Other Leopards: Analysis of Major Characters
"Other Leopards: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex relationships and identities of its central figures within a fictional Northern African setting. The protagonist, Lionel "Lobo" Froad, is a black South American archaeological draftsman grappling with his cultural identity while navigating the tensions of colonial legacies. His tumultuous relationship with his employer, Dr. Hughie King, a British archaeologist embodying colonial attitudes, culminates in a violent confrontation that leads to King's presumed death. The narrative also delves into familial and romantic dynamics, especially through characters like Eve, the Chief's daughter, who struggles with her Christian upbringing and a tumultuous marriage to Hassan, a Muslim army man. The Chief himself represents a stern Christian figure grappling with faith and familial loyalty, while Catherine, King’s secretary, adds another layer of complexity to Froad's emotional landscape. Additionally, the character of Mohammed introduces political undertones, offering Froad a chance to engage in broader socio-political dialogues. Overall, the character analysis presents a rich tapestry of identity, conflict, and cultural interplay, inviting readers to reflect on the impacts of colonialism and personal relationships.
Other Leopards: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Denis Williams
First published: 1963
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Sudan Savannah
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: The 1960's
Lionel “Lobo” Froad, the black South American narrator and protagonist, who is in search of his cultural identity in the fictional town of Johkara in northern Africa. He describes himself as having a “black-Frank-Sinatra face,” stumpy height, and woolly hair; he is described by others as having a face that is not African. He is employed as an archaeological draftsman by Dr. Hughie King. His aversion to King's predilection for European colonial thought and mannerisms is so strong that he eventually stabs King with a screwdriver and leaves him to die in the jungle. At the close of the novel, Froad becomes savagelike: He strips himself of his clothing, cakes himself in mud, and hides in a tree, waiting to be discovered as King's killer.
Dr. Hughie King, a British archaeologist and Froad's employer. His demeanor is reminiscent of old European colonialists. He is a professional, intelligent, and thorough scientist, but his demanding and temperamental nature ultimately drives Froad insane. While on a dig in the jungle, King is stabbed (presumably to death) by Froad.
The Chief, a black Christian minister and Eve's father. He is an intimidating man whose strident expressions of faith are supported by his thick build and stern demeanor. Early in the novel, he asks Froad to write a tract in support of the black Christians in Johkara, perhaps in the hope that Froad's professional affiliations would aid in making his arguments credible. His belief in the righteousness of Christianity is so strong that he cuts off his daughter Eve for marrying Hassan, a Muslim.
Eve, the Chief's daughter, Froad's lover, and the estranged wife of Hassan and mother of his child. She is young, pretty, and exotic. She wears formidable European clothes, which render her improperly dressed for Johkara's environmental and political climates. She eventually becomes Froad's lover and falsely claims to be pregnant by him.
Hassan, Eve's Muslim husband. He is an army man who wears only khaki, brass, and leather. His estranged wife, Eve, was born into a Christian family and, according to Muslim law, is not allowed to keep the child of a Muslim. He tries to retrieve the child from her home but is stopped by Froad.
Catherine, King's secretary and the woman whom Froad wants to marry. She is a natural-looking country girl whose demure appearance is misleading. When she hears of Eve's false claims of pregnancy, she leaves Froad.
Mohammed, an Iranian. He offers Froad money to write a tract supporting the Arab cause, and Froad accepts.