ANALYSING CHARACTERS (CATCH US IF YOU CAN)

RORY – has a rich inner life; capable of growing and changing, adapting to every new situation with hope and optimism. Readers follow his development through a very wide variety of experiences.

Behaviour

Kind, respectful and very aware of his responsibilities

Motives

Honest and sincere; he is very determined to be with his grandfather all the time. He does not want his grandfather to be in the old people’s home and the only way out is to run away.

Actions

He plans the great escape and is solely responsible for getting his grandfather out of the home for old people. Along the journey, he meets new people who extend help.

Consequences

He and his grandfather avoid the authorities and eventually meet up with his father.

 

***********************************************************

GRANDA – delightfully funny; often repeating phrases and is able to surprise the reader in    some instances (hitting the bully unconscious in Perth railway station and stealing the car)

Motives

He has no serious motives except that he wants to be together with his grandson at all times.

Behaviour

Forgetful and often helpless, he has a good sense of humour. Loves his grandson who he says makes up for his ‘lost’ son. Charming to ladies, he considers himself lucky to have Rory as his grandson - “What did I do to deserve a boy like you?”

Actions

He unwittingly embarrasses Rory’s school teacher and becomes a hit among the children when he accidentally sets his coat on fire during Parents’ Day. In his forgetfulness, he nearly sets the flat on fire and because of that is hospitalised. He is very co-operative with Rory during their journey and never once complains.

Consequences

Consequently he is separated from his grandson but runs away from the home. He meets strangers, some of whom he harbours prejudices. He hits a bully who threatens Rory and even steals a car in an attempt to escape. He reconciles with his son and his family in the end.

 

***************************************************************  

 FRIENDS – a good collection of friends, who, despite being unknown to Granda and Rory,

 are very helpful to both of them in their initial mission to get away from Rachnadar and

 Castle Street and to be able to live together. 

Behaviour

Helpful and very understanding of Rory’s case. They all think that Rory is too young to be responsible for his granda.

 

Actions

They go out of their way to help Rory and his grandson to escape from the authorities.

Motives

Sincere in their attempts - they know that Granda and Rory are not ‘dangerous’ people and only want to be together.

Consequences

Their help propels Rory and his grandfather to find the long missing father / son.

“I think of them all. Everyone who helped us on our journey.”