The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - 2/23/15

Prompt: Are the characters realistic (do they seem like they could be real people)? Why or Why not?
Author: Sherman Alexie
Pages Read: 1-51

     The main character, Junior, was born with a variety of medical problems. He also comes from a poor Indian family in a poor Spokane Indian reservation. Junior is a very smart student based on his teacher's "motivational speech" to cling on to hope because his intelligence will get him to success. After this it was decided that Junior is to leave the rez and go to a good educational all-white school. Junior's best friend, Rowdy, is what one would call angry. No, he IS angry. Angry is him. He beats up anyone and anything. Except for Junior. When Rowdy sees someone hurt Junior he would start throwing his punches. These are the two main characters so far introduced in the book.

     The characters do seem realistic. Each one has a personality/characteristic that is realistic. It is not like a fire breathing human character. The fact that Junior had a brain surgery for having too much fluid in his brain somehow makes the story a bit more realistic to me. This event is something that is possible and could happen. There are also people who are very much like Rowdy. Angry and uses violence towards others when he is feeling down. Rowdy's parents drink a lot and his dad gets abusive with him and his mom. Junior also has parents as drunks but they would never touch a hair on him. From what Junior has explained his parents are good drunks who do not want their kids to end up like them.

     Overall, knowing that there are families like this in the world makes it realistic. I could connect to their situations, well not myself personally but some people I know have parents who are drunk or who is struggling through poverty. I could connect on the personal level but it is very broad. The main character is 14 years old and so am I. That's it. Just the age... we are both human! Knowing that humans exist also give more of a realistic feel towards the book.

Comments: Athziry, Leanna, Jenna