The Pearl - Character sketches of Kino and Juana.

Character sketches mean how they look like, where they are from and what they like to do...

A character sketch is an analysis of a character, detailing physical characteristics and personality traits. You'll want to include a description of what you think the character looks like, how he or she behaves, and descriptions of talents or abilities, and beliefs.

For the physical description, write what the character looks like and dresses like. Include details about age, height, weight, physical build, state of health and any distinguishing marks or conditions (scars, tatoos, etc.) that the author has written about. Describe the things that the character does or is capable of doing, using examples from the text.

For a description of personality, describe how the character reacts in various situations. Again, use examples from the story to illustrate these emotional traits of the character.

To write character sketches for Kino and Juana, you will start with the fact that they are Mexican American. That probably means they have black hair and olive-toned skin. Then describe some of the things each one does and what their personalities are like, and use examples from the book.

Example 1:

The protagonist of the fable is a Mexican-Indian named Kino. He is a primitive character who will fail to benefit from the opportunity chance has afforded him to become enlightened. Kino has been perceived as colonial subject, simpleton, and oppressed man. Kino is an average man in his community with a quiet life diving for pearls that he sells to his colonial overlords.

Kino's wife, Juana, is even more simple than Kino. Her reactions are those of the instinctual mother, and her life is devoted to her duties to her husband and child. She performs her duties and follows Kino.

Kino and Juana are uneducated in the methods of western medicine and the victims of racial prejudice.

Steinbeck also depicts Kino and Juana's growing isolation from their family and community as they are compelled to flee to the city to find a buyer for the pearl. An episode of domestic violence is portrayed when Juana attempts to get rid of the pearl.

Example 2:

Kino is an average man in his community with a quiet life diving for pearls that he sells to his colonial overlords. After his son is stung by a scorpion and the doctor refuses to treat him, he goes as usual to the pearl beds hoping that he will find a pearl so magnificent that he will be able to rise in social and economic standing. He discovers the talisman he feels he needs for such a rise in fortune; however, harassment from his oppressor and his own stubbornness foil his ability to take advantage of the Pearl.

Kino's wife, Juana, is even more simple than Kino. Her reactions are those of the instinctual mother, and her life is devoted to her duties to her husband and child. "She could stand fatigue and hunger almost better than Kino himself. In the canoe she was like a strong man." She says Hail Marys and utilizes ancient magic to ward off evil. Her prayers bring the pearl into existence. With the pearl in hand, however, Coyotito is fine. Her thoughts about the pearl thus turn practical. They can be married in the church and have nice clothes, but they do not need to have everything. Realizing that Kino wants everything, she begins to see their possession of the Pearl of the World as a harbinger of evil. She begs Kino to throw it away, even becomes so bold as to attempt it herself. For this, Kino hits her.