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19 May 2018

BETRAYAL IN THE CITY - CHARACTERIZATION


·         Doga
Character traits
He was the husband of Nina and the father of Jere and the late adika. He is later killed by Mulili who had been ordered by boss.
1)      Thankful – He was thankful that his son jusper was not hurt by the hand of a stray clansman who desecrated adika’s grave.
2)      Optimistic – When he was at adika’s grave, he was positive that his other son jusper was alright wherever he was.
3)      Superstitious – He believed in the spirits of the dead and of their ancestors.
4)      Traditional – He wanted a traditional ceremony to be carried out so that he could get rid of adika’s ghosts.
5)      Prophetic – He told Mulili that he would die the same way adika died. This comes true later in the play when Mulili is shot dead by jusper.
6)      Persistent – He wanted the shaving ceremony of his son to go on as planned even though his wife was against it.
7)      Hopeless – He tells Nina that they buried their hope the day adika was gunned down.
8)      Bitter – Jere tells him that he knows the bitterness in his heart.
9)      Principled – He didn’t want to change the date of his dead son ceremony as they had earlier planned.
10)   Bereaved – He lost his son adika who died during a school riot.
11)   Vengeful – He wanted to get revenge for his son’s killer.
12)   Mournful – He was in grief after the death of his son adika.
13)   Unfortunate – He lost his son and his life.
Roles of Doga
        i.            His speech while at Adika’s gravesite helps to bring out the tone of the play.
      ii.            He helps to bring out the character traits of other characters. Argument between him, Jere and Mulili helps to reveal their character traits.
    iii.            By mourning his late son he helps set the tone and mood of the play.
     iv.            He helps to bring out some of the problems the people of Kafira faced. Problems such as injustices, lawlessness etc have been well developed by Doga.
       v.            His decision to go ahead with the traditional ceremony changes the plot of the play. The traditional ceremony was the reason why Jere and Mosese were arrested.
     vi.            He has been used to link past events with the present. He helps to reveal how his son was killed during a students riot that was protesting against Boss’s development plans.
   vii.            He helps to reveal the traditional setup the play is based upon.
 viii.            He helps to reveal the religious and social setup of the play.
     ix.            He acts as an inciting force in the play’s plot.
       x.            He has been used to foreshadow events taking place in the play.
     xi.            He helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
   xii.            His conversation with other characters helps to reveal both the antagonist and protagonist of the play.
 xiii.            He has been used by the author of the play to foreshadow events that would take place in the future.
 xiv.            He helps to highlight the qualities of both the antagonist and the protagonist.
   xv.            He helps the reader to understand some of the traditions practiced by a section of the people living in Kafira.
 xvi.            He helps to reveal some of the conflicts in the play.
xvii.            He helps to facilitate the use of various literary devices e.g. proverbs, self-fulfilling prophecy, emotive language etc.
xviii.            He has been used to reveal some of the play’s themes.
 xix.            He is employed to give background information about the play’s plot.
   xx.            He helps develop other characters by commenting on them.
 xxi.            He has been employed in the exposition of the play to explain the type of conflict on which the play is based upon.
xxii.            His conflict with Mulili adds intensity to the play.
Doga’s development
1.       Through his beliefs. For example:
a.       Superstitious – He believed in the spirits of the dead and of their ancestors.
b.      Traditional – He wanted a traditional ceremony to be carried out so that they could get rid of adika’s ghost.
2.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Bitter – Jere told him that he knew the bitterness in his heart.
b.      Primitive – Mulili referred to him and his wife as being primitive.
3.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Bitter – He was bitter that the sub-chief’s brother was the killer of his son.
b.      Mournful – He was in grief after the death of his son.
4.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Hopeless - He told Nina that they buried their hope the day adika was gunned down.
5.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Persistent – He wanted the shaving ceremony of his son to go on as planned even though his wife was against it.
b.      Prophetic – He told Mulili that he would die the same way adika died. This comes true later in the play when Mulili is shot dead by jusper.
6.       Through his physical attributes. For example:
a.       Old – Mulili referred to him as an old man.
7.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Disrespectful – He had no respect towards the sub chief because he was the brother of Chagaga.
8.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Oppressed – He felt oppressed by Mulili and boss’s administration.
b.      Respected – Jere talked with him with a lot of respect when they met in adika’s grave.
9.       Through events that happened during his lifetime. For example:
a.       Unfortunate – He lost his life at the hands of Mulili.
b.      Bereaved – He lost his son who died during a university students riot.

·         Nina
Character traits
She was the wife of Doga and the mother of jusper and the late adika.
1)      Thankful – she was thankful to God that jusper was safe.
2)      Fearful – She feared to set her eyes on the evil that had been done on her son’s grave. She also feared the sub-chief.
3)      Mournful – For days she wailed over the death of his son.
4)      Hopeful – She had a lot of hope on his other son who was still alive. She also hoped that jusper will be calm at the ceremony.
5)      Inquisitive – She asked jusper a lot of questions when he returned to his brother’s grave.
6)      Prayerful – She prayed when she was at adika’s grave.
7)      Blameworthy – She blamed herself for sending jusper to confess. This she did without knowing what jusper was talking about when he said that he had killed someone.
8)      Unfortunate – She lost her son and her life through the hands of Chagaga and Mulili respectively.
Roles of Nina
        i.            Her speech and actions helps to set the tone and mood of the story.
      ii.            She helps to develop the protagonist by commenting on him.
    iii.            She facilitates the use of various literary devices e.g. rhetorical questions, irony, backstory, aposiopesis etc.
     iv.            She helps to reveal the emotional state of other characters.
       v.            She acts as an inciting force in the play’s plot.
     vi.            She is employed in the exposition of the play to help understand the conflict.
   vii.            She has been used to link past events with the present.
 viii.            She helps to reveal some of the traditional practices that were practiced by a section of the people living in Kafira.
     ix.            She helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
       x.            She helps to highlight the qualities of the protagonist.
     xi.            She helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters were facing.
   xii.            She has been used to reveal some of the play’s themes.
 xiii.            She helps to reveal the religious setup of the citizens of Kafira.
Nina’s development
1.       Through her conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Inquisitive – She asked jusper a lot of questions when he returned to his brother’s grave.
b.      Hopeful – She told her husband that she hoped jusper would be calm at the ceremony.
2.       Through events that happened during her lifetime. For example:
a.       Unfortunate – She lost her life at the hands of Mulili.
b.      Bereaved – She lost her son adika who was killed during a university students’ riot.
3.       Through what she says about herself. For example:
a.       Blameworthy – She blamed herself for sending jusper to confess.
b.      Fearful – She told her husband that she feared the noise of the sub-chief.
4.       Through her actions. For example:
a.       Prayerful – She knelt in front of adika’s grave to pray.
b.      Helpful – She helped her husband to put back the thorns in adika’s grave.
5.       Through her physical attributes. For example:
a.       Old – Mulili referred to her and her husband as being old.
6.       Through what other characters say about her. For example:
a.       Old – Mulili referred to her and her husband as being old.
b.      Primitive – Mulili referred to her and her people as being primitive.
7.       Through her beliefs. For example:
a.       Traditional – She was not opposed to the traditional shaving ceremony but she wanted it delayed.
b.      Superstitious – She believed in the existence of her ancestors.
8.       Through her emotional state. For example:
a.       Mournful – After the death of her son she wailed for days.
b.      Fearful – She feared to set her eyes on the evil that had been done on her son’s grave.

·         Jusper
Character traits
He was the son of the Doga and Nina and the brother of adika. He was also the organising secretary of the university students union and a philosophy student at the university.
1)      Wild – When he heard about his brother’s death he became wild and he was never the same again. At adika’s funeral service he became wild and he was singing songs of vengeance.
2)      Vengeful – At his brother’s funeral he was singing songs of vengeance. Later he kills Chagaga who was the one who had killed his brother. While in Regina’s house he tells Regina that he cannot rest while the death of his entire family in his mind. He tells her that one day he will revenge even if it meant going it alone.
3)      Dangerous – After his brother’s burial, they took him away because he had become dangerous to peace loving people and had to be cooled down.
4)      Mad – People said that he was mad; his mother thought that he was out of his mind and his father called him crazy.
5)      Learned – He was a philosophy student at the university.
6)      Mannerless – He entered Regina’s house without knocking and this startled her.
7)      Bloodthirsty – He wanted to kill Chagaga who had killed his brother. He showed these by singing songs of vengeance in his brother’s funeral. He also wanted to kill those who had murdered his parents.
8)      Suspicious – He was suspicious of tumbo when he offered to help Regina.
9)      Clever – He says that his head is powerful and that is why Regina accepted him for a boyfriend.
10)   Bothersome – Regina thought that he was a bothersome person.
11)   Superstitious – He believed in ghosts.
12)   Fortunate – Tumbo tells him that he is fortunate to have won the play writing competition.
13)   Repentant – He wanted to go and confess for the murder of adika.
14)   Brilliant – He was a student at the university. He was also good in writing plays.
15)   Determined – He was determined to get revenge on the people who had killed his parents. He tells Regina that he cannot rest until he gets revenge even if it meant going it alone. He was also determined to see the play for the visiting head of state takes place.
16)   Talented – He wrote plays during his free time.
17)   Satirical – He talked to tumbo in a satirical manner.
Roles of jusper
        i.            He helps to reveal the conflicts that are in the play.
      ii.            He has been employed in the exposition of the play to explain the conflict on which the play is based upon.
    iii.            He helps to foreshadow events that will take place in the play.
     iv.            He helps to revisit events that have taken place in the play.
       v.            He has been used to highlight some of the qualities of the antagonist.
     vi.            He helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
   vii.            He helps to reveal the challenges that people in Kafira faced.
 viii.            He has been used by the other of the play to reveal some of the major themes.
     ix.            His conflict within himself and with other characters adds intensity to the play.
       x.            He is one of the play’s protagonists. He fights against injustices and bad leadership.
     xi.            He is the force that governs the direction of the play and the emotions of other characters in the play.
   xii.            The plot of the play revolves around him.
 xiii.            He is a source of irony and sarcasm
 xiv.            He is a dynamic character in the play since he goes from madness to sanity and vice versa.
   xv.            He adds intensity to the play through his actions and speech.
 xvi.            He is a major character in the play.
xvii.            He is an antihero.
xviii.            His decisions and actions govern the direction of the play’s plot.
 xix.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
   xx.            He is a symbol of revenge.
 xxi.            He helps develop other characters by commenting on them.
xxii.            His madness defines the tone and mood of the play.
xxiii.            The climax of the play revolves around him.
xxiv.            He helps to reveal the title of the play. P68
xxv.            He has been used by the author of the play to reveal the title of the play.
xxvi.            His speech and actions helps to set the mood and tone of the play.
xxvii.            He has been used to develop some of the major themes of the play.
xxviii.            He is a round and dynamic character.
Jusper’s development
1.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Wild – During adika’s funeral service he became wild and he was singing songs of vengeance.
b.      Manner less – He entered Regina’s house without knocking.
2.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Bothersome – Regina told tumbo that jusper was a pain in the neck.
b.      Fortunate – Tumbo told him that he was fortunate to win the play writing competition.
3.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Clever – He tells the audience that his head was powerful and that was why Regina accepted him for a boyfriend.
b.      Vengeful – He told Regina that he would not rest until he got revenge against those who were responsible for the death of his entire family.
4.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Suspicious – He was suspicious of tumbo when he offered to help Regina.
b.      Respectful – he respected his mother when she told her to go and change his shirt.
5.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Repentant – He told his mother that he wanted to go and confess.
b.      Vengeful – He told Regina that he must get revenge against those who were responsible for the death of his entire family.
6.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Wild – When he heard about his brother’s death he became wild and he was never the same again.
b.      Mad – People thought that he was mad including his parents.
7.       Through events that happen in his life. For example
a.       Unfortunate – His whole family was murdered by individuals known to him.
b.      Bloodthirsty – He wanted to get revenge to those who had killed his family members.
8.       Through his beliefs. For example
a.       Superstitious – He believed in ghosts and dreams.
9.       Through his skills and abilities. For example:
a.       Talented – talented – He wrote plays during his free time.
b.      Crafty – He was able to write a play that would help to plot a coup against boss’s government.

·         Jere
Character traits.
He was a soldier and later a political prisoner.
1)      Diplomatic – He was able to deal with Nina and Doga in a diplomatic manner without angering them.
2)      Respectful – He shows respect to Doga and Nina when he was telling them that there would be no ceremony.
3)      Abusive – He calls Mulili a devil.
4)      Sympathetic – He showed sympathy towards Doga and Nina. He also showed sympathy to Mosese while he was in prison with him.
5)      Secretive – He never told anyone about Mulili helping Mustafa to escape from prison.
6)      Confident – He tells askari that during the last few weeks it had become necessary that he talks. This he says had made him confident.
7)      Grateful – He was grateful to the prison askari that he was going to help him fill his rehabilitation forms.
8)      Religious – He taught religious knowledge for three years and he knew more about bible stories and verses.
9)      Sarcastic – When he was asked by the askari what saliva was called he said tea and milk.
10)   Thankful – He thanked Mosese for sharing his tea with him.
11)   Optimistic – He was optimistic that the situation in Kafira will change.
12)   Opportunistic – He wanted change in Kafira and that was why he tried to push Mosese to take part in the play.
13)   Strong – Jusper thought that he was strong.
14)   Rebellious – He rebelled against the authorities which led to his arrest.
15)   Astute – When the opportunity of taking part in the play rose, he wanted Mosese to take part in it so as to have an advantage.
16)   Altruistic – He cared so much about the need and happiness of the six hundred prisoners and that is why he wanted Mosese to take part in the play so that the prisoners could be set free.
17)   Convincing – He convinced Mosese to take part in the play that was to be acted for the visiting head of state.
Roles of Jere
        i.            He helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters are facing.
      ii.            His speech and actions helps to set the mood and tone of the play.
    iii.            He is a round and dynamic character.
     iv.            His decision and actions govern the direction of the play.
       v.            He helps to develop some of the themes in the play.
     vi.            He acts as an inciting force in the play’s plot.
   vii.            His conflict with askari adds intensity to the play’s plot.
 viii.            He has been used to develop some of the play’s themes.
     ix.            He helps to reveal the religious setup of the play.
       x.            He helps to facilitate the use of various literary devices.
     xi.            He helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
   xii.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
 xiii.            He has been used to reveal the title of the play.
 xiv.            He plays a major role in resolving some of the conflicts in the play.
   xv.            Through his conversation with Mulili, we learn of the play’s physical setting.
 xvi.            He has been used to reveal the play’s antagonist.
xvii.            He has been used to foreshadow events taking place in the play.
Jere’s development
1.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Convincing – He successfully convinced Mosese to take part in the play that was to be acted for the visiting head of state.
b.      Abusive – He called Mulili a devil.
2.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Sympathetic – He showed sympathy towards Doga and Nina when he learnt about their predicament.
b.      Respectful – He showed respect to Doga and Nina when he was telling them that there would be no ceremony.
3.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Strong – Jusper told Regina that Jere was a strong man.
b.      Cowardly – Mulili called him a big coward for sympathising with Doga and Nina.
4.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Rebellious – He rebelled against the authorities which led to his arrest.
b.      Murderous – He tried to shoot Mulili with his gun.
5.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Confident – He told askari that he had become confident after what he had witnessed the last few weeks.
b.      Educated – He told Mosese that he taught religious knowledge for three years and that he knew more about the bible stories and verses.
6.       Through his beliefs. For example:
a.       Religious – He was a religious man who had taught religious knowledge for three years.
b.      Traditional – He supported Doga in his quest to have a traditional ceremony for his son.
7.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Respected – Doga respected him because he was sympathetic to their cause.
b.      Unlikable –The prison warder did not like him since they did not come from the same tribe.
8.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Optimistic – He was optimistic that the situation in Kafira would change.
b.      Strong – Jusper told Regina that Jere and Mosese were strong men.


·         Mulili
He was a distant cousin of boss.
He was a soldier but later he becomes a farmer.
He was responsible for the deaths of Doga, Nina and kabito.
At the end of the play he is killed by jusper as a revenge for killing his parents.
Character traits
1)      Illiterate – He did not know how to speak in good English.
2)      Disrespectful – During his conversation with Doga and Nina, he shows lack of respect even though they were older than him.
3)      Abusive – He abuses Mulili by calling him a big coward and chicken heart.
4)      Loyal – He was loyal to boss.
5)      Materialistic – Because he was promised many acres of farmland and grade cattle’s, he could not allow the traditional ceremony to go on.
6)      Unsympathetic – He doesn’t show any sign of sympathy to Doga and Nina even after they lost their son adika.
7)      Short tempered – Regina tells tumbo that those who know Mulili say that he is not bad at all except for his short temper.
8)      Remorseless – He showed no pity to Doga and Nina while they were mourning the death of their son.
9)      Condescending – In the committee meeting, he behaved as though he was more important and more intelligent than the other people.
10)   Crafty – He was clever at getting what he wanted. He used boss to get the milk supply tender.
11)   Opportunist – He used boss to get what he wanted and to achieve his goals.
12)   Sycophantic – He always tried hard to please boss.
13)   Unpleasant – He was not friendly towards the other characters.
14)   Hasty – Tumbo tells Regina that Mulili likes making hasty decisions and then standing by them.
15)   Bully – He bullied the university officials into giving him the milk supply tender.
16)   Corrupt – He used his cousin’s influence to get the milk supply tender.
17)   Confrontational – He wanted to confront the person who went behind his back and took the milk supply tender from him.
18)   Argumentative – In act one, he argues with Jere on whether the traditional ceremony should go on. In act two he argues again with kabito regarding the preparation for the visiting head of state.
19)   Vengeful – He killed kabito after arguing with him.
20)   Concerned – He was concerned about the safety of boss when he found him sitting outside without his bodyguards.
21)   Bloodthirsty – According to tumbo, Mulili harboured desires of eliminating other people.
22)   Hypocrite – At the end of the play he denies that boss was his cousin.
23)   Heartless – He told Jere to go ahead and kill boss when he was asked to give one good reason why boss should not be killed.
24)   Deceitful – He told boss wrong information about kabito. His deception angered boss who ordered that kabito is silenced.
25)   Sluggish – Just as expected he did not arrive on time in all the committee meetings that was planning the entertainment diary of the visitor.
Roles of Mulili
        i.            He is the villain in the play’s plot.
      ii.            He is a round and dynamic character.
    iii.            He is a major character.
     iv.            He has been used to reveal the title of the play.
       v.            His conflict with other characters helps to set the tone and mood of the play.
     vi.            He helps to develop other characters by commenting on them.
   vii.            He has been employed in the exposition of the play to explain the conflict on which the play is based upon.
 viii.            He is the play’s antagonist since he goes against the will of the society and he possesses many negative qualities.
     ix.            The climax of the play revolves around him.
       x.            His speech and actions helps to set the tone and mood of the play.
     xi.            He is the inciting force of the play’s plot.
   xii.            He helps to develop other characters by commenting on them.
 xiii.            He is a symbol of oppression and injustice.
 xiv.            He is a source of conflict in the play. His actions and speech brings out some of the main conflicts in the play.
   xv.            His conflict with kabito and Jere adds intensity to the play.
 xvi.            He has been used to reveal the play’s protagonist.
xvii.            He helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
xviii.            His actions govern the direction of the play’s plot.
 xix.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
   xx.            He is the main source of conflict in the play’s plot
Mulili’s development
1.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Disrespectful – During his conversation with Doga and Nina, he shows lack of respect even though Doga and Nina were older than him.
b.      Unsympathetic – He didn’t show any sympathy to Doga and Nina even when they were mourning the death of their son.
2.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Murderous – He killed kabito after arguing with him.
b.      Corrupt – He used his cousin’s influence to get the milk supply tender.
3.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Bloodthirsty – Tumbo told Regina that Mulili harboured desire of eliminating other people.
b.      Short tempered – Regina told tumbo that those who knew Mulili said that he was not bad at all except for his short temper.
4.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Loyal – He told Jere that he was loyal to boss.
b.      Materialistic – He told Jere that because he was promised many acres of farmland and cattle, he could not allow the ceremony to go on.
5.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Argumentative – In act one he argued with Jere on whether the traditional ceremony should go on.
b.      Deceitful – He gave boss the wrong information about kabito.
6.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Feared – Because of his closeness to Boss most of the characters in the play feared him.
b.      Infamous – The people of Kafira knew him as a heartless person.
7.       Through his position in society. For example:
a.       Domineering – Because he was close to Boss he wanted his decisions to be final.
b.      Self-seeking – Because of his closeness to boss, he used his position to get the milk supply tender.


·         Askari
Character traits
1)      Helpful – He helped the prisoners to fill in their rehabilitation forms. He also wanted to help Mosese get out of prison.
2)      Learned – He says that he did pure physics up to and including “O” levels.
3)      Honest – Mosese tells him that he is honest when he was telling them about his educational background and the breaking points of prisoners.
4)      Considerate – He wanted Mosese to take part in the play so that he could be released.
5)      Abusive – He called Jere a senseless brute for causing trouble in the cells.
6)      Murderous – He confessed to Mosese and Jere that he once killed a man in the cells.
7)      Knowledgeable – He knew more about prison activities.
8)      Caring – He cared a lot about Moses’s sister and that was why he cautioned Mosese against jusper.
9)      Disrespectful – He did not respect his senior officers.
10)   Patient – He was ready to wait for Mosese to make up his mind about performing the play for the visiting head of state.
Roles of askari
        i.            His conversation with Jere and Mosese helps to set the mood and tone of the play.
      ii.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices e.g. flashback, satire etc.
    iii.            He helps to highlight the qualities of the protagonist.
     iv.            He helps to highlight some of the themes in the play.
       v.            He is a source of conflict.
     vi.            He is a source of irony in the play. He helps jusper to be released from prison and he also convinced Mosese to take part in the play so that he could also be released.
   vii.            He helps to influence the decisions made by some of the characters.
 viii.            He helps to reveal the emotional state of some of the characters in the play.
     ix.            He acts as an inciting force in the story’s plot.
       x.            He acts as a supporting character in the play by supporting the protagonists.
     xi.            He helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters are facing.
   xii.            He helps to highlight the qualities of other characters by commenting on them.
 xiii.            He is a minor character.
 xiv.            He helps to reveal the challenges that other characters are facing.
Askari’s development
1.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Persuasive – He tried to persuade Mosese to take part in the play so that he could gain hi freedom.
b.      Abusive – He called Jere a senseless brute for causing trouble in the cells.
2.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Learned – He told Jere and Mosese that he did pure physics up to and including O level.
3.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Honest – Mosese told him that he was honest when he told him about his educational background and the breaking point of human beings.
4.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Rude – He was rude towards Jere since they didn’t share the same mother tongue.
b.      Threatening – he threatened to beat up Jere for causing trouble in the cells.
5.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Disrespected – Jere did not respect him though he was in charge of the prison cells.
6.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Murderous – He confessed to Jere and Mosese that he once killed someone.
b.      Helpful – He helped the prisoners to fill in their rehabilitation forms. He also wanted to help Mosese get out of prison.


·         Mosese
He was the brother of Regina and a former university lecturer who was arrested after a kilogramme of opium was found in his car. He changed his name from Nicodemus to Mosese wa Tonga after being set up by a man called Nicodemus.
Character traits
1)      Sarcastic – He answers the prison askari in a sarcastic manner.
2)      Sensible – The askari tells Jere that Mosese was a sensible man than him.
3)      Talkative – The askari tells him that it was common knowledge that Mosese was a great talker.
4)      Principled – Askari tells him nit to afford to stick to his principles. He tells Mosese that the student from the mental hospital took his advice and he was going to be discharged.
5)      Educated – He taught in the university.
6)      Temperamental – He nearly slapped his sister when she wanted to go and plead for his release.
7)      Generous – He shared his tea with Jere when the askari rushed off to the other cells.
8)      Loyal – He was loyal to his principles.
9)      Strong – Jusper thought that he was strong.
10)   Unsympathetic – He hated Jere for showing sympathy towards him.
11)   Rebellious – During adika’s funeral service, he stood up and spoke his mind which was not well taken by the politicians who had wanted to turn the service into a political rally. His rebellion was the cause of his arrest.
12)   Candid – He never hid his thoughts and he spoke about them openly.
13)   Resigned – While in prison he had accepted the fact that Kafira will never change.
Roles of Mosese
        i.            He is a round and dynamic character. He undergoes change while in prison and decides to take part in the play.
      ii.            He is a major character.
    iii.            His speech and actions helps to set the tone and mood of the story.
     iv.            He acts as a role model to some of the characters in the play.
       v.            He helps to reveal background information about the source of some of the conflicts.
     vi.            He is a source of hope to other characters in the play.
   vii.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
 viii.            He is a source of conflict.
     ix.            He has been used to reveal major historical events that the play is based upon.
       x.            He helps to reveal the challenges faced by post independent African states.
     xi.            He helps to highlight some of the major themes in the play.
   xii.            The climax of the play revolves around him.
 xiii.            He helps to develop other characters by commenting on them.
 xiv.            He helps to reveal the emotional state of other characters.
   xv.            He has been used to foreshadow events taking place in the play.
 xvi.            He is a symbol of change. His speech and actions are geared towards reforming Kafira.
xvii.            His decision to take part in the play helps to move the plot of the play forward.
xviii.            By taking part in the play, he plays a major role of resolving some of the conflicts.
 xix.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
Mosese’s development
1.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Generous – He shared his tea with Jere when askari rushed off to the other cells.
b.      Rebellious – During adika’s funeral service, he stood up and spoke his mind against the politicians who had tried to turn the funeral service into a political rally.
2.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Sensible – Askari told Jere that Mosese was a sensible man.
b.      Talkative – askari told him that it was now common knowledge that he was a great talker.
3.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Hopeless – While in prison he tells Jere that they had nothing to look forward to.
b.      Resigned – While in prison he tells Jere that he had accepted the fact that Kafira would never change.
4.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Sarcastic – He answered askari in a sarcastic manner when he asked him why he was showing them his back.
b.      Candid – During adika’s funeral service, when the politicians tried to turn the funeral service into a political rally, he couldn’t bear it and he told them of what he thought. He never hid his thoughts and he spoke about them openly.
5.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Generous – He shared his tea with Jere when askari rushed out to the other cells.
b.      Merciful – He showed mercy towards boss at the end of the play.
6.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Admirable – Jusper admired him for standing against boss’s government.
b.      Lovable – Her sister Regina loved him.
7.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Temperamental – He nearly slapped his sister when she wanted to go and plead for his release.
b.      Emotional – While he was in prison his emotions changed when Jere tried to sympathise with him.
8.       Through his life philosophies. For example:
a.       Principled – Askari told him not to cling to his principles.
b.      Loyal – He was loyal to his principles.
9.       Through his background. For example:
a.       Educated – He taught in the university.

·         Regina
She is the sister of Mosese and the girlfriend of jusper wendo.
Character traits
1)      Weak – Mosese says that she is soft and weak to be a prisoner’s sister.
2)      Generous – She offered coffee to jusper and tumbo when they were in her house.
3)      Welcoming – She welcomed tumbo into her house and she was good to him during his stay there.
4)      Fearful – She feared boss.
5)      Cautious – She was careful in the way that she wanted to deal with boss.
6)      Supportive – She wanted to help his brother to be released from prison. That is why she went to plead with boss so that he can be released.
7)      Unfortunate – She was beaten by soldiers until she lost her hearing in one ear.
8)      Disabled – She lost hearing in one of her ear after being beaten by soldiers.

Roles of Regina
        i.            She helps to reveal some of the conflicts in the play.
      ii.            She helps to highlight some of the major themes in the play.
    iii.            She facilitates the use of various literary devices.
     iv.            Her actions help to govern the direction of the play.
       v.            She is a round character.
     vi.            Her disagreements with jusper add intensity to the play.
   vii.            She helps to influence some of the major decisions made by other characters.
 viii.            Through her speech with other characters, we learn of the character traits of the people that she deals with.
     ix.            She is a source of irony as she feels that no good will come out of the struggle.
       x.            She is a symbol of hopelessness.
     xi.            Her decision to go and plead with boss for her brother’s release is a source of conflict between her and her brother.
   xii.            She helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters are facing.
 xiii.            She has been used to foreshadow events in the play’s plot.
 xiv.            She has been used to reveal the qualities of the antagonist and the protagonist.
   xv.            She is a static character.
Regina’s development
1.       Through what other characters say about her. For example:
a.       Weak – Mosese told Jere that Regina was soft and weak to be a prisoner’s sister.
2.       Through her actions. For example:
a.       Welcoming – She welcomed tumbo into her house and she was good to him during his stay there.
b.      Bold – She went to see boss at his palace even though she feared him.
3.       Through what she says about herself. For example:
a.       Fearful – She told jusper that she feared to see boss personally.
4.       Through her actions. For example:
a.       Supportive – She wanted to help his brother to be released from prison and that was why she went to plead with boss so that he could be released.
5.       Through her conversation with other characters. For example
a.       Open – She was open to jusper when she told him that he looked more dangerous when he wears his red gown.
6.       Through how she treats other characters. For example:
a.       Welcoming – She welcomed tumbo into her house and she was good to him during his stay there.
b.      Loving – He loved his brother Mosese and that was why he wanted him to be released from prison.
7.       Through how she is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Assaulted – Boss tried to take her by force but she escaped by jumping a ten foot high window.
b.      Pitied – Tumbo sympathised with her after learning that boss had tried to take her by force.
8.       Through her health status. For example:
a.       Disabled – She had lost hearing in one of her ear after being beaten by soldiers.

·         Tumbo
Character traits
He is a government official and boss’s right hand man.
1)      Busy – As boss’s right hand man he is always busy. Regina confirms this when he tells jusper that tumbo was a busy man.
2)      Overconfident – The author of the play describes him as an overconfident character.
3)      Fat – The writer has described him as being fat. P38
4)      Sarcastic – He talks with jusper in a sarcastic manner when he meets him in Regina’s house.
5)      Boastful – He boasted about the things that he owned and his manner of talking suggested that he was a person who liked to boast.
6)      Generous – He bought drinks for Regina and jusper.
7)      Slow to anger – He tells jusper that he doesn’t get angry that easily. P43
8)      Socialist – He tells Regina that he is a socialist at heart and that was why he wanted to extend the opportunity of writing the play to someone else. p44
9)      Helpful – He wanted to help Regina so that Mosese could be released from prison.
10)   Corrupt – He pronounced jusper as the winner of the play writing competition without giving other competitors a chance to show their play.
11)   Sympathetic – He sympathised with Regina when boss tried to take her by force.
12)   Forma – At the committee meeting that was planning the entertainment of the visiting head of state, Nicodemo and kabito tell him to stop being formal.
13)   Egocentric – He tells jusper that he has to first fight for himself and when his presence is felt, he can risk shouting for others.
14)   Rich – He owned a jaguar and two blocks of houses.
15)   Superstitious – He believed in astrology. He tells jusper that boss is in one of his bad months.
16)   Secretive – He did not want boss to know that the play was written by jusper.
17)   Inefficient – At the end of the play, Mosese tells him that it was through his inefficiency that they achieved their goal.
18)   Cooperative – He wanted to work with other people to make the play a success.
Roles of tumbo
         i.            His speech helps to set the mood and tone of the play.
       ii.            He acts as a bridge between characters by connecting them.
      iii.            By giving jusper a part in the play, he helped to build the play’s climax.
     iv.            He helps to foreshadow the play’s plot.
       v.            He helps some of the characters in the play to achieve their goals.
     vi.            He has been used to reveal some of the major themes in the play.
    vii.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
  viii.            He helps both the antagonist and the protagonist achieve their goals.
     ix.            He has been used in the climax of the play’s plot.
       x.            He helps to reveal some of the decisions made by other characters.
     xi.            He helps to highlight conflicts faced by other character.
    xii.            He has been employed in the rising action of the play’s plot.
  xiii.            He is a symbol of corruption.
Tumbo’s development
1.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Busy – Regina told jusper that tumbo was a busy man.
b.      Formal – At the committee meeting that was planning the entertainment of the visiting head of state, Nicodemo and kabito told tumbo to stop being formal.
2.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Generous – He bought drinks for Regina and jusper.
b.      Helpful – He helped Regina to get an audience with Boss.
3.       Through what the author says about him. For example:
a.       Overconfident – The writer has described him as being overconfident.
b.      Fat – The writer has described him as being fat.
4.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Slow to anger – He told jusper that he doesn’t get angry that easily.
b.       Socialist – He told Regina that he was a socialist at heart and that was why he wanted to extend the opportunity of writing the play to someone else.
5.       Through his physical attributes. For example:
a.       Fat – The writer of the play has described him as a fat person.
6.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Sympathetic – He sympathised with Regina when he learnt that boss tried to take him by force.
b.      Helpful – He wanted to help Regina so that Mosese could be released from prison.
7.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Distrusted – Jusper was suspicious of his intentions when he offered to help her meet boss.
b.      Respected – Regina respected him because of his wealth and position in government.
8.       Through his position in society. For example:
a.       Formal – Because of his position as a government official he was always formal.
b.      Corrupt – His position as a top government official made him corrupt.
9.       Through his life philosophies. For example:
a.       Egocentric – He told jusper that he had to first fight for himself and when his presence is felt he could risk shouting for others.
10.   Through his beliefs. For example:
a.       Superstitious – He believed in astrology. He told jusper that boss was in one of his bad months.
11.   Through his possessions. For example:
a.       Rich – He owned a jaguar and two blocks of houses.
12.   Through his weaknesses. For example:
a.       Inefficient – At the end of the play, Mosese tells him that it was through his inefficiency that they had achieved their goals.
b.      Corrupt – He pronounced jusper as the winner of the play writing competition without giving other competitors a chance to show their play.

·         Kabito
He was a government official before being killed by Mulili.
Character traits
1)      Quarrelsome – He quarrelled with Mulili all through the committee meeting.
2)      Unapologetic – He refuses to apologise to Mulili.
3)      Loyal – Boss said that he was one of his loyal subjects.
4)      Greedy – He was only interested in the amount of money that they will be paid for sitting in the entertainment committee.
5)      Vengeful – He wanted to take revenge against Mulili for taking away his milk supply tender.
6)      Feisty – He was not afraid to argue with Mulili.
7)      Combative – He was not afraid to argue with Mulili.
8)      Unfriendly – He was not friendly towards tumbo and Mulili when they were in the committee meeting that was tasked with the preparation of the visiting head of state.
9)      Sycophantic – He had unflinching support for boss’s government.
10)   Hypocritical – Mulili refers to him as a green grass in the snake.
11)   Unfortunate – He loses his life after boss orders for his death.

Roles of kabito
        i.            He is a static character.
      ii.            His arguments with Mulili help to set the tone and mood of the play.
    iii.            He helps to reveal the qualities of the antagonist.
     iv.            He helps to facilitate the use of various literary devices.
       v.            His action helps to govern the direction of the play’s plot.
     vi.            He acts as an inciting force in the play’s plot.
   vii.            He is a source of conflict.
 viii.            He has been used in the rising action of the play’s plot.
     ix.            He helps develop other characters by commenting on them.
       x.            He helps to define the mood of other characters in the play.

Kabito’s development
1.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Quarrelsome – He quarrelled with Mulili all through the committee meeting.
b.      Unfriendly – His conversation with Mulili and tumbo showed that he was not friendly towards them.
2.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Loyal – Boss referred to him as one of his loyal subjects.
b.      Hypocritical – Mulili referred to him as a ‘green grass in the snake.’
3.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Unfriendly – He was not friendly towards tumbo and Mulili.
b.      Demeaning – He called Mulili a second rate farmer.
4.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Temperamental – He got into continuous argument with Mulili.
b.      Vengeful – He wanted to get revenge against Mulili for taking away his milk supply tender.
5.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Unfortunate – He reveals to Nicodemo that he did not get the milk supply tender.
b.      Unapologetic – He told Mulili that he could never apologise to the likes of him.
6.       Through events that happened to him. For example:
a.       Unfortunate – He lost the milk supply tender to Mulili.
b.      Deceased – He was killed after getting into conflict with Mulili.


·         Nicodemo
He was one of the government official tasked with the preparation of celebration that was to be accorded to the visiting head of state.
Character traits
1)      Discriminating – He discriminated against the prisoners. He was against the idea of prisoners sharing the dais with the rest of the people.
2)      Greedy – He wanted to get paid per hour for sitting at the committee meeting. Kabito says that it will be also necessary for them to meet after the visit for the purpose of review. This was to ensure that the amount of money they earn is more. On the day kabito was killed, he wanted to know if that day will be counted on the payroll.
3)      Aware – He says that he was aware that the milk supply tender would be given to Mulili.
4)      Lazy – He wanted a three hour break from the committee that was organising the play for the visiting head of state.
Roles of Nicodemo
        i.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
      ii.            He is a minor character in the play.
    iii.            He is a source of conflict since he opposes the release of prisoners.
     iv.            He is a symbol of self-serving individuals in Kafira’s government.
       v.            He helps to facilitate the use of various literary devices.
     vi.            His speech helps to set the tone and mood of the play.
   vii.            He helps to highlight some of the themes in the play.
Nicodemo development
1.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Discriminating – He told kabito that he was against the idea of prisoners sharing the dais with the rest of the people.
b.      Greedy – He wanted to get paid per hour for sitting at the committee meeting.
2.       Through the way he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Discriminating – He was against the idea of prisoners sharing the dais with the rest of the people.
b.      Unfriendly – He was not friendly towards tumbo.
3.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Aware – He tells kabito that he was aware that the milk supply tender would be given to Mulili.
b.      Understanding – He told kabito that he understood that tumbo had been forced to have Mulili on the entertainment committee.


·         Chagaga
He was the brother of the sub-chief and the killer of adika.
Character traits
1)      Heartless – He killed adika in cold blood.
2)      Unfortunate – He was killed by jusper as revenge for killing adika.
Roles of Chagaga
        i.            He is an unforeseen character.
      ii.            He is the main source of conflict in the play’s plot.
    iii.            He helps to highlight some of the themes in the play.
     iv.            His actions set the tone and mood of the play.
       v.            His actions help to highlight the qualities of some of the play’s characters.
     vi.            He is a minor character.
   vii.            He is employed in the exposition of the play to explain the type of conflict on which the play is based upon.
 viii.            His actions govern the direction of the play’s plot.
     ix.            He is the inciting force in the play’s plot.
       x.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
     xi.            Through his actions, the traditional and religious setup of the citizens of Kafira has been exposed.
   xii.            His actions help to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
 xiii.            His actions help to reveal the conflicts other characters are facing.
Chagaga’s development
1.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Heartless – He killed Adika in cold blood.

·         Sub Chief
He was the brother of Chagaga.
Character traits
1)      Dreaded – Nina feared her since he was the sub-chief.
Roles of sub-chief
        i.            He is an unforeseen character.
      ii.            He is a minor character.
    iii.            He has been used to highlight the physical qualities of Jere.
     iv.            He has been used to reveal the traditional setup of the play.
       v.            He helps to highlight the theme of traditions.
Sub-chief’s development
1.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Dreaded – Nina feared her since he was the sub-chief.

·         Nicodemus
He has been mentioned as one the who planted one kilogramme of opium in Mosese’s car. Mosese was also called Nicodemus before he changed his name because he shared his name with the person who planted opium in his car.
Character traits
1)      Devious – He planted one kilogramme of opium in Mosese’s car leading to his arrest.
Roles of Nicodemus
        i.            He is a minor character.
      ii.            He is a source of conflict.
    iii.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
     iv.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
Nicodemus development
1.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Devious – He planted a kilogramme of opium in Mosese’s car leading to his arrest.

·         Mercedes
She has been mentioned as the wife of boss. She became rude to boss after learning about Regina and how boss harassed her.
Character traits
1)      Rude – She was rude to boss after she learnt how boss had harassed Regina.
Roles of Mercedes
        i.            She is a minor character.
      ii.            She helps to highlight the qualities of boss. Boss’s treatment towards her has helped to reveal how cruel he was.
    iii.            Her treatment by boss helps to set the tone and mood of the play.
     iv.            She is an unforeseen character.
       v.            Her conflict with boss adds intensity to the play.
     vi.            She helps to reveal the emotional state of boss.
   vii.            She helps to highlight some of the themes in the play.
Mercedes development
1.       Through how she treats other characters. For example:
a.       Rude – She was rude to Boss after she learnt how boss had mistreated Regina.
2.       Through how she is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Oppressed – She was locked up by boss after she complained how Regina had been treated.

·         Adika
He has been mentioned as the son of Doga and Nina who lost his life through a student riot. He was shot four times in the chest by Chagaga.
His brother was Jusper wendo.
Character traits
1)      Unfortunate – He lost his life during a student riot.
Roles of adika
        i.            His death helps to set the tone and mood of the play.
      ii.            His death is the main source of conflict.
    iii.            He has been employed in the exposition of the play to explain the type of conflict on which the play is based upon.
     iv.            He helps to highlight the themes of death and murder.
       v.            He is a minor character.
     vi.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
   vii.            His death helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.
 viii.            His death helps to foreshadow events that would take place in the play.
     ix.            His death helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters are facing.

·         Boss
He was the leader of Kafira who was deposed through a civilian coup.
Character traits
1)      Despised – Tumbo tells Regina that boss was not bad at all at heart but his own guards hate his guts.
2)      Corrupt – He cancelled Kabito’s milk supply tender and gave it to his cousin Mulili. We also learn through Mulili that he had hidden millions in foreign countries.
3)      Cruel – He ordered for the death of kabito. He also locked up his wife for complaining about his sexual harassment to Regina.
4)      Dictatorial – He ruled Kafira with an iron fist and whoever crossed him was killed mysteriously or got locked up in prison.
5)      Determined – He was determined to see the play taking place since he also offered himself to act as the chief of staff when he learnt that the person who was to act that part was having stomach troubles and the doctor had recommended rest for him.
6)      Bossy – He enjoyed giving orders to those who were below him.
7)      Devious – Together with Mulili, they planned to kill kabito because he knew too much.
8)      Accomplished – He was once a good actor.
9)      Complacent – He was satisfied with how Kafira’s situation was and this made him feel that change in Kafira was not necessary.
10)   Choleric – Tumbo tells jusper that he can be made angry easily.
11)   Fearsome – Some people of Kafira feared him e.g. Regina and tumbo.
12)   Fussy – He was too concerned about the details of the play.
13)   Idealistic – He wanted the standards of the play to be perfect and he also tried to help so that it could be achieved.
14)   Remorseless – He showed no pity to the university students who were advocating for change.
15)   Bad tempered – He locked up his wife for complaining about an incident that happened in the palace. Tumbo says that when he loses his temper he can hardly tell a human being from a rat.
16)   Volatile – He changed his mood constantly.

Roles of boss
         i.            He is one of the focal characters in the play.
       ii.            He is a source of irony.
      iii.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
     iv.            His decisions and actions govern the direction of the play’s plot.
       v.            He is a dynamic and round character.
     vi.            The climax of the play revolves around him.
    vii.            He is a symbol of oppression, corruption and dictatorship.
  viii.            His speech and actions help to develop the tone and mood of the play.
     ix.            He supports the antagonist to achieve his goal.
       x.            He is a source of conflict.
     xi.            He helps to define the setting of the play.
    xii.            He has been used to link past events with the present.
  xiii.            His conflicts with other characters in the play adds intensity to the play’s plot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  xiv.            He helps to influence some of the major decisions made by other characters.
   xv.            He has been used to reveal the title of the play.
  xvi.            He helps to highlight the qualities of other characters.
xvii.            He helps to reveal the conflicts that other characters are facing.
xviii.            He is a symbol of oppression and corruption.
  xix.            He is one of the antagonists.
   xx.            He helps to highlight some of the themes in the story.
  xxi.            His decisions and actions govern the direction of the play.
xxii.            The climax of the play revolves around him.
xxiii.            He facilitates the use of various literary devices.
xxiv.            He is an inciting force in the play’s plot.
xxv.            He helps to influence some of the decisions made by other characters.

Boss’s development
1.       Through his conversation with other characters. For example:
a.       Bossy – He enjoyed giving orders to those who were below him.
b.      Fussy – He was too concerned about the details of the play that was to be acted for the visiting head of state.
2.       Through what other characters say about him. For example:
a.       Choleric – Tumbo told jusper that he was easily made angry.
b.      Hated – tumbo told Regina that boss wasn’t bad at all but his own guards hated his guts.
3.       Through what he says about himself. For example:
a.       Accomplished – He told jusper that he was once a good actor.
b.      Complacent – He told those who were present during the rehearsal of the play that he was satisfied with how Kafira’s situation was and that made him feel that change in Kafira wasn’t necessary.
4.       Through his actions. For example:
a.       Corrupt – He cancelled Kabito’s milk supply tender and gave it to his cousin Mulili.
b.      Devious – Together with his cousin Mulili, they planned to kill kabito because he knew too much.
5.       Through how he treats other characters. For example:
a.       Cruel – he ordered the death of kabito, Doga and Nina. He also locked up his wife for complaining about his treatment to Regina.
b.      Remorseless – He showed no pity to the university students who were advocating for change.
6.       Through how he is treated by other characters. For example:
a.       Feared – Both Regina and tumbo feared him.
b.      Disliked – He was never liked by the citizens of Kafira.
7.       Through his emotional state. For example:
a.       Volatile – He changed his moods constantly.
b.      Bad tempered – Tumbo said that when he loses his temper he could hardly tell a human being from a rat.
8.       Through his position in society. For example:
a.       Dictatorial – As the leader of Kafira he wanted his orders to be followed without being questioned.
b.      Bossy – As the leader he enjoyed giving orders to those who were below him.

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