Characters

The most important character in the short story “Dukwane's Deliverance” by Neil Ramsorrun is Dukwane Williams. His parents, his friend Jermaine, and his attackers are secondary characters which are more important for illustrating aspects of the social setting.

Dukwane Williams

Dukwane Williams is the protagonist of the story, whose actions, attitude, and conflicts the narrator uses to illustrate the themes of the narrative. His characterisation is conveyed mostly indirectly, through speech, attitude, and actions.

Outer characterisation

The outer characterisation of Dukwane Williams presents him as a black high school student who lives in London and who has been accepted to King's College, Cambridge University. The fact that he works after school suggests that he comes from a low-income family and needs to contribute to the family income. It is possible that his parents are unemployed, as nothing is said about his parents working anywhere; his father is shown watching television and his mother cooking in the afternoon when Dukwane gets home from school.

Inner characterisation

Dukwane’s inner characterisation suggests that he is intelligent (Cambridge is a prestigious university) and wants to make a difference in the world by becoming a politician: “ ‘Then you'd better get used to the taste of that. If Barack can do it, so can I.’ ” (l. 23)

Furthermore, he pities his parents for their pessimism and lack of determination and wants to do better than they did in life and make them proud. He is excited about being accepted to Cambridge because he considers it an opportunity to have a different life from his parents’: “As he looked at his father sat there, his bottom shirt button open and exposing his belly overhanging his trousers, he felt a sense of sadness, but also a determination to be more.” (ll. 25-27)

The fact that he goes to work and school, further suggests he is a responsible young man, willing to work hard to achieve his dreams. He does not like his job at the fast food shop, but he probably needs the money: “ ‘Three months till uni, six shifts a week, only 72 shifts to go,’ he thought as he put on his HFC cap. ‘Shit.’ ” (ll. 41-42)

The relationship he has with his friend Jermaine suggests that Dukwane is not only concerned about studying, but also about typical ...