Characters
The characters in the novel ' Tomorrow When The War Began' are
- Ellie Linton
- Homer Yannos
- Fiona Maxwell
- Lee Takkam
- Robyn Mather
- Corrie Mackenzie
- Kevin Holmea
- Chris lang
Ellie Linton
Ellie is only 16-17 years old and she is the eyes and ears of this novel. The entire story is viewed through her eyes. Ellie also was aloud permission in the novel to borrow and drive the land rover but she states that although she is allowed to drive, she isn't on her p's yet. One of Ellie's characteristics is her independence and this may have been developed through her time growing up on her parents farm just outside the town of Wirrawee. We also learn through this novel that she is very skilled on what she does and she comes up with effective ideas. Ellie does appear as a likeable character with her thoughtfulness and actions. Ellie the leader and had the most motivation in the group.
Homer Yannos
Homer Yannos is only predicted to be like 17-18 in this novel, coming from a Greek background.. He definitely shows rebellious behaviour and a strong personality. He has been Ellies best friend and neighbour since they were little and no matter what happens they always find an answer to their problem. At the beginning of this novel he is a trouble maker and tries to make jokes out of everything, we are soon to learn that through this novel he changes into almost like a soldier and definitely matures. Sometimes Homer is just like Lee but the difference is that he never looses control unlike Lee which makes him strong amongst the other characters. Homer does eventually have a liking towards Fi but he doesn't have enough confidence in himself. He states in the book, “‘Yeah, but you know, she lives in that big house and she talks like Mrs Hamilton, and me and my family, I mean we’re just Greek peasants to people like her.'' (Chapter 4) Homer also does show leadership and is definatley ruthless.
Fiona Maxwell (Fi)
Fiona Maxwell is only 16 years old, she lives in the town of Wirrawee in a mansion unlike the majority of the characters who live outside the town of Wirrawee. Fi goes through a massive transition from being a gentle innocent girl who has never been in the bush atmosphere to almost like a soldier. She has learnt so much, although she looks so weak from the outside, she is really strong and tough on the inside. She stays and fights no matter what with all the opportunities to just leave and give up but she doesn't, she stays and fights for everyone and doesn't turn her back on anyone in the group. Fiona does step up and plays a team player.
Lee Takkan
Lee is only 16 years old and is originated from Vietnam/Thailand. Lee is shown off to be a really intelligent guy who has a lot of charm, trust and love. He also has always been quiet, shy and laid back guy. He is not the typical guy from Wirrawee, he lives on top of his parents restaurant and he isn't a country guy at all, but he sure does have some skills. First Ellie invited Lee as a suggested extra person to come, he was described that he was shy and haven't really spoke to each other but were together in classes. At the start of the novel when they find out all the parents are missing and the animals are dead, Lee does get a feeling that there is something happening that is bad and dangerous. Lee ends up having feelings for Ellie during the war but there is so much drama and pain going on that Ellie wouldn't be able to cope with the relationship. Lee was very protective and strong in this novel and did defiantly had the characteristics of a soldier. He was silent but deadly.
Robyn Mather
Robyn Mathers is 16 years old and from the town Wirrawee, Australia. She is a really religious girl and runs by strict rules by her parents. She was one of Ellie best mates, she was a very calm girl during the war but definitely refused to kill anyone at war. Unlike her friends, she understands why maybe they are invading.. She understood them and did have disagreements with the other characters in the novel. She states “I can understand why these people have invaded but I don’t like what they’re doing and I don’t think there’s anything very moral about them. This war’s been forced on us, and I haven’t got the guts to be a conscientious objector. I just hope we can avoid doing too much that’s filthy and foul and rotten”. Robyn also does help Lee when he is wounded.
Corrie Mackenzie
Corrie is a 16 year old girl living on a farm in Wirrawee. She is Ellies best friend, they have amazing childhood memories and definitely really close, also went camping by the river a lot. Ellie and Corrie were the one that's suggested to go on this adventure to 'Hell' because they haven't gone that far down the river before. Corrie also was dating Kevin and they seemed pretty cute together. There wasn't really much written about Corrie due to her getting shot or injured. Corrie has always been one of the leaders, she is clever and rapid thinking. Corrie also does not let to war to her, she is driven by the far of her loved relatives and friends. Corrie was also confident and she always kept the peace. When she hurt her leg she made sure she didnt slow down so she wouldnt risk anyone elses life and put them in danger.
Kevin Holmes
Kevin Holmes is roughly 16-17 and doesn't have a very outspoken personality, he is cocky, aggressive and has a lot of attitude. He is a big talker and a try hard, we also learn in the book he is really bad at facing bad situations and just runs away. He does though help Ellie out with blowing the lawnmower up and gets a great outcome out of that. He also does represent courage, love and sacrifice at the end of the book when he risks his own life to save Corrie and takes her to the hospital. Kevin is the kind of the guy that everyone misreads with his big tough look but really inside he is this weak scared guy who really doesn't want to go to war, but neither do the others.. but he is extremely scared.
Chris Lang
Chris was 16 years old and lived in a big house in Wirrawee. He was addicted to marijuana and was scared and alone at the start of this war. Chris is not one of the main characters or one of the best characters, though he is highly intelligent and very good at writing and story telling. He didn't feel emotionally In the war as his parents were overseas in Ireland and he could've just felt safe at home but he joins the group. Ellie does keep her eye on him because she thinks he seems a bit dodgy but she sure does learn that he is someone that is sensitive and caring. Sadly, even though he was surrounded by his mates he didn't feel like that and seemed a little bit depressed. Chris was really helpful in this novel because he gave the characters a place to stay when it got tough.