Characters in The Dew Breaker

These flashcards cover the key characters from 'The Dew Breaker' and their significant traits, stories, and the themes they represent.

Ka Bienaimé

Daughter of Papa and Anne, an artist sculpting figures unaware of her father's torturous past in Haiti, confronting identity and heritage.

Papa (The Dew Breaker)

Former Tonton Macoute torturer from Haiti, haunted by his past and strained relationship with daughter Ka as he symbolizes complicity and guilt.

Anne Bienaimé / Landlady

Ka's mother, epileptic and devoutly religious, who embodies resilience while staying with Papa despite his violent past.

Man / Husband / Eric

Haitian immigrant in New York, separated from his wife for seven years, exploring love and sacrifice in 'Seven'.

Woman / Wife

Eric's wife in Haiti, her story reflects longing and adjustment upon reunion with him in the U.S. after years apart.

Michel

Haitian immigrant depicted in various life stages, reflecting on memory and cultural dislocation.

Dany

Young Haitian man whose parents were killed by the regime, struggles with vengeance and justice after recognizing Papa as a killer.

The Preacher

Anne’s stepbrother and former victim of Papa, represents moral resistance and survival after broadcasting sermons via radio.

Nadine Osnac

Isolated nurse in Brooklyn, coping with personal struggles and symbolizes emotional repression and the burden of untold stories.

Emmanuel Constant

Real-life figure, leader of a paramilitary group in Haiti, representing transnational impunity of war criminals.

Estina Estème

Dany’s blind aunt and caretaker, wise about justice and family legacy, respected midwife in her village.

Claude

Haitian American teenager deported to Haiti after murdering his father, symbolizes the failures in caring for troubled youth.

Beatrice Saint Fort

Bridal seamstress in Queens, traumatized by torture in Haiti, embodies female trauma and survival.

Aline Cajuste

Young journalism intern exploring identity and generational differences while coping with a recent heartbreak.

Romain

Michel’s childhood best friend, supportive and intelligent, providing emotional refuge during youth.

Rézia

Haitian immigrant and restaurant owner who highlights trauma and healing among immigrant women.

Mariselle

Haitian artist seeking empowerment through education and community after her husband's murder.

Freda

Former funeral singer beginning her journey of resilience and sorrow in the U.S., attending GED classes.

Léon

Shoeshiner subtly resisting the Duvalier regime, showing the limits of personal resistance under dictatorship.