Major Characters

Ishmael Beah: He is the protagonist and main character of the book. He was a child soldier in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces until he was rescued and rehabilitated. His purpose in 'A Long Way Gone' is to show the harsh realities of the gruesome war in Sierra Leone.

Uncle Tommy: He becomes Ishmael's foster parent after he comes out of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. His purpose in 'A Long Way Gone' is to show that their is still hope for those that are trapped in the war. This is because he cares for Ishmael and helps him forget the horrific events in the war.

Alhaji: Enlisted in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. He becomes one of Ishmael's closest friends. His purpose in 'A Long Way Gone' is to help Ishmael get though the war. These two characters can easily relate to one another because they both are in similar situations with their family/friends.
 
Esther: A nurse at the rehabilitation center where Ishmael is located. Ishmael develops a close relationship with her. Her purpose in 'A Long Way Gone' is, like Uncle Tommy, to show that there are still good people that can help you get out of the situation you are in.

The Lieutenant: He is the father figure for Ishmael when he goes into battle. His purpose in 'A Long Way Gone' is to encourage and motivate the child soldiers to fight against the rebels.

Point of View

This story is in first person point of view in Ishmael's perspective. Ishmael is against the war at the beginning and the end of the book. When he is a soldier in the war he finds himself obsessed with killing the rebels and he is in support of the war and stoppign the rebels. After rehabilitation he is against the war and wants it to end.

Story Setting

Ishmael Beah's story takes place between 1993-1998 in Sierra Leone,West Africa. He finds himself in the middle of a Civil War in his country. Ishmael must excape from the war and find his family, but he ends being recruited into the army and fighting against the Rebels.

SOAPStone

Speaker- Ishmael Beah who is also the main character.

Occasion- Sierra Leone 1993-1998 during a Civil War.

Audience- People who are against war and children who are against children becoming soldiers.

Purpose- To give his stroy of his life as a boy soldier, and inform people on his experiences and what he went through.

Subject- War, survival.

Tone- Serious, sad.

Discussion Question 1

If you were in Ishmael's shoes and you were separated from your family would you look for your missing family members or look for safety from the war?

Reading Guide

Tuesday, April 26: Pages 1-36
Thursday, April 28: Pages 37-68
Monday, May 2: Pages 69-100
Wednesday, May 4: Pages 101-137
Friday, May 6: Pages 138-178
Tuesday, May 10: Pages 179- 218