Character Sketch from WBBSE Class 10 English Chapter 5 – Our Runaway Kite of Father, Claude, Philippa, Aunt Esther, Dick, and Mimi

 

A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Father, Claude, Philippa, Aunt Esther, Dick, and Mimi from WBBSE Class 10 English Bliss Book Chapter 5 Our Runaway Kite

 

 

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Character Sketch of Father

Father is the keeper of the Big Half Moon lighthouse and plays the main role in the story. He is depicted as a responsible and loving father to his children, Claude and Philippa. He is perceived as a tough man, but he has had a life filled with sadness due to fighting with his brother and losing his sister, Aunt Esther. Because of the disputes and estrangement, Father has a feeling of isolation in the family. However, when he receives Aunt Esther’s letter, Father is visibly shaken and immediately makes plans to reconnect and be reunited with his lost family, suggesting that he can forgive and take family seriously.


 

Questions about the Character of Father:

  1. What has Father’s past fight with his brother done to impact the sense of isolation of the family?
  2. What does Father do after he receives Aunt Esther’s letter, and what does this say about his character?

 

Character Sketch of Claude

Claude is a 12-year-old boy and Philippa’s older brother. He is portrayed as imaginative, adventurous, and a caring brother. Claude has an affectionate relationship with Philippa, and both entertain themselves on the deserted island by engaging in a range of activities (like flying kites). His creativity shines through in how he learns to make the kites and creates games to play with his sister. Claude’s character captures the innocence and creativity of childhood.

 

Questions related to the Character of Claude:

  1. How does Claude show creativity and resourcefulness in the story?
  2. In what ways does Claude’s relationship with Philippa help both of them cope with island life, isolated from everyone?

 

Character Sketch of Philippa (the Narrator)

Philippa, the eleven-year-old narrator, presents a moving and personal journey in the story. She is curious and imaginative and is searching for more family. Philippa showcases her playfulness in the closeness of her relationship with Claude and their exploits. Philippa demonstrates her pivotal role in this narrative through actions such as patching the kite with an old letter, which brings the family back with Aunt Esther.

 

Questions regarding the Character of Philippa: 

  1. What is the impact of Philippa’s choice to patch the kite with an old letter on the story? 
  2. What does Philippa’s narration reveal about her quest for family and companionship?

 

Character Sketch of Aunt Esther

Aunt Esther is the long-lost sister of Father and represents coming together and familial love in the story. After Aunt Esther finds the kite patched with her letter to father and sees his children’s names in writing, she reaches out to contact her brother and become connected to his family again. She acts with warmth, resourcefulness, reestablishing family bonds, and above all, love for her brother’s family. Aunt Esther’s coming into the family’s life leads to happiness and fulfilment for the previously isolated family unit. 

 

Questions about Aunt Esther’s Character:

  1. What prompts Aunt Esther to contact her brother after finding the kite?
  2. What impact does Aunt Esther’s reunion with her brother’s family have on their lives on the island?


 

Character Sketch of Dick

Dick is Aunt Esther’s son, so he is a cousin of Claude and Philippa. We have been told that Dick is exuberant, bright, and spirited. The narrator describes Dick as an immediate friend to his cousin, who features exciting companionship for Claude and Philippa. Dick adds to the overall atmosphere of fun and celebration. 

 

Questions about the Character of Dick:

  1. How is Dick a catalyst for change to family cohesiveness on Big Half Moon Island? 
  2. How does Dick contribute to the narrator’s feelings of happiness and belonging?


 

Character Sketch of Mimi

Mimi, who is Aunt Esther’s daughter, is introduced as kind, genial, and warm. She and Philippa became friends at once. Mimi provides the companionship Philippa has been seeking, and Mimi also gives the family a feeling of completeness and happiness. The words family and family connection mean a great deal. 

 

Questions about the Character of Mimi:

  1. In what way does Mimi fulfil Philippa’s companionship longing?
  2. In what way does Mimi contribute to the overall sense of completeness and happiness of the family?

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