Character Analysis: A Long Way Gone

Words: 329
Pages: 2

In the novel, A Long Way Gone, Ishmael’s unforgiving war experiences eradicates all those he held dearly, leaving him isolated. He meets the nurse of the Benin Home and originally finds her hard to trust, as he would to anyone in a war zone. Though, through the steady progression of companionship, alongside gifts, Ishmael admits compassion towards Esther by cooperating with others and excepting his new life. Esther acts as a maternal figure for Ishmael. Her first gift of the Walkman and cassette, began their friendship as Ishmael later learned to comply with the rules. Esther then assisted in the discovery of Ishmael’s caseworker Leslie, leading to the discovery of Mr. Kamara who persuaded Ishmael to venture to New York for his later success.