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The Tin Drum | Characters

Oskar, the strange boy who refuses to grow and who has been called a fantasy figure in the tradition of German folk heroes, will remain one of the most unforgettable characters in world literature. Besides willing himself not to grow, Oskar has extraordinary powers over people around him, as well as the ability to shatter glass with his voice. Other critics have likened Oskar to the artist. His tin drum seems like a toy to the adults around him; yet, it has a powerful influence on events. In one major scene in the novel, Oskar disrupts a Nazi rally by hiding under the bandstand. By...

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