The Breadwinner - Characters & Cast

Parvana's primary motivation is the survival of her family. After her father is imprisoned, she is driven by the immediate need to provide food and money. This evolves into a desperate quest to find and free her father from prison before her family is forced to flee Kabul.

Parvana begins as a spirited but ordinary 11-year-old girl, chafing under the Taliban's rules but still a child who squabbles with her sister. The unjust arrest of her father forces her into a role of immense responsibility. Her arc is one of courageous transformation; she sheds her identity to become "Atesh," discovering newfound freedom and resilience. She evolves from a frightened child into a determined provider and protector, finding her inner strength through storytelling and her love for her family.

Nurullah is motivated by his love for his family and his profound belief in the power of education and stories to preserve their culture and humanity. He strives to educate his daughters despite the Taliban's prohibition, believing it is essential for Afghanistan's future.

Nurullah is a former teacher who has lost a leg in the war but retains his wisdom and gentle spirit. He acts as the moral and intellectual center of the family, encouraging Parvana's education and spirit. His arc is one of unjust suffering; he is arrested for perceived defiance. Though physically weakened in prison, his influence continues to guide Parvana. His eventual rescue at the end, frail but alive, represents a fragile victory of spirit over tyranny.

Shauzia is driven by a powerful desire for escape and a better life. Her dream is to save enough money to travel to the sea, a place that represents freedom and peace, away from the oppression of both the Taliban and her own family situation.

Shauzia is Parvana's old school friend, who has also disguised herself as a boy to survive and support her family. She is more cynical and pragmatic than Parvana, hardened by her experiences. Her arc is about finding a path to personal freedom. While she provides Parvana with practical advice and companionship, her ultimate goal is to earn enough money to escape Kabul and her abusive father, highlighting a different, more individualistic form of survival.

Initially paralyzed by grief and fear, Fattema's motivation becomes ensuring the long-term safety of her children. This leads her to arrange for the family to leave Kabul and seek refuge with relatives, even if it means potentially leaving Parvana and Nurullah behind.

Fattema is a writer who has been silenced by the Taliban regime. She initially falls into a deep depression after her husband's arrest, leaving Parvana to take charge. Her arc is about rediscovering her strength. Galvanized by her children's needs and the help of her friend Mrs. Weera, she slowly emerges from her grief to make difficult decisions for her family's survival, such as arranging her older daughter's marriage for protection.