Tim Winton
Tim Winton is the central character and narrator of the collection The Boy Behind the Curtain essays. Winton is a celebrated Australian author and novelist. At different points in the essays' collection, Winton appears as a child, a teen, a parent, and a grandfather.
Winton explains his life experiences to help readers understand Australian society and other aspects, including politics. Throughout the novel, Winton shows the uncertainty of life by reflecting on his father's recovery from a motorbike accident, his own car crash, and the birth of his children. During his career, Winton explains how he becomes an activist to defend natural wildlife.
Tim Winton’s Father
Winton's father is a cop by profession, and he uses his patrol motorbike while on duty. Winton's father is a confident man who does everything he can to protect his family. When Winton is 5 years old, the father gets involved in a fatal accident that nearly kills him. After recovering from the accident, Winton's father regularly takes the family to the National Gallery. Due to these repeated trips into the Gallaery, Winton falls in love with natural wildlife.
Tim Winton’s Mother
Winton's mother is a full-time wife dedicated to caring for her four children and husband. After her husband gets involved in an accident, she takes full responsibility for caring for her family. The responsibility overburdens the mother, and Winton decides to help her accomplish several tasks until his father fully recovers.
Tim Winton’s wife
Winton's wife is a nurse by profession and has three children with her husband. Winton's wife is a caring woman who treats patients respectfully and affectionately. At home, Winton's wife is a respective woman who puts her family first before anything else.
Tim Winton’s eldest son
In the essays’ collection, Winton’s eldest son appears as both a child and an adult on different occasions. As a child, Winton's eldest son spends time with his parents at the Leap Castle in Ireland. As an adult, Winton's eldest son appears as a parent, giving Winton a grandchild.
Tim Winton’s grandfather
Winton's grandfather is a great storyteller and a man who lives to impress nobody. For instance, Winton says that his grandfather is comfortable driving the ugliest car called Betsy. The grandfather is comfortable in his car despite people faulting him for using an outdated vehicle.
Tim Winton’s Estranged Friend
Winton's friend has been hospitalized for his entire life. When the friend calls Winton to visit him, he says he would like to reconnect with the rest of humanity. Winton's friend shows readers the loneliness patients go through while in hospitals.
Elizabeth Jolley
Elizabeth Jolley is Winton's English teacher in college. Elizabeth was a famous author in the 29th century, and her work is recognized globally. Elizabeth also loves art and music, which helps her shape her writing creativity.
