City of God = Key Characters

Question 1

Rocket =

Answer 1

• The narrator who tries to escape from the favela is consumed by the violence
• He attempts to escape the violent lifestyle of his peers
• He avoids engaging in crime and demonstrates awareness
• His role as the narrator allows him to distance himself from the chaos around him.
• It shows the positive route of escaping the favela compared to those who are violent and attempt to escape
• Represents the possibility of hope and escape

Question 2

Lil Ze =

Answer 2

• Rises to power through extreme violence and thirst for power is insatiable
• He revels in violence and uses it to control and manipulate those around him without remorse and brutal tactics
• His power is maintained through brutality and the ruthless rise of danger

Question 3

Carrot =

Answer 3

• Begins as a child who progresses in the favela
• He is indoctrinated into the life of crime from an early age which symbolises how the young people are accepted into their circumstances
• Carrot reveals a glimmer of humanity in comparison to Lil Ze.
• He represents the tragic inevitability of childhood corruption in the favela

Question 4

Bene =

Answer 4

• Seen as a softer, more thoughtful personality attempting to form friendships which is seen through the hundreds at his farewell
• Bene is a contrast in terms of morality, he does not enjoy violence and shows compassion
• He attempts to redeem himself and escape the favela however his violent surroundings prevent him from reaching his goal
• He is ultimately killed by the same violence he attempted to escape
• His tragic death serves as a harsh reminder that even those good within the favela cannot escape

Question 5

Knockout Ned =

Answer 5

• A man who seeks justice turning to the world of crime however in avenging his loss, he is consumed by revenge and violence
• He begins as a victim of violence and illustrates the corrosive nature of vengeance
• He began as a good person however turned into something equally as brutal
• His story highlights the destructive nature of revenge where he loses his humanity and becomes another victim of the cycle of violence
• His violence ultimately leads to his downfall which follows the cyclical nature of the favelas

Question 6

The Runts =

Answer 6

• Shows how they lose their somewhat innocent through minor crime to then growing older into serious criminal activity
• The children are dehumanised growing up around their environment
• Their want and desire to be involved suggests how the favela breeds violence
• Represents the brutal cycle of crime which is repeating through each generation