Character Traits
This character is half Chinese & half French
Niang
Author of Falling Leaves
Adeline Yen Mah
This character is recruited to Niang's side after the children attempt to stage a coup
Big Sister
Considering how Big Sister uses, what may the jade necklace symbolize?
The wedge and distance between the different factions of the family
This # brother is not Adeline's full sibling, but the child of Niang and Father
Fourth Brother
This Chinese custom was done away with before Adeline's lifetime, and enforces traditional gender roles on girls
Bound Feet
This character provides the children with train fare behind the parents' back
Ye Ye
"...Gave our class a homework assignment to write a composition titled 'My Best Friend.' Most girls wrote about their others. I didn't know mine so I wrote of my aunt."
The importance of Aunt Baba in Adeline's life; the failure of Niang as a motherly figure of guidance
This character loves badminton and storytelling just as much as Adeline
Wu Chun-Mei
Adeline's family begins the story in what concession of what city?
The French concession of Tianjin, China
This # brother is kind to Adeline when they're alone, but cruel when faced with his other siblings
"Continue studying hard and bring honor to our Yen family name so we can be proud of you."
Adeline's father's love is contingent on the material success she brings to the family
This character works in a bank and wears glasses
Aunt Baba
They were expected to show respect & bow to anyone who even looked Japanese
What happens to PLT?
He is killed by the family dog, Jackie
“To her, we are not separate people. Here we have become one single unit known as all of you. Seems like this is how it’s going to be from now on.”
Niang's control over the family; her ability to become "head of household" and make the rules despite Chinese family structures
This character destroys Niang's necklace
Little Sister
What was the cultural effect in China of the allied powers winning WW2?
Western culture became even more popular, with a craze for Hollywood stars and the U.S. Marines
What does Adeline fear will become her fate, based on the life of her older sister?
She fears being put through an arranged marriage at a young age
"I felt quite guilty about my favoritism and couldn’t help blaming myself for not having gotten more worms that each duckling could have its own."
Despite Adeline's mistreatment, she still has empathy for others. Additionally, because her parents have exhibited favoritism, she does not want any of the ducks (or her siblings) to experience the same neglect that she has felt.