Cry Freedom: A Story of Resistance and the Fight for Equality in Apartheid South Africa
Characters
Primary
Bantu Stephen Biko
A black political leader who sought to unite black and white South Africans. He was married to Ntsiki and had two children. As a banned person, he was confined to his banning area and could only speak to one person outside his family. He is portrayed as a dramatic (seen in action when avoiding the law), round (we see multiple facets of his character), static (his belief in black consciousness remained steadfast), and protagonist (he inspires Donald to fight for black freedom) character.
Donald Woods
A 42-year-old editor of the Daily Dispatch in South Africa, married to Wendy with five children. He is initially skeptical of Black Consciousness but undergoes a transformation after meeting Biko. He is portrayed as a dramatic (seen in action when escaping), round (we see multiple facets of his character), developing (his views on race evolve throughout the story), and protagonist (he becomes a hero by helping Biko and exposing the truth) character.
Secondary
- Ken Robertson: A journalist and photographer at the Daily Dispatch.
- Mamphela Ramphele: A 20-year-old black woman working at the Daily Dispatch.
- Ntsiki: Biko’s wife.
- Nkosinathi: Biko’s son.
- Security Policeman: Biko’s minders.
- Duncan, Dillon, Gavin: Donald’s sons.
- Mary, Jane: Donald’s daughters.
- Charlie: Donald’s dog.
- Wendy: Donald’s wife.
- Evalina: Donald’s black servant.
- Mapetla Mohapi: Takes Donald to the football match.
- Dyani: Gives Donald a dirty hat in the car.
- John Qumza: Drives to the football match.
- Tenjy Mtintso: A young nurse at the clinic in Zanempilo.
- Tenjy’s Father, Mother, Son, Aunt, Uncle: Characters related to Tenjy.
- Three Children, Four Cousins: Characters related to Tenjy.
- Mzimbi: A black leader wanted by the security police.
- Captain de Wet: Shows Biko the witness box in his office.
- Judge Regter: Tests Biko’s intelligence in Pretoria.
- State Prosecutor: Tests Biko’s intelligence in Pretoria.
- Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, Govan Mbeki: Inspirational figures for Biko.
- Dilima: An elderly night guard at the church in King William’s Town.
- Father Kani: An elderly black priest and Biko supporter.
- Kruger: The Minister of Police.
- Johan: Kruger’s 15-year-old son.
- Fred Lemick: Stands outside Donald’s house during a protest.
- Samora: Biko’s younger son.
- Harold Levy: Donald’s lawyer.
- Doreen: A typist at the Daily Dispatch.
- Wilfred Cooper: Represents Mapetla’s family.
- Captain Schoeman: The security officer of the court.
- Lawyer: Represents the law in court.
- Peter Jones: One of Biko’s closest friends.
- Policeman: Questions Peter and Biko in their car.
- Dr. Hersch: Recommends Biko be hospitalized.
- Officials: Representatives from Britain, America, and Sweden at Biko’s funeral.
- Helen Suzman: Attends Biko’s funeral.
- Bishop Tutu: Officiates at Biko’s funeral.
- Students: Attend Biko’s funeral.
- Bruce McCullough: An Australian friend of Donald.
- Lieutenant Beukes: A security officer.
- Major Boshoff: Informs Donald that he is banned.
- Policeman: Follows Donald.
- Dr. James: Treats Duncan and Mary’s injuries.
- Tami Vundla: Helps Donald escape.
- Vorster: The Prime Minister.
- Moses: Helps Donald cross the border.
- Lesotho Official: Witnesses Donald’s celebration.
- Receptionist: Informs Donald about the High Commissioner.
- Wendy’s Mother, Father: Wendy’s parents.
- James Moffat: The acting High Commissioner.
- Chief Jonathan: Acts independently of South Africa.
- Prime Minister of Lesotho: Acts independently of South Africa.
- John Monyane: Sympathetic to Donald’s plight.
- Mr. McElrea: A Canadian who arranges Donald’s flight.
- Richie de Montauk: A New Zealander who pilots Donald’s flight.
- Two Mechanics: Prepare the plane for Donald’s flight.
- Maseru: Waits for Donald’s plane to depart.
Setting
Place
The story takes place in South Africa, primarily in the following locations:
- East London
- Cape Town
- Crossroads
- King William’s Town
- Zanempilo
- Pretoria
- Robben Island
- Queenstown
The story also briefly takes place in:
- Lesotho
- River Telle
- Botswana
- England
Time
The story takes place between 1975 and 1977.
Themes
- Resistance against Injustice: The story highlights the struggle against the unjust system of apartheid.
- Fight for Freedom: The characters fight for equality, justice, and freedom from oppression.
- Racial Prejudice and Discrimination: The story exposes the brutal realities of apartheid and its impact on individuals and society.
- Friendship and Solidarity: The unlikely friendship between Biko and Woods demonstrates the power of solidarity in overcoming racial barriers.
- Sacrifice and Courage: The characters make significant sacrifices and display immense courage in their pursuit of justice.
Point of View
The story is told from an omniscient-editorial point of view, providing insights into the thoughts and experiences of various characters, including those beyond the main protagonists.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of the story is predominantly tense and violent, reflecting the oppressive political climate of apartheid South Africa. However, moments of warmth and humor emerge through the developing relationship between Woods and Biko. The ending leaves a lasting impact, highlighting the tragic consequences of racial injustice and the enduring spirit of those who fight for freedom.