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Course Name: Children’s Literature

Title:

“Exploring the Function of Secondary Characters in

'The Stone Keeper: Amulet #1”

Submitted by: Avish Chawla

Submitted to:

Submission Due:
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Introduction:

Secondary characters in Kazu Kibuishi's "The Stone Keeper: Amulet #1" are not merely the

secondary characters, but the key element that motivates the protagonist into a journey of

development. These other people's devotion to the protagonist gives strong hints on the

complexity of her personality and the challenges she encounters. This essay will uncover the

roles of Leon Redbeard and Natur Hayes, another two secondary characters, and the meanings

which Emily Hayes, the protagonist has derived from them. Through concentration on relational

structure and dynamic within characters, we get a more profound grasp of Emily as a character

and the meaning behind the story, which is a graphic novel.

The purposes of focusing on other characters show the audience the levels or degree of depth

inside Emily as the story and the entire journeys. the dynamic, overwhelming, and multi-layered

character of Emily's developing and the story as the whole.

1. The Function of Leon Redbeard

Leon Redbeard plays the role of the direction provider to the main character Emily Hayes who is

navigating her way through a strange realm she discovers after unearthing a bewildering

amulet. The guidance and insight provided by her father really makes things easier for Emily to

manage whatever troubling her way. My breakthrough moment of when Leon teaches Emily the

magic powers of the amulet clearly bring out his role of mentor. He explains,

"The stone is alive. It has a consciousness... it can help you if you're in danger, but only if it

chooses to do so" (Kibuishi, 2014, p. 37).

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This, in fact, serves as a vivid illustration that Leon has gotten a deep understanding of the

amulet, as well as his job as the one that provides knowledge as guidance to help Emily thru the

dangers that might be ahead. Furthermore 'Leon' as well as his mysterious background story

and the known fact that he has a direct relation to the amulets enrich the story as it implies a

lot more to unveil. Emilly's inquisitiveness over Leon's presence improves reader's connection

with the story although it adds some complexity to her quest.

Leon's advices that Emily has to beat her self-doubt and questioning become another evidence

of her character changes and perseverance. Emily's fortitude is reflected in the fact that she

overcame all the obstacles she was faced with, including her ability to trust her fellow travelers,

more specifically Leon. It is this process, which is of utmost importance to Emily’s journey, since

it gives her the ability to face her difficulties and fulfil her ultimate destiny as the Knife guardian.

2. The Role of Navin Hayes

The young lad in the house, Navin Hayes, the younger brother of the protagonist, offers

essential support and motivation for her. The whole situation of a safety and a well-being of

Navin boost Emily`s actions; and in particular, her motherly affection, as well as her excellent

instincts and moral compass, become conspicuous. In the main, Navin influences on the

character of Emily as it is seen when she is ready to peril herself in order to guard him from

danger. Facing the terrible monsters, Emily aims at accomplishing a distant hero due to her

unselfish sacrifice of herself by choosing Navin's safety first. This scene discloses Emily's

compassion, which makes her ready to make a virtue of suffering for the sake of people she

loves.
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Though he's innocent and sensitive, Sailer becomes a representation of that perilous trip during

which Emily goes. Helen has to face the nightmares, deep-seated hurdles and the unknown

world of Alledia, in the process keeping Navin protected. This role-playing puts forth a complex

picture of Emily's character, highlighting her sacrifices, which she makes as the Stone Keeper.

Conclusion:

Secondary characters in "The Stone Keeper: Amulet #1, "Mainly Redbeard the Leon and Navin

Hayes guide the protagonist's journey and character. The rude exchanges, both between Emily

and other characters and hers with herself, make the readers get a detailed understanding of

her inner struggles and what makes her strong and humane. Mentorship with Leon Redbeard

offers to navigate Emily and to stop at the things that keep her from happiness, while Navin

Hayes helps Emily to remember that her journey of becoming an association president is worth

facing all the pain and sacrifice. The advent of these other personalities only succeeds to form a

blend with Emily's persona and hence improves the narrative to an inimitable level for

readers. Studying her characters will enable us to understand Emily's progression profoundly

and the graphic novel's major theme of perseverance and dedication.

Bibliography:

1) Kibuishi, K. (2014). The Stone Keeper: Amulet #1. Graphix.