26_music-brookefraser.jpg sufer.jpg


Main Characters:


  • Karl and Justine.

Karl= Obsessed with surfing, selfish, shallow, conceited, false, loner, restless

Justine= Naïve, innocent, trusting, obsessed with Karl


Techniques which show character:
  • Setting
  • Contrast
  • Dialogue

Importance of Character:

Karl’s obsessive nature and actions show the theme of betrayal and how ‘obsession’ can be destructive to peoples lives – both their own and those around them. His obsession with surfing prevents him from having a real life. Also that ‘outsiders’ often have trouble finding ‘acceptance’ in cliquey small town NZ. Justine illustrates the theme of naivety or innocence and also obsession.

Quote:
  • “for him riding the waves was not a sport, it was a life force”
  • “the town was talking…he taught her not to care”
  • “…he might leave and that thought was unbearable to her”
  • “the beach and the little house became their entire world”