Characterisations

The characters in “Not Wanted” by Maggie Cobbett are Osman – the protagonist, Liz – an English tourist Osman falls in love with, Mr Kasapoglu - Osman’s boss in Iskenderun, and the old British vagrant Jim who invites Osman to a church canteen in Leeds. Apart from them, other characters are only mentioned: Osman’s mother, the truck drivers or Mrs Sengezer – Osman’s  boss in Leeds.

Osman

Osman is the protagonist in the story. The text is a third-person narration, but the narrator clearly adopts Osman’s point of view on the events. Osman is depicted as a young and attractive Turkish man who is aware of his physical qualities: “Previous approaches by foreign tourists had removed any false modesty about his dark good looks,” (ll. 11-12)

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Liz

Liz is a very typical British tourist in Turkey. Also, she does not refuse Osman’s flirts and flattery and even engages in a holiday affair with him: ““You could tell me where to eat. Not too expensive. Safe.” For a lady all on her own? Was that a hint that she might appreciate some company?” (ll. 15-16)

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Mr Kasapoglu

Though only an episodic character, Osman’s boss from Turkey - Mr Kasapoglu – symbolises the voice of reason. 

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The old British vagrant Jim

The old British vagrant is viewed initially with contempt by the protagonist: “A few moments later, a blast of sour breath made him aware that the old man was leaning over him.” (ll. 113-114)

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