Character & Characterization
- Jusper Wendo
- Patriotic – he advocated for change.
- Brave – did not shy away from issues concerning the truth.
- Courageous
- Stubborn
- Creative
- Philosophical
- Mulili
- Soldier, Jere’s colleague, then a farmer, Boss’s distant cousin.
- Betrayer
- Flamboyant
- Not very educated
- Self-centered
- Egoistic
- Jere
- Mulili’s colleague, comes from a different culture.
- Kind-hearted
- Trustworthy
- Short-tempered
- Religious
- Naive
- Boss
- Head of state of Kafira, mostly disliked by the students.
- Arrogant
- Naive
- Dictator
- Womanizer
- Mosese
- Lecturer in Kafira, Regina’s brother, framed for drugs and arrested.
- Intellectual
- Silent
- Philosophical thinker
- Caring
- Patriotic
- Tolerant
- Nina
- Caring
- Religious
- Traditionalist
- Courageous (pg 9)
- Uneducated
- Doga
- Traditionalist
- Religious
- Courageous
- Vocal
- Egocentric
- Looks down upon women (wife)
- Regina
- Caring
- Truthful
- Naive
- Courageous
- Wise
- Tumbo
- Corrupt
- Self-centered
- Kind
- Coward
- Nicodemo
- Lazy
- Greedy
- Betrayer
- Self-centered
- Coward
- Uses innuendo
- Kabito
- Considerate
- Coward
- Corrupt
- Greedy
- Educated
- Unhappy
Elaboration of Traits
- Jusper Wendo
- Patriotic because he advocated for change. As one of the students at Kafira University, he played a part in the protest that ended with the death of Adika (one who loves his country).
- Brave and courageous because he was not afraid to speak the truth about matters concerning Kafira and did not waver.
- Stubborn, as seen in conversations with his mother (page 6) and Regina, his girlfriend, who tries to advise him to change (scene 3, page 32). He is determined not to change.
- Creative because he devised a play for the visit of the head of state.
- Philosophical – he is a philosophy student at Kafira University, as he claims on page 33, evident in his speech.
- Vocal in expressing his ideas loudly, evident in conversations with others.
- Mulili
- Ex-soldier turned farmer. Jere’s colleague and Boss’s distant cousin.
- Betrayer – he betrayed Jere, who trusted him (page 14, where Jere reminds him he did not inform on Mustafa’s escape).
- Flamboyant – tends to misread others.
- Not very educated, evident in his speech, e.g., “What have happen?”
- Egoistic – believes he is always right and deals with others accordingly, as seen in his dealings with Kabito.
- Self-centered – mostly thinks about himself, especially regarding his betrayal and ego.
- Jere
- Mulili’s colleague from a different culture.
- Trustworthy – keeps secrets, unlike Mulili.
- Religious – claims to read the Bible and taught religious knowledge before joining the army.
- Short-tempered – easily annoyed, as shown in his confrontation with Mulili (page 15).
- Naive – easily convinced, as Mulili deceived him about Mustafa.
- Patriotic – shows love for his country through his actions.
- Kind-hearted – intends to do good, e.g., allowing the ceremony to proceed (page 13).
- Boss
- Head of state of Kafira, disliked mostly by university students.
- Naive – easily convinced by Mulili’s false information leading to Kabito’s death.
- Dictator – rules with force, wanting everything his way without regard for others.
- Arrogant – considers himself superior (page 60), harshly punishing dissenters.
- Womanizer – despite being married to Mercedes, desires Regina.
- Mosese
- Philosophy lecturer at Kafira University, Regina’s brother, framed with drugs and arrested.
- Intellectual – capable of reasoning and understanding.
- Silent – rarely speaks, as seen in prison (page 18).
- Philosophical thinker – evident in his reflections on memories and time (page 28).
- Caring – concerned about his sister Regina’s safety.
- Patriotic – participates in the play advocating for change.
- Nina
- Doga’s wife and mother to Jusper and Adika.
- Caring – especially about her son Jusper.
- Religious – shows faith by praying and entrusting the day to God (page 8).
- Traditionalist – values tradition, as seen in the shaving ceremony for Adika.
- Courageous – confronts Mulili and Jere without fear regarding the ceremony (page 9).
- Remorseful – feels guilty for sending her son into trouble (page 12).
- Doga
- Nina’s husband and father to Jusper and Adika.
- Courageous – addresses issues without fear of consequences.
- Traditionalist – attached to tradition, practices the shaving ceremony (page 4).
- Religious – offers Jere a Bible and prays for enlightenment (page 12).
- Vocal – expresses ideas loudly in conversations.
- Egocentric – believes he is always right.
- Looks down upon women – dismisses his wife’s thoughts and speaks disparagingly of women (page 3).
- Regina
- Mosese’s sister and Jusper’s girlfriend.
- Caring – concerned about Mosese and Jusper, advises Jusper despite his stubbornness.
- Truthful – prefers honesty, e.g., when rejecting Tumbo’s corrupt proposal.
- Naive – easily convinced by Tumbo to see Boss.
- Courageous – faces Boss to help her brother.
- Wise – gives advice to Jusper despite his stubbornness.
- Tumbo
- Chairman of the visitors entertainment committee.
- Corrupt – dishonest in the playwriting competition.
- Kind – brings drinks for Regina and Jusper and connects Regina with Boss.
- Coward – afraid of Boss, lacks courage.
- Self-centered – misuses the competition for personal gain (page 42).
- Nicodemo
- Member of the visiting committee.
- Lazy – asks for a three-hour break at the meeting’s start.
- Greedy – eager to know his payment, insists on hourly pay (page 53).
- Betrayer – framed Mosese with drugs (page 52).
- Self-centered – dislikes prisoners being treated well due to the play.
- Coward – afraid of Boss and aware of impending consequences.
- Uses innuendo.
- Kabito
- Member of the visiting committee.
- Considerate – thinks about the impact of decisions (page 55).
- Coward – afraid of Boss (page 52).
- Corrupt – practiced bribery to get a tender but failed.
- Greedy – interested in payment before the committee began.
- Educated – shows intellectual ideas.
- Unhappy.
Themes in Betrayal in the City
Themes
The main idea in a literary work.
i. Betrayal
The act of being disloyal or unfaithful; a serious breach of trust.
- Nicodemo betrayed Mosese (page 25).
- Nicodemo framed Mosese with drugs.
- Mulili betrays Jere by revealing secrets, unlike Jere who kept Mustafa’s escape secret.
- Mulili betrayed Kabito, who ended up dead.
- Mulili betrayed Boss by denying their kinship and plotting against him.
- Boss betrayed the people of Kafira by empowering corrupt individuals like Mulili and Tumbo.
- The government betrayed the people by shooting Adika during the protest.
- Tumbo betrayed the visitors entertainment committee and Boss by rigging the playwriting competition.
- Boss betrayed Mercedes by being a womanizer.
- Jusper betrayed Doga and Nina by leaving the grave when told to guard it.
ii. Corruption
Misuse of power and office for personal gain.
- Tumbo squandered money meant for the playwriting.
- Mulili let Mustafa escape using his position.
- Mulili secured the milk tender by convincing Boss of their kinship.
- Mulili used his position to eliminate opponents, including Kabito.
- Kabito bribed people expecting to get the milk tender but failed; Mulili got it instead.
iii. Protest
A statement or action showing disagreement or reaction against an unwanted situation.
- University students protested against the government, leading to Adika’s death.
- Nina and Doga protested Mulili’s attempt to stop the ceremony.
- Kabito protested Mulili, which led to his death.
- Jusper protested by killing the sub-chief’s brother.
- Mosese protested against the Boss’s system.
- Jere protested against Mulili.
iv. Conflict
Clash between two parties, often ideological.
- Students of Kafira University vs. government: disliked the system; protested, resulting in Adika’s shooting.
- Kabito vs. Mulili: conflict over the tender; verbal disputes.
- Nina and Doga vs. Mulili: conflict over the ceremony; Nicodemo framed Mosese.
- Jere vs. Mulili: conflict over the ceremony and betrayal; confrontation with a pistol.
- Jusper vs. sub-chief’s brother: blamed for Adika’s shooting; Jusper kills him.
- Boss vs. Mercedes: Boss’s infidelity; Mercedes reacts angrily.
v. Nepotism
Favoritism based on relation, often undeserved.
- Boss favored Mulili due to distant kinship.
- Tumbo favored Jusper.
- Jusper was favored without competition, partly due to Regina’s relation.
- Mulili favored Mustafa, who escaped across the border.
vi. Dehumanisation
Treating a person as less than human, denying basic rights.
- Students were shot during demonstrations.
- Doga and Nina were denied the right to mourn and conduct the shaving ceremony.
- Kabito was denied the right to live.
- Adika was denied the right to live.
vii. Patriotism
Love and willingness to act for one’s country.
- Jusper Wendo
- University students and Adika
- Mosese (passive protest)
- Jere (passive protest)
An Enemy of the People
Author: H. Ibsen
Synopsis of the Play
Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright (1828–1905). The play addresses political and environmental issues. The action takes place over four consecutive days in early spring 1881–1882 in a southern coastal town.
The town built a large bathing complex crucial for its development. Doctor Stockman discovers the baths’ drainage system is seriously contaminated. He reports this to Mr. Hovstad, Billing, and Aslaksen, who work at the newspaper The Herald.
The next morning, Peter Stockman, the town’s Mayor and Dr. Stockman’s brother, learns of the discovery. He tells Dr. Stockman to ignore it due to the high repair costs.
The Mayor then orders the Herald staff not to print Dr. Stockman’s article. Undeterred, Dr. Stockman calls a meeting to inform the public but struggles to find a venue. Eventually, he addresses a crowd, but most find his speech offensive. The next day, his house is vandalized, Petra is fired, Morten and Eilif are expelled from school, and Captain Horster and Dr. Stockman face consequences.
Plotting
Act One
In Dr. Thomas Stockman’s sitting room, Katherine and Mr. Billing are present, later joined by Peter and Mr. Hovstad. They discuss the bath’s role in town development and The Herald. Dr. Stockman arrives with his sons and Captain Horster.
Peter questions Dr. Stockman’s focus on the baths and warns of consequences. Dr. Stockman receives an awaited letter and reveals a vital discovery about the baths being a play spot. Katherine notes the timing is right, and they wish him luck.
Act Two
The same scene. Katherine brings a letter from Peter, who plans to visit. Morten Kiil inquires about the baths, expressing concern about Peter’s reaction. Mr. Hovstad suggests pollution is caused by bureaucrats and believes he can influence the situation. Mr. Aslaksen offers support, citing his influence over the “solid majority.” They agree to write an article.
Peter arrives, angry about the investigation and potential costs. He threatens Dr. Stockman, calling him an “enemy of the people.” Katherine worries about her husband.
Act Three
At the Herald office, Billing and Hovstad discuss the baths issue. Dr. Stockman demands the article be printed. Petra returns a storybook she cannot translate, arguing it contains unrealistic content. Hovstad blames Billing. The Mayor secretly visits to persuade them not to support Dr. Stockman, citing economic costs. Dr. Stockman confronts Peter, but Hovstad, Billing, and Aslaksen refuse to help. Dr. Stockman and Katherine leave determined to stand for the truth and plan a mass meeting.
Act Four
A mass meeting is held at Captain Horster’s house. Citizens question the purpose. Captain Horster, Hovstad, Aslaksen, Billing, Peter, and Thomas attend. Aslaksen is elected chairman. Peter addresses the meeting, followed by Dr. Stockman, whose speech is met with objections. He speaks of moral decay and claims the majority is often wrong. Hovstad calls him a revolutionary. Dr. Stockman accuses Hovstad of hypocrisy. The crowd declares Dr. Stockman an enemy of the people. The meeting ends with shouting, and Dr. Stockman and his family leave with Captain Horster.
Act Five
The final act is in Dr. Stockman’s consulting room. Windows are broken from the previous night’s vandalism. Dr. Stockman collects the stones as reminders for his sons. A letter from the landlord orders them to move out. Petra returns after being dismissed from her teaching job due to threats. Captain Horster is dismissed from his job for supporting Dr. Stockman. Peter hypocritically sympathizes with Dr. Stockman but dismisses him from his medical position and advises an apology, which Dr. Stockman refuses.
Morten Kiil buys more shares of the spa baths to punish Dr. Stockman, who calls him a devil. Dr. Stockman chases away Hovstad and Aslaksen when they come to sympathize. His sons return suspended from school, and he vows to teach them himself. He declares himself “the strongest man in the world” for standing alone.
Characterization
- Dr. Thomas Stockman
- Father of Morten, Eilif, Petra, and husband to Katherine.
- Doctor (intellectual).
- Brother to Peter.
- Traits:
- Determined
- Confident
- Patriotic
- Radical
- Short-tempered
- Caring
- Enthusiastic
- Humble
- Brave
- Optimistic
- Naive
- Peter
- Selfish
- Self-centered
- Coward
- Hypocrite
- Cunning
- Conniving
- Jealous
- Greedy
- Mr. Hovstad
- Hypocrite
- Naive
- Coward
- Egocentric
- Katherine
- Dr. Stockman’s wife
- Kind
- Patriotic
- Responsible
- Hospitable
- Humble
- Petra
- Hardworking
- Patriotic
- Confident
- Radical
- Activist
- Mr. Aslaksen
- Chairman of Householders Association, sub-editor
- Hypocrite
- Naive
- Coward
- Betrayer
- Captain Horster
- Caring – supported Dr. Stockman and family throughout.
- Generous – lent his house for meetings and offered to sail with them.
- Courageous – supported Dr. Stockman despite risks.
- Patriotic – loves his country and supports its welfare.
- Wise – worldly experience informs his advice.
- Morten Kiil
- Master tanner
Elaborations of Character Traits
- Dr. Stockman
- Determined – committed to exposing the baths’ contamination and ensuring renovation.
- Confident – trusts his ability to stand against obstacles.
- Patriotic – loves his country and acts for its welfare despite consequences.
- Radical – advocates for change.
- Optimistic – believes good will prevail.
- Humble – treats visitors kindly without arrogance.
- Caring – concerned about his town’s wellbeing.
- Peter
- Selfish – prioritizes personal interests over others.
- Hypocrite – pretends to care but does not.
- Conning – schemes behind others’ backs.
- Cunning – achieves goals through deceit.
- Mr. Hovstad
- Hypocrite – pretends to support Dr. Stockman but betrays him.
- Naive – easily convinced to betray Dr. Stockman.
- Coward – fears Peter’s influence.
- Egocentric – believes he is indispensable.
- Katherine
- Kind – treats visitors well.
- Responsible – cares for her children’s future.
- Hospitable and humble – considerate and modest.
- Petra
- Radical – concerned with societal truths and reforms.
- Confident – sure of her abilities.
- Mr. Aslaksen
- Hypocrite – pretends to care but betrays Dr. Stockman.
- Naive – easily convinced to betray.
- Coward – fears the mayor.
- Betrayer – breaches trust seriously.
- Captain Horster
- Caring – supports Dr. Stockman and family.
- Generous – offers his house and assistance.
- Courageous – stands by Dr. Stockman despite risks.
- Patriotic – loves and supports his country.
- Wise – worldly knowledge guides him.
