Island of the Blue Dolphins Characters, Settings, and Events

Characters

The novel is narrated by Karana, who is one of the main characters. She is around thirteen years old when she is left on San Nicolas Island. As the story progresses, her character develops from an innocent girl into a resourceful woman capable of surviving alone on an island. Other significant characters include the wild stallion, the hunter with his dogs, the wolves, and the ship's captain.

Settings

The main setting of the book is the island of Santa Catalina, more commonly known as San Nicolas Island. This island has been uninhabited since the 1850s due to its harsh conditions. The location of the island is also mentioned as being near the mainland called "the land of light," which is likely California due to its proximity and differences between the two locations.

Events

The events of the novel follow a young Native American girl named Karana who is stranded on Santa Catalina Island after all other survivors are taken away. As time passes, she learns how to survive alone and make tools from her environment. However, eventually, she encounters men who have come to hunt sea otters on the island, leading to conflicts and danger for both parties.