Damia Anne McCaffrey

Afra Lyon feels stifled on Capella, and arranges (against his parents' wishes) to move to the Rowan's Tower on Callisto. He becomes the Rowan's friend, as well as her 2IC, and assists her through many interesting times and potential disasters. One of these disasters is the Rowan's daughter, Damia, discovering Sodan, a dangerous opponent, in space. Damia, Afra and Damia's brother Larak are the leaders of the defence. In the aftermath of the attack, Damia and Afra find contentment and fulfillment.

Afra is the protagonist, and his external conflict is his inability to quite find contentment with where he is.
There is a subplot within the book, starting when Damia reaches Iota Aurigae (where she encounters Sodan) and concluding when she and Afra find fulfillment in the aftermath of the attack. Afra's role in this conflict is as Damia's teacher and confidante, and he guides her to the decisions she has to make. Afra's own fulfillment is a direct result of his decision to allow Damia to make her own decisions. Thus, I conclude that while Damia is the protagonist of the subplot, Afra is still the protagonis t of the book as a whole.

The Partner John Grisham

Patrick Lanigan has stolen ninety million dollars. His attempt to get away with it has just failed, and he's been found and returned to the US legal system. He attempts to retain control of his money and avoid jail. The people he stole the money from attempt to get it back - and are willing to cross the law to do so.

Patrick Lanigan is the protagonist, and his external conflict is his attempt to keep the money and his life, and reclaim his liberty.

Why Frogs Croak and Lyre Birds Sing Traditional Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander legend.

Lyre Bird taught Frog to sing. Frog soon outstripped his teacher, who showed him off to all their friends. Frog then boasted to his wife how well he could sing - that he could sing the moon out of the sky if he chose. The moon did not fall from the sky, and Frog wrecked his voice.

Frog is the protagonist, and his external conflict is with the moon, who didn't come out of the sky to hear him sing.

Copyright (C) Jenn Vesperman, 1999

Instructors Comments