Character Sketch:- The Little Girl | English Class 9 PDF Download

Kezia

• Emotional and Sensitive Nature: Kezia, the young girl in The Little Girl, is depicted as emotional and sensitive. She is greatly influenced by her father's strict and disciplined nature, as well as his love, although she doesn't fully grasp it at first.
• Fear of Her Father: Kezia's behaviour shows her fear of her father, whom she sees as a frightening figure. Each morning when he leaves for work, she feels a wave of relief. She feels glad when the sound of his carriage fades away down the road! Despite her fear, Kezia tries to be obedient. When her mother tells her to take off her father's shoes, she does so, even though she feels nervous around him and often stutters when he is near.

• Comparison with Other Children: Sometimes, Kezia wishes there were no fathers at all, especially when she thinks about other children who seem to get more affection from their dads. This makes her feel even lonelier.
• Realisation of Her Father's Love: Kezia’s opinion of her father changes when he comforts her after a bad dream. He carries her to his bed and provides warmth, revealing a softer side of him. Through this, Kezia understands that he is firmer than her grandmother, but this firmness comes from a good place. She realises, "What a big heart you've got, Father dear." This realisation helps her move from being fearful and resentful to becoming a more understanding daughter who appreciates her father’s love and hard work.

Kezia’s Father

• Authoritarian and Strict Nature: Kezia’s father has a complex personality with contrasting traits. Initially, he appears as a strict and controlling figure, the leader of the household who demands complete obedience. When he arrives home in the evening, Kezia stands by the staircase and hears his loud commands in the hall. 'Bring my tea into the drawing-room... Hasn't the paper come yet? Mother, go and see if my paper's out there and bring me my slippers.' He expects everything to be ready for him, including his tea and newspaper. He even wants Kezia to take off his shoes, reinforcing his dominant presence. To her, he is someone to be feared and avoided. His strictness is so severe that she only stutters around him, as she tries hard to speak correctly. Each morning, she feels a sense of relief when he leaves for work.

• Failure to Understand Kezia’s Innocence: This strict side is evident when he punishes Kezia with a ruler after she accidentally tears important papers. He reprimands her, saying, 'Sit up, and hold out your hands. You must be taught once and for all not to touch what does not belong to you.'

• Caring and Protective Side: Nevertheless, Kezia’s father does show moments of warmth. After she has a bad dream, he comforts her by carrying her to his bed and telling her to warm her cold feet against his legs. This moment reveals a softer layer of his character that is rarely seen, indicating he has a caring side.

• A Father with a Hidden Tenderness: Ultimately, Kezia’s father represents the typical father figure who may seem harsh on the surface but has a deep affection for his child beneath that exterior. Though he is stricter than Grandmother, his tough love is ultimately kind. Each day, he works hard and is often too tired to be a Mr. Macdonald.

Kezia’s Grandmother

• A Wise and Supportive Elder: Kezia’s Grandmother, known as “Grannie” by Kezia, is a wise and caring presence in the family. While she does not challenge her son's strict behaviour, she constantly encourages her granddaughter to try and connect more with her parents.
• Guiding Kezia to Strengthen Bonds: Every Sunday afternoon, Grannie would send Kezia to the drawing-room for a 'nice talk with Father and Mother.' However, Kezia often found her Mother reading and Father asleep on the sofa, with his handkerchief covering his face.
• Comforting Kezia after Punishment: Later, when Grannie wrapped Kezia in a shawl and rocked her in the rocking-chair, the little girl held onto her soft body. Grannie offered warmth and comfort, understanding Kezia’s emotions and motivating her to reach out to her parents.
• A Quiet Yet Important Character: Grannie’s supportive role is evident when she goes with her daughter-in-law to the hospital, highlighting her significance in the family, even though she often stays in the background.

Mr. MacDonald

• A Loving and Playful Father: Mr. MacDonald, Kezia’s neighbour, is portrayed as a contrast to Kezia’s father. He embodies an ideal father figure in her view, showing affection freely and creating a joyful atmosphere for his children. He has five children and often engages in fun activities with them, displaying kindness and warmth, unlike the strictness Kezia faces with her own father.

• The Opposite of Kezia's Father Unlike Kezia’s father, Mr. MacDonald does not discipline his children. His playful and open relationship with them is something Kezia admires and stands in stark contrast to her own experiences. He is the ideal father figure in her eyes, known for his affectionate nature and the cheerful environment he creates for his children.