Ali Zaman

Role of Women Outline

The Thief and the Dogs

By Ali Zaman

Character Explanation

Nabawiyya- she plays a minor role compared to Nur who basically symbolizes the faithfulness in the novel. Nabawiyya divorced him, while he served time in prison, and no longer wants anything to do with him. He resents her marriage to his former friend, Ilish, and blames her for turning his daughter against him. His wife has moved into the arms of his friend and causes Said to stir up a huge amount of anger and to seek revenge on Ilish. Said is so angry that he decides to try to kill Ilish by shooting him.

Nur-She is a woman that has always admired Said.  She would pretty much do anything for him.  She's never really shown Said her emotions toward him because he was married before he went to prison. Now that he isn't anymore, she feels it is chance to make her move.  In the story, she apparently has changed a lot from when Said knew her before. She is now a prostitute and has lost all self-respect.  She offers him food and shelter for however long he needs. As long as she feels wanted by the man she's loved for so long, she'll help to the best of her ability.  She does not know that Said is hiding from the law for a murder, but she's so overwhelmed by his company, she does not think to ask.

Sana-She is the six-year-old daughter of Said who is currently living with her mother and Said's old friend.  Said went to prison when she was two-years-old. Four year later, she does not know who Said is and is frankly scared of him.  She does not have a big role in the story, but she is partially responsible for the emotional turmoil Said goes through that turns his irritation to rage.

Role of Women

In the beginning of the novel, Nur is described as dirty and discreditable. Though she used to be a very close friend of Said before he was sent to prison, she had fallen from greatness and turned to the lowest end of society. She was then known as a whore, and it is not until Said reemerges...