Characters and Characterisation in Parliament of Owls by Adipo Sidang
Act 2 Characterisation
In Act 2 of "Parliament of Owls," the characters exhibit various traits that define their personalities and roles within the narrative. Let's delve into the character traits of the key characters and how they are portrayed in the text:
1. Red String:
a. Manipulative: Red String exhibits manipulative behaviour throughout Act 2, using deception and coercion to maintain control over the other birds. For example, he manipulates Tel Tel by offering her incentives to comply with the oppressive laws: "Do a good job. Terms and conditions; terms and conditions apply."
b. Authoritative: Red String asserts his authority as the king's advisor and enforcer of the Parliament's laws, imposing strict regulations on the other birds: "Now that the owls will spend longer hours supervising and taking the roll call, we expect that all birds shall contribute a daily 'moonlight tax'..."
c. Deceptive: Red String deceives the other birds by presenting the Moonlight Bill as a measure for their safety, while in reality, it serves to consolidate the owls' power and oppress the other species: "We want to push forward supervision and roll call hours..."
2. Tel Tel:
a. Resilient: Tel Tel demonstrates resilience in the face of oppression, refusing to yield to Red String's manipulative tactics and standing up for her principles: "I will not do it. You betrayed me, remember?"
b. Courageous: Tel Tel exhibits courage by confronting Red String and exposing the truth behind the Moonlight Bill, despite the potential consequences: "What if I spread some propaganda about them too?"
c. Principled: Tel Tel adheres to her principles of truth and justice, refusing to participate in the Parliament's corrupt schemes and propaganda: "I cannot mislead day birds or any other bird for that matter."
3. Arum Tidi:
a. Sycophantic: Arum Tidi displays sycophantic behaviour towards Red String and the Parliament of Owls, eagerly supporting their oppressive laws and schemes: "Here is Honourable Arum Tidi with the Moonlight Bill. Tonight, I persuade every bird in sight to rise and thank our charming Parliament of Owls..."
b. Opportunistic: Arum Tidi seizes opportunities to gain favour with the owls, offering his support in exchange for personal benefits such as dining with the king: "I will dine with Royal Owl, Tula Nyongoro, too?"
c. Collaborative: Arum Tidi collaborates with Red String and the owls to enforce their oppressive laws and propaganda, actively participating in the suppression of dissent: "You see ... A mark of genius ... creativity!"
These character traits shape the dynamics of Act 2, driving the conflict between oppression and resistance as the characters navigate their roles within the oppressive regime of the Parliament of Owls.