Character List and Analysis
Esther
Esther is Ishmael's nurse at Benin House, the rehabilitation center where he is brought after the war. She treats Ishmael's wounds and encourages him to talk about his experiences. When Esther brings him a cassette of rap music and a Walkman, Ishmael has a breakthrough in his therapy. He begins telling her his stories and processing his pain.
Esther's unconditional love and perseverance bring Ishmael back to the boy he had been before the war. Though his war experiences have altered him, he learns to trust Esther and reach out to others for help as well.