Character Analysis
Cleo: The Protagonist
Cleo, the main character of Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner, is a complex and multifaceted individual:
• 21-year-old Black woman with dark skin • Heterosexual • Aggressive, stubborn, and impulsive • Struggles with self-image and feeling overshadowed by Kara
Highlight: Cleo's actions in the play stem from her anger about cultural appropriation and feelings of jealousy towards Kylie Jenner.
Kara: Cleo's Childhood Friend
Kara serves as a foil to Cleo's character:
• 22-year-old Black woman of mixed race • Queer • Calm and passive, avoiding attention • Considered beautiful by others and more concerned with public perception
Example: The contrast between Cleo and Kara is highlighted when they are treated differently at a party, with Cleo being dehumanized while Kara is admired.
Saartjie Baartman: Historical Reference
The play incorporates the historical figure of Saartjie Baartman:
• South African woman born in 1789 • Exploited and displayed in Europe in the early 19th century • Her remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2002
Definition: Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from another culture without proper understanding or respect for that culture.