Characters
A thoughtful and artistic silverback gorilla. He lives in a mall enclosure where he makes friends and recalls his life.
Ivan
What important promise does Ivan make?
Ivan promises Stella that he will protect Ruby and make sure she has a better life.
How did Ivan's opinion about captivity change after Ruby arrived?
After Ruby arrives, Ivan starts to see captivity differently. He becomes protective of Ruby and begins to question whether their life at the mall is fair.
What caused Ivan to start thinking differently about captivity?
Ivan begins thinking differently about captivity because of Ruby’s arrival and Stella’s concern for her future. When Ivan sees how small, scared, and confused Ruby is, he realizes that growing up in the mall is not fair to her.
"I was born in a place humans call central Africa, in a dense rainforest so beautiful, no crayons could ever do it justice."
Ivan
An elephant at the mall enclosure. She is old and wise, and provides friendship to Ivan
Stella
What important event shows that Ivan is trying to communicate with humans?
Ivan paints a picture of Ruby in a zoo habitat and shows it to Julia to send a message about freedom.
Before Bob lives with Julia, how does he act and feel about depending on others?
After he begins living with Julia, how do his feelings change?
Before, Bob acts tough and independent. He pretends he does not need anyone and takes pride in surviving on his own. After he begins living with Julia, Bob still keeps his independent personality, but allows himself to be cared for and becomes part of a family.
What caused people to protest outside the mall?
Ivan’s painting of Ruby in a zoo habitat caused people to realize the animals needed a better home, which led to protests.
“I’ve never asked for a promise before, because promises are forever, and forever is an unusually long time. Especially when you’re in a cage.”
Stella
A young elephant that lives next to Ivan at the mall enclosure. Her and Ivan form a special bond of friendship.
Ruby
What important event pushes Ivan to take action instead of staying comfortable.
Stella's death.
Before Stella passes away she makes Ivan promise to care for Ruby, what changes in Ivan because of this promise?
After the promise, Ivan becomes determined and thoughtful. He begins planning how to help Ruby and starts taking action instead of staying passive.
What happened because Stella died?
After Stella died, Ivan felt responsible for Ruby and became more serious about helping her and himself find freedom.
“I think things are actually starting to pick up a bit. It’s gotta be the billboard. People see that baby elephant and they just have to stop and spend their hard-earned cash.”
Mack
George's daughter, she is at the mall enclosure most nights and creates art with Ivan.
Julia
What do Julia and George do to help Ivan?
Julia gives Ivan art supplies which allows him to express himself and get him and Ruby freedom.
They both hug up Ivan’s artwork outside the mall, which helps bring attention to Ruby’s need for a better home.
Before Ivan remembers his life in the wild, how does he feel about his identity?
After remembering, what changes?
Before, he defines himself as “The One and Only Ivan” in captivity.
After remembering, he reconnects with being a gorilla from the wild.
What happened because the public became upset about the animals?
Because the public spoke out, the animals were eventually moved to a zoo.
“Memories are precious,” ____adds. “They help tell us who we are. Try remembering all your keepers. You always liked Karl, the one with the harmonica.”
Stella
The owner of all the animals at the mall enclosure. He cares about the animals but often prioritizes money.
Mack
What important event happens at the end of the story?
Ivan and the other animals are moved from the mall to a zoo. This gives them more space, proper care, and freedom. Ivan keeps his promise to Stella, and Ruby has a safer, happier life.
Before Ruby performs, how does she act?
After she is forced to perform, how does she change?
Before performing, Ruby is playful and curious.
After being forced to perform, she becomes scared, confused, and resistant.
What caused Mack to bring Ruby to the mall?
Mack’s business was losing money, so he brought Ruby to attract more visitors and increase ticket sales.
"Bye, Ivan. Say hello to your new family."
Julia