People of the Whale

Thomas, the protagonist of People of the Whale, is a complex and troubled character whose life is a tapestry of personal struggle, cultural dislocation, and eventual redemption. He is a Vietnam War veteran who returns home burdened by his traumatic experiences and a sense of disconnection from his Indigenous roots and family. Thomas’s character arc is central to the narrative, illustrating the impact of war on the individual psyche and the broader community.

Initially depicted as a man tormented by his past, Thomas grapples with guilt, loss, and a fractured identity. His actions, thoughts, and speech throughout the novel reflect a person in a relentless pursuit of atonement and understanding. Thomas’s journey is marked by his struggle to reconcile his actions during the war with his cultural values, leading to internal conflict. This struggle is further complicated by his dual life: Thomas left behind a second family in Vietnam. His guilt regarding not one but two families adds layers to his character as he navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity.

Over the course of the novel, Thomas undergoes a transformation. He engages in rituals of cleansing and fasting, reconnects with