APPLYING PROTOTYPE THEORY TO CHARACTER ANALYSIS IN DEBORAH ELLIS’S THE BREADWINNER (2001)

Abstract

This study applies Prototype Theory to analyze the character of Parvana in Deborah Ellis’s The Breadwinner. By examining how Parvana aligns with or diverges from literary prototypes such as the female hero, child under oppression, and disguised identity, the research offers a nuanced understanding of her complex identity. The study highlights how multiple overlapping prototypes enrich readers’ interpretations, reflecting themes of resilience, survival, and transformation in a restrictive socio-cultural context. The findings suggest that Prototype Theory provides an effective framework for exploring hybrid character constructions in contemporary literature.