Character Clues

Character Analysis

Direct Characterization

Leave it to the Mellower to help us figure out who's who in the book. Not only does his praise boost everyone's egos, it also tells us a lot about the characters. This is direct characterization, telling us outright about a character. Check out what the Mellower says in the first praise session we witness:

He recounted how Father rescued the President when Gondwannan terrorists attacked her house, how she made him Chief of Security for the Land of Zimbabwe. He pictured the long, bitter struggle against the gangs. (1.56)

See? Not only do we learn that General Matsika is tough and brave, we also get some backstory about what makes him that way. The Mellower's praise has a double function in the book: It helps the characters feel better about themselves, but it also fills us in on how characters behaved before we encountered them.

Actions

What's the point in telling us something when you can show it instead? Time and again, the book shows us who someone is by how they behave. Take Rita. She's strong, independent, stubborn, and stands up for what's right. Sure, Farmer could tell us that—but it becomes more meaningful when she shows us. So when Chipo's babies are born, we hear:

A girl emerged from the same hut as the old woman had. She, too, carried a bundle. She resolutely approached Garikayi, who looked as though the sky had fallen on his head. His mouth dropped open. (22.38)

Rita has serious guts standing up to the chief in front of everyone. After we see her bold actions protecting the baby, we don't need a description of what kind of gal she is. The proof is in the pudding.