Persepolis

The characters in the memoir are presented in a very simplistic style. This has been deliberately chosen by the author to create a feeling of relatability. Satrapi has mentioned in an interview that the simplistic style allows the reader to put themselves into the character’s position and experience the story for themselves. This way the story of the Islamic revolution seen through a child’s eyes can be understood with less preconceived notions.

In “Persepolis”, the characters differ in appearance depending on their importance in the story and how close they are to Marjane. The people closest to her such as her family, are drawn with more defining characteristics.

Marji has admired her uncle Anoosh ever since she learned of his heroic accomplishments preceding the revolution. His first appearance in the graphic novel is presented in a glorified manner. It is a portrait of a neat man standing in front of the sun with elegantly styled wavy hair that has been carefully and individually drawn out. The placement makes it appear like he is emitting a positive aura, with rays of light coming out from behind him, signifying his almost Godlike importance seen through a young girl’s eyes.

In comparison, the people appearing in the background are drawn almost identical, sharing similar silhouettes and performing the same actions. This is well illustrated in the author’s drawings of crowds which are always bunched together, almost as if they were sharing one body, two forces opposing each other.