The Blind Assassin

Main Characters and Their Development

• Iris Chase Griffen - a central character in the novel, she narrates the story of her life, beginning with her youth in the 1930s. Her character is revealed through memories, highlighting her complex relationships with her sister Laura, her husband Richard Griffen, and her lover Alex Thomas. Her development focuses on understanding and accepting personal mistakes and losses.
• Laura Chase - Iris's younger sister, a mysterious and talented girl who commits suicide at the beginning of the novel. Her character and motives are largely revealed through her posthumously published novel, The Blind Assassin, and Iris's memories.
• Richard Griffen - Iris's husband, a politician and businessman whose relationship with Iris is cold and calculated. Throughout the novel, he is portrayed as a character driven by a thirst for power and control, ultimately leading to his tragic end.
• Alex Thomas - a mysterious writer and revolutionary with whom both Iris and Laura are emotionally involved. Through him, themes of love, loyalty, and political struggle are illuminated. His relationships with the main characters are key to revealing their personalities.