Characters (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
Characters
Kasienka
- Kasienka is the protagonist of The Weight of Water. She is a 13-year-old Polish girl who moves to England with her mother in search of her father.
- She is mature for her age, quiet, and determined.
- In her own words, "I thought maybe I'd be exotic... like an English girl in Gdansk. But I am not an English girl in Gdansk. I'm a Pole in Coventry".
- This highlights her feelings of alienation and struggles to fit in at her new school.
- Kasienka's love for swimming helps her find solace and confidence and connect with a boy named William.
- By the end of the novel, she stands up to her bully, Clair.
Mama
- Mama is Kasienka's mother, who is determined and somewhat desperate in her search for her husband, Tata, who left them.
- She relies heavily on Kasienka, as seen in her constant praise, "Good girl Kasienka".
- Mama's single-minded focus on finding Tata affects her relationship with Kasienka, causing tension and emotional distance.
- Despite her struggles, Mama's relationship with Kasienka evolves, showing her love and the challenges of their situation.
Clair
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Clair is the antagonist and the 'Queen Bee' of Kasienka's class.
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She is self-centred and mean and enjoys bullying others to maintain her social status.
- Clair cuts chunks from Kasienka's hair and spreads rumours about her, demonstrating her cruelty, "I am their prey and there is nothing I can do to stop their pouncing".
- Clair's actions embody the theme of bullying and discrimination that Kasienka faces.
William
- William is a kind and supportive boy Kasienka meets at the swimming pool. He encourages her to stand up for herself and becomes a source of strength and comfort for her.
- Kasienka's relationship with William is significant as it represents her first experience of young love and acceptance.
- He treats her with respect and helps her gain confidence, "He knows I can save Myself".
Kanoro
- Kanoro is a Kenyan doctor who lives next door to Kasienka and her mother. He provides friendship, wisdom, and support, becoming a beacon of hope for Kasienka.
- His kindness is evident in how he always brings a smile and twinkling eyes, helping to brighten their difficult situation.
- Kanoro's character shows the importance of friendship and kindness in overcoming adversity. "Happiness should be your revenge, Kasienka. Happiness."