Characterization of Layla Amin in Internment Novel: A New Criticism Study

Abstract

This research is conducted to examine the characterization of Layla Amin, the main character of the Internment, a dystopian fiction novel written by the British writer Samira Ahmed, and her way of overcoming her problem. This novel is approached using the characterization theory by Edgar V. Roberts, which states that the characterization of a character in literary work could be analyzed in four ways: his/her actions, speeches, thoughts, and what the other characters say about him/her. This research is library research because the primary data consists of the narratives and the dialogues in the Internment novel, and the secondary data comes from books and journals related to the topic. After analyzing the novel through library research, the researcher found that through Layla's characterization that is described in the novel, Layla's characterization is persistent, sarcastic, stubborn, and brave. With these characterizations, she can overcome the problems she faces in the novel.