape her character as she learns to navigate the complexities of her environment while holding onto her Korean identity.
Sun-hee Kim
Sun-hee, like her sister Keoko, grows up under the shadow of Japanese occupation. Her experiences and interactions with her family and community play a crucial role in shaping her character and resilience.
Mother Kim
As the matriarch of the Kim family, Mother's character is deeply rooted in her Korean heritage and her role as a caretaker for her children. Her experiences under occupation test her strength and determination.
Tae-yul Kim
Tae-yul's character is influenced by the changing dynamics of wartime Korea. His choices and experiences reflect the broader impact of the war on the younger generation and their struggle to protect their family and heritage.
Uncle
Uncle's character is shaped by his understanding of the changing political and social landscape under Japanese rule. His guidance and support provide stability for the family as they navigate the challenges of occupation.
Grandfather
Grandfather's character is deeply rooted in tradition and wisdom. His experiences and advice serve as a source of strength and resilience for the family as they strive to preserve their Korean identity.
Character Arcs
Keoko Kim
Keoko's character arc involves her journey from a carefree young girl to a resilient and determined individual, navigating the challenges of occupation while holding onto her Korean identity.
Sun-hee Kim
Sun-hee's character arc showcases her growth from a sheltered young girl to a compassionate and adaptable individual, learning to confront the realities of wartime Korea with determination and empathy.
Mother Kim
Mother's character arc is defined by her transformation from a nurturing caretaker to a symbol of strength and resilience, facing the hardships of occupation while protecting her family and heritage.
Tae-yul Kim
Tae-yul's character arc reflects his evolution from a protective older brother to a brave and resolute young man, making difficult choices to safeguard his family and uphold their Korean identity.
Uncle
Uncle's character arc illustrates his role as a stabilizing force within the family, offering guidance and wisdom as they confront the challenges of occupation and strive to preserve their Korean heritage.
Grandfather
Grandfather's character arc portrays his journey as a source of wisdom and tradition, providing strength and resilience to the family as they navigate the hardships of occupation and seek to preserve their Korean identity.
Relationships
Keoko and Sun-hee
The bond between the sisters is a central relationship in the story, as they support and protect each other while adapting to the challenges of occupation.
Mother and Children
The relationship between Mother and her children reflects the strength and resilience of the family unit, as they navigate the hardships of occupation together.
Tae-yul and Family
Tae-yul's protective nature and his devotion to his family underscore the importance of familial bonds amidst the turmoil of wartime Korea.
Uncle and Family
Uncle's guidance and support strengthen the family's resilience, highlighting the significance of his relationship with the Kim family.
Grandfather and Family
Grandfather's wisdom and traditional values contribute to the family's determination to preserve their Korean identity, emphasizing the influence of his relationship with the family.
In "When My Name Was Keoko," Linda Sue Park crafts a compelling narrative that highlights the resilience and determination of the Kim family as they navigate the challenges of Japanese occupation during World War II. The characters' distinct traits, arcs, and relationships contribute to a rich and immersive portrayal of life under occupation, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of identity, family, and survival.
