Character Sketch: Memories of Childhood | English Class 12 PDF Download

Character Sketch of Zitkala-Sa

• Determined – Zitkala-Sa remained resolute in her efforts to resist the oppressive regulations at the Carlisle Indian School, determined to fight against the injustices imposed on her and her peers.
• Optimistic – Despite facing numerous hardships and indignities, Zitkala-Sa maintained a hopeful outlook, believing in her ability to resist and overcome the oppressive forces.
• Protestor – She actively protested against having her hair shingled, demonstrating her willingness to stand up against unfair treatment and assert her dignity.
• Sensitive – Zitkala-Sa exhibited deep sensitivity to the humiliations she faced, feeling deeply dehumanized by the treatment she received and expressing this through poignant comparisons.
• Resilient – Even in the face of severe adversity, Zitkala-Sa showed remarkable resilience, continuously resisting and struggling against the injustices imposed on her.

Zitkala-Sa was a determined and resilient Native American who faced severe racism and exploitation at the Carlisle Indian School. Despite the harsh and oppressive environment, she remained optimistic, believing in her ability to resist and overcome the injustices imposed on her. Her determination was evident in her active protest against having her hair shingled, a courageous act that showcased her refusal to submit meekly to cruel practices. Zitkala-Sa was deeply sensitive to the humiliations she endured, poignantly expressing her dehumanization through comparisons to being treated like an animal. Despite these extreme adversities, she exhibited remarkable resilience, continually resisting and struggling against the oppressive forces. Her character embodies the spirit of resistance and the enduring strength of Native American women who fought against their exploitation and cultural annihilation.

Character Sketch of Bama 

• Innocent – Bama, as a small school girl from a Dalit community in South India, is initially unaware of the caste-based discrimination and incrimination around her.
• Curious – She is a typical, observant child who is curious about various things and often gets distracted by fun and entertaining events around her.
• Surprised – Bama is taken aback when she notices the distinctions based on class and caste, showing her initial innocence and lack of awareness about societal injustices.
• Angry and Astonished – Upon learning the reality from her brother, Bama feels angry and astonished at the inhumanity of the rich and upper caste people.
• Revolting – She harbors a strong sense of ire and a desire to protest against the caste-based discrimination and injustice.
• Determined – Influenced by her brother's words about the power of education, Bama becomes determined to excel in her studies and uses education as a means to combat discrimination.
• Role Model – Through her hard work and success in her studies, Bama wins everyone's respect and becomes a role model for all Dalit women.

Bama is a small, innocent school girl from a Dalit community in South India, initially unaware of the caste-based incrimination surrounding her. She is curious and observant, often distracted by the various entertaining events around her. Her innocence is shattered when she notices the stark distinctions based on class and caste, leaving her surprised and confused. When her brother explains the harsh realities of caste discrimination, Bama feels angry and astonished, realizing the inhumanity of the rich and upper caste people. Her sense of justice awakens a revolting ire within her, fueling her desire to protest against this social evil. Guided by her brother's words that only education can bring about change, Bama becomes determined to excel in her studies. She channels her anger and determination into hard work, eventually topping her class. Through her academic success, Bama not only overcomes discrimination but also wins respect from everyone, emerging as a role model for all Dalit women. Her journey from innocence to awareness, anger to determination, and success to respect, highlights her resilience and the transformative power of education.

Character Sketch of Annan