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

Kezia

• Emotional and Sensitive Nature
  Kezia, the young female protagonist of the story The Little Girl, is portrayed as an emotional and sensitive child. She is deeply affected by her father’s strict, disciplinarian attitude as well as his love, though she does not fully understand it at first.

• Fear of Her Father
  Kezia's actions reflect her youth and innocence. She views her father as an intimidating figure, the head of the household who demands respect. Every morning when he leaves for work, she feels a sense of relief. Despite her fear of him, Kezia remains obedient. When her mother instructs her to remove her father's shoes, she complies even though she is nervous around him and often stutters out of fear in his presence.

• Comparison with Other Children
  At times, Kezia wishes there were no fathers in the world, especially when she compares herself to other children who seem to receive more affection from their fathers. This comparison pains her and intensifies her feelings of loneliness.
• Impulsive Yet Innocent
  Although impulsive, Kezia is innocent. For example, she decides to make a pin cushion for her father’s birthday, but in her naiveté, she uses important papers from his desk as stuffing. Without understanding the consequences, she tears the documents, leading to a punishment that causes her distress.
• Realization of Her Father's Love
  However, Kezia's perception of her father changes when he comforts her after she has a frightening dream. His act of carrying her to his bed and reassuring her with warmth reveals a softer, more caring side of him. Through this experience, Kezia realizes that beneath his stern exterior, her father has a great heart. This marks her transformation from a fearful, resentful girl into a more understanding, appreciative daughter who recognizes her father’s love and labor.

Kezia’s Father

• Authoritarian and Strict Nature
  Kezia’s father is a complex character with two contrasting sides. At first, he appears as a domineering figure, the strict head of the household who expects complete obedience. He demands that everything be done for him, such as having his tea and newspaper ready when he returns home from work. He even expects Kezia to remove his shoes for him, further establishing his authoritative presence. His strictness is so overwhelming that Kezia stutters when speaking to him and feels relieved when he leaves for work in the morning.

• Failure to Understand Kezia’s Innocence
  This stern aspect of his personality is further highlighted when he punishes Kezia with a ruler after she accidentally ruins important documents while making a gift for him. He seems unable to understand his daughter’s innocent intentions, which deepens the emotional distance between them.

• Caring and Protective Side
  However, a more caring side of Kezia's father emerges when he comforts his frightened daughter after a bad dream. In the absence of the women of the household, he steps in to care for her, carrying her to his bed and telling her to warm her cold feet by rubbing them against his legs. This tender moment reveals his paternal affection and protective nature, showing that behind his stern exterior, he possesses a soft heart full of love for his daughter.

• A Father with a Hidden Tenderness
  In the end, Kezia’s father embodies the typical figure of a father who may seem harsh on the outside but holds deep affection for his child beneath the surface.
  
  

Kezia’s Grandmother

• A Wise and Supportive Elder
  Kezia’s Grandmother, addressed as “Grannie” by Kezia, is a wise and understanding elder in the household. Although she does not question her son's strict, authoritarian attitude, she continuously encourages her granddaughter to make efforts to build a stronger bond with her parents.
• Guiding Kezia to Strengthen Bonds
  Grannie advises Kezia to approach her parents, especially on relaxed Sunday afternoons, and talk nicely to them. She prefers to stay in the background, quietly supporting the family without interfering in household matters.
• Comforting Kezia after Punishment
  Her loving and protective side becomes evident when she comforts Kezia after the punishment from her father. Wrapping Kezia in a shawl, she rocks her in a chair, providing the little girl with warmth and solace. Grannie understands the delicate nature of parenting and believes that parents should have the freedom to discipline their children as they see fit.
• A Quiet Yet Important Character
  Her supportive nature is further highlighted when she accompanies her daughter-in-law to the hospital, underscoring her importance in the family, even though she often remains in the background.

Mr. MacDonald