Setting
Why was the island called island of the blue dolphin?
It is shaped like a dolphin
Who is Ramo?
Karana’s younger brother
Why do the islanders decide to leave the island?
They feel unsafe and cannot survive easily after the battle
Why had Captain Orlov and the Aleuts come to the island?
To hunt sea otter
What single decision at the beginning of the story leads to most of the later problems?
Allowing the Aleuts to hunt on the island
What is the name of Karana's older sister?
Ulape
Who is Chief Chowig?
This character is the chief of the islanders at the start.
What long-term problem is caused by the loss of many islanders in the battle?
The tribe becomes weaker and less able to survive
Why might Chief Chowig’s decision to trust the Aleuts be seen as risky from the start?
He relies on an agreement with people who have more power and different goals
What does Karana use to stop the water coming in her boat?
Fiber from her skirt
Why does Karana burn her village?
Karana burns the village to escape the painful memories of her people.
Who is Captain Orlov?
This man leads the Aleut hunters.
What is the result of Chief Chowig confronting Captain Orlov?
It leads to a violent battle
Who became chief after Karana’s father was killed?
Kimki
Which character underestimates the dangers of the island’s animals?
Ramo
Which leadership decision puts the tribe at risk within their own environment?
Allowing the Aleuts to hunt on the island
What happens to Ramo, did he make a wise decision?
No, he was reckless, he gets eaten by wild dogs
What is the long-term consequence of Karana’s decision to jump off the ship?
She becomes stranded alone on the island
What happened to Chief Chowig during the battle?
He was killed
Who acts as a messenger for Matasaip?
Nanko
Is the Island of the Blue dolphin based on a true story? if yes, who?
Yes, an indeginous woman known as Juana Maria (died October 19, 1853), living on San Nicolas Island
What mistake leads directly to Karana jumping off the ship?
Ramo is left behind after going back for his spear
What detail shows that the islanders never fully trusted the Aleuts even before the conflict?
They were cautious, watched them closely, and made strict agreements
Who takes over as the leader (chief) of the Ghalas-at tribe after Kimki leaves the island to seek help in the east?
Matasaip
Which character recognizes the danger of the island environment more clearly?
Karana