CHaracters
Waris Dirie - Author and protagonist who escapes her Somali nomad life after finding out she has been placed in an arranged marriage; She eventually travels to London and becomes a world-renowned super model and human rights activist
The Dirie Family - Waris has an extremely close-knit family unit as they all participate in contributing to the family's business of raising animals. Furthermore, Waris has a close relationship to her mother, who actually prompts her to escape their home and Waris's arranged marriage. Waris feels much guilt and sadness at abandoning her mother and leaving her to take up more duties after her escape.
Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim - Auntie Maruim is Waris's mother's sister who has married the Somali ambassador to England. Waris travels to London to work as a servent in her aunt and uncle's home for four years. While her aunt and uncle take care of her basic needs, it is not a particularly warm and friendly environment and Waris is clearly seen as subordinate.
Basma- Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim's daughter who acts as Waris's confidante and friend during her time with her family in London. Basma is the same age as Waris.
Halwu- Waris's Somali friend who becomes her close companion after her aunt and uncle leave London for Somalia. Halwu helps Waris arrange for a place to stay and teaches her where to attend free foreigners school so Waris can learn English
The Dirie Family - Waris has an extremely close-knit family unit as they all participate in contributing to the family's business of raising animals. Furthermore, Waris has a close relationship to her mother, who actually prompts her to escape their home and Waris's arranged marriage. Waris feels much guilt and sadness at abandoning her mother and leaving her to take up more duties after her escape.
Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim - Auntie Maruim is Waris's mother's sister who has married the Somali ambassador to England. Waris travels to London to work as a servent in her aunt and uncle's home for four years. While her aunt and uncle take care of her basic needs, it is not a particularly warm and friendly environment and Waris is clearly seen as subordinate.
Basma- Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim's daughter who acts as Waris's confidante and friend during her time with her family in London. Basma is the same age as Waris.
Halwu- Waris's Somali friend who becomes her close companion after her aunt and uncle leave London for Somalia. Halwu helps Waris arrange for a place to stay and teaches her where to attend free foreigners school so Waris can learn English
Malcolm Fairchild- The photographer who discovers Waris and connects her to various modeling agencies.
Marilyn Monroe- A good friend (not the famous actress) who Waris lives with for a time. Waris steals her identity and creates a passport under Monroe's name so she can travel to film a James Bond film.
Mr. Wheeler- The lawyer that Waris trusts and gives thousands of dollars in exchange for a passport. He eventually steals her money and flees the country.
Mr. O'Sullivan- An old Irish man who Mr. Wheeler suggests that Waris marry in order for her to get a passport. He is an old drunk and he also takes Waris' money.
Nigel- The brother of one of Waris' model friends who helps Waris out and eventually marries her so she can have a passport. They live together and develop a friendship, eventually he becomes obsessive and dangerous to Waris and she must break ties with him.
Dana- Waris' husband
Themes
- Perseverance
- Self-dignity
- Human Rights
- Cultural VS. Personal Beliefs
- Duty to Family/Culture
