Bojan

Bojan is the main character in “The Sentry” by Téa Obreht. 

Outer characterisation

His outer characterisation reveals that at the time at the events he was 10 (l. 1) and 11 years old (l. 60). He was shy and took piano classes: “Bojan was 11, shy, and even then he loved music, the only boy at his school eagerly learning piano.” (ll. 99-100).

A few details reveal that Bojan comes from a military family and his father is wealthy: “...his name, his father's military rank; or else about money, the new shoes and the car in his father's driveway…” (ll. 107-108)

Bojan refers to “the sensation of being uncovered, even though, at that time, he wasn't covering anything up at all.” (l. 22). This sensation might hint at Bojan’s feelings of guilt in relationship to his father who probably was a guard at an inhumane prisoners’ camp.

Furthermore, he is bullied by the other boys for a “different” reason from why other people were bullied (l. 109). This might refer to Bojan having to deal with other people’ response to his father being a torturer during the war.

The fact that Bojan’s mother is never mentioned and the housekeeper takes care of him, suggests that he grew up without a mother.

Inner characterisation

Bojan’s inner characterisation is conveyed in relation to the other characters and the dog named Kaiser his father brings home.

Before the dog arrives, Bojan is filled with “excitement” (l. 8). He goes with Mrs Senka to the library to read about the bread and to the butcher to find out how to buy the dog’s f...