Do a character sketch of one of the characters in Persepolis. This should include the character's name, age (or ages as the book progresses), gender, appearance, personality, and importance to the plot of the book.

One of the most important characters in the story is Marjane's grandmother. In the book, she is never referred by name, she is known only as Marjane's grandmother. She is already elderly, and she is very wise. Marjane's grandmother has short and white hair throughout the movie. Her personality is a huge inspiration for Marjane because her grandmother always speaks her mind especially about the events/issues that were happening in her life. Through the the story, her grandmother gives her advice that is mentioned in the story a lot. She tells her to always stay true to herself and always have dignity. This advice is tested several times in the story, and it comes to show how important her grandmother is in her life.     

Explain the differences between Marjane's personality before she left Iran and when she returned after being in Austria. Why do you think she changed so much? Use specific examples from the book to support your claims.

Explain the differences between Marjane's personality before she left Iran and when she returned after being in Austria. Why do you think she changed so much? Use specific examples from the book to support your claims.   

Before Marjane left Iran, she was very rebellious, in her way, and she stood up for what she believed in. For example, page 97, where she rebelled and joked around school, where everyone is strictly enforced to act proper and not joke around. However, everything changes once she returns after being in Austria. She begins to act differently and actually care about what people think of her. On page 379, "We had been considered the model couple for so long and by so many people that we weren't able to accept our failure...we were keeping up appearances in public." She cares what people think, and she tries to be someone she is not. It shows the difference between the careless rebel she once was, and the way she begins to care about what people think. I believe she changed because in Austria, she had no one and was seeking approval due to wanting someone to be there for her. In Iran, she had her parents and friends that comforted her while she was being herself, and she didn't need to seek approval form anyone. 

Why did Marjane's parents decide to send her to Europe. Do you think this was the right decision? Why or why not?

Marjane's parents decided to sent her to Europe because the war became more extreme. They feared for Marjane's safety and her future. Personally, I believe this was the right decision because if Marjane stayed in Persepolis, she could've died or been severally injured. Even though it was a hard decision, it was the right decision. Also, with all the universities closing and most schools closing, Marjane might have missed a huge part of her education. It would greatly affect her in the future and her career as an adult. So far, in the story we notice how Marjane would dangerously stand up for her opinions, and her parents notice. I think this is what motived her parent's even more to send her to Europe.