The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Characters & Cast

William is driven by a deep desire to save his family and village from starvation. His insatiable curiosity and passion for science fuel his determination to find a practical solution to the drought that plagues their land.

William begins as a curious and intelligent boy with a knack for fixing radios. Faced with the devastating famine and the interruption of his formal education, he transforms from a student into a self-taught inventor and a beacon of hope for his community. His arc is one of empowerment through knowledge, as he overcomes skepticism and personal hardship to achieve his goal and save his village.

Trywell's primary motivation is to provide for and protect his family. He is deeply rooted in his agricultural heritage and struggles to see beyond the traditional ways of survival, which creates conflict with William's innovative approach.

Trywell starts as a loving but traditional father who believes in the value of education but is bound by the harsh realities of farming and tradition. He is initially skeptical and even hostile towards William's seemingly outlandish project. His arc is one of transformation, as he witnesses the dire consequences of the famine and eventually comes to trust in his son's vision, sacrificing his prized bicycle for the greater good of his family and community.

Agnes is motivated by an unwavering love for her family and a deep-seated belief in her son's potential. She strives to maintain peace and unity within the family, even in the most trying of circumstances.

Agnes is the resilient and supportive matriarch of the Kamkwamba family. While she endures the hardships of the famine alongside her husband, she also recognizes and nurtures William's unique talents. Her arc is one of quiet strength and advocacy, as she acts as a crucial bridge between William and Trywell, ultimately persuading her husband to believe in their son's vision.