Water for Elephants | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

Jacob Jankowski - This character has been living in an assisted-living center for a short time due to a broken hip and resents his lack of independence.

Marlena - This character is in an unhappy marriage and falls in love with a newcomer to the circus.

August - This character is the victim of murder while arguing with his wife during a stampede at the circus.

Walter 'Kinko' - This character has a dog that means a great deal to him.

Camel - This character is hidden on the train to protect him...
(read more)