Character
Protagonist in Tiger Daughter
Wen Zhou
What tragedy happened to Henry's family?
His mother's death
How does Wen’s father show his belief in traditional gender roles?
He expects Wen’s mother to serve him and discourages her from working or having opinions.
How does Wen’s courage influence her mother?
It inspires her mum to find her own strength
How does Wen’s mother’s transformation reflect the novel’s message about courage?
She finds her own voice, proving that courage can be found at any age.
Who is Wen's best friend?
Henry Xiao
What does Wen secretly do that shows her kindness and independence?
Gives Henry leftover food/Feeds Henry
How does Wen’s mother’s behaviour challenge traditional expectations?
She begins to speak up and seek independence by applying for a job.
What does the novel suggest about small acts of bravery?
They can grow into life-changing courage and inspire others.
Why is Henry important to Wen's journey?
He helps her see she deserves kindness and equality, which pushes her to stand up for herself at home.
What did Wen’s father do for work?
He worked at a Chinese restaurant
What happens when Wen stands up to her father?
He becomes angry and physically aggressive
How does Wen’s mother express love differently from her husband?
She shows care through cooking, quiet support, and protecting Wen.
How does Henry’s story highlight the cost of not speaking up?
His mother’s silence and suffering show what can happen when fear takes over.
What does Wen’s father fear most, and how does this fear control his behaviour?
He fears shame and failure, so he controls his family to protect his pride.
How does Wen’s mother change by the end of the novel?
She becomes braver — standing up for Wen, applying for her own job etc
What plan do Wen and Henry make to change their future?
They decide to sit the entrance exam for a selective high school.
Why does Wen often stay quiet around her father?
She’s afraid of his temper
How does courage help Wen and Henry heal after tragedy?
They focus on studying and supporting each other
Why is Wen’s father not simply a “bad person”?
Rebecca Lim shows he’s damaged by pressure and loss, not evil.
What motivates Wen’s father to be so strict with her?
His own trauma and fear of failure
How do Wen and her mum support Henry after his mother's death, despite Wen’s dad’s rules?
They bring food and homework to his house daily and help him keep studying in secret.
How does Wen’s relationship with her mother change by the end of the book?
They grow closer as her mum begins to stand up to Wen’s father and support Wen’s dreams.
Why does Wen decide to speak up later in the story?
She realises staying quiet won’t help anyone. She needs to be brave to make things better.
What motivates Wen’s mother to finally stand up to her husband near the end of the novel?
Seeing Henry’s mother die under the same pressures she faces makes Wen’s mum realise she has to protect Wen and herself from the same fate