Characters

Characters drive the plot of My Children! My Africa! through their actions and responses to different conflicts, including:

• Character vs Character – external conflict between two individuals.
• Character vs Nature – external conflict with natural forces.
• Character vs Society – external conflict with societal norms or oppression.
• Character vs Self – internal conflict within a character.

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Character and Characterisation in Literature

• A character is a person responsible for actions and thoughts in a story, poem, or play.
• Characterisation refers to how a character's personality, motivations, and traits are developed through their actions, speech, and interactions.
• Characterisation influences key literary elements such as theme, setting, and tone.

Types of Characters in Literature

• Protagonist – The main character around whom the story revolves.
• Antagonist – The character or force opposing the protagonist.
• Flat Character – A simple character with limited traits, often supporting the protagonist.
• Dynamic Character – A character who undergoes significant changes throughout the story.
• Round Character – A well-developed character with complex traits and emotions.
• Evil Character/Villain – A character who actively opposes others, creating conflict.

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Major Characters

Mr M (Anela Myalatya)

• A Black teacher at Zolile High School, highly dedicated to education.
• Values education as a tool for social change and believes in independent thinking.
• Follows Confucian philosophy, promoting respect, morality, and loyalty.
• Authoritative and traditional, refusing to accept violent change.
• Killed by comrades during the boycotts, symbolising the cost of ideological conflicts.

Isabel Dyson

• 18-year-old White girl from Camdeboo, debating against Thami at Zolile High.
• Intelligent and independent thinker, embracing new ideas.
• Sheltered but open-minded, learning about apartheid realities.
• Friendly and compassionate, forming a deep connection with Thami and Mr M.

Thami Mbikwana

• 19-year-old Black student at Zolile High, mentored by Mr M.
• From a working-class family, living with his grandmother.
• Outspoken and rebellious, questioning Mr M's views on peaceful change.
• Believes in immediate rebellion to fight apartheid.
• Courageous leader, but his impatience leads him into conflict.

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Unseen Characters (Not on Stage)

These characters are known only through conversations and monologues:

• Rev Mbopa – A pastor who rents a room to Mr M.
• Miss Brockway – Principal of Camdeboo Girls' High School.
• Renee Vermas & Cathy Bullard – Isabel's teammates in the debate.
• Mr & Mrs Dyson – Isabel's parents, with her father as a pharmacist.
• Lucille Dyson – Isabel's elder sister.
• Samuel – Dyson family delivery man.
• Auntie – Dyson family's domestic worker.
• Mr David Grobbelaar – A school inspector supporting the apartheid system.
• Mr Pienaar – A major figure in Camdeboo.
• Mrs Magada – A teacher at Zolile High.
• Stephen Gaika – Thami's classmate.
• Sipho Fondini – A student who criticises apartheid.
• Mrs Makhalisa – A woman waiting for a bus.
• Captain Lategan – A police officer receiving names from Mr M.

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