Efrén Divided

Backstory reveals information and characterization important to the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of a story. In Efrén Divided, memories and dialogue reveal backstory. Choose three or four scenes in which memories or conversation reveal backstory and discuss the information from Efrén’s or Efrén’s family’s past that the reader learns. Why might the author have chosen those particular scenes in which to share these backstory points?

A dynamic character is one whose opinions or emotions change over the course of the story. Choose a dynamic secondary character who experienced some kind of change in ideas or attitude in the novel as a result of Efrén’s experiences with Amá’s absence. In what traits or character reactions do you observe change? How does their change in characterization affect or impact Efrén or Efrén’s conflicts? Use details and events from relevant scenes to support your answers.

A mentor character archetype offers instruction and guidance to the protagonist on his journey or struggle. With Amá gone and Apá away at work so often, Efrén spends much of the storyline without parents. What characters “step in” and help to serve as the most effective mentors? What lessons or guidance do they offer, and how do their words and actions impact the plot or Efrén’s decisions? How does Efrén himself serve as a mentor after authorities take Amá away? Reference plot details and character actions in your response.

Efrén Divided is written in third-person point of view, limited tightly to Efrén’s perspective. Why might the author have chosen this viewpoint? What differences in the plotting or structure of the novel might exist with multiple third-person viewpoints? What changes might exist to the novel’s tone or atmosphere with a first-person perspective? Select various points in the novel to use in your speculations, referencing details and demonstrating your knowledge of the plot with examples.

Some stories have no clear antagonist (the character who works in opposition to the protagonist). Who or what is Efrén’s biggest adversary in this story? What actions does Efrén take to try to learn more about this adversarial force? How does he “fight” the adversary? What additional smaller conflicts along the way does Efrén face (for example, in subplots), and how do these challenges help to characterize him? Use details from the text to support your ideas.

In what ways does the setting of Tijuana differ from Efrén’s neighborhood? How is Tijuana characterized, and what do you think this setting represents symbolically? Find and discuss the times that Efrén sees parts of the city and changes his mind about it. What prompts Efrén to his conclusions about Tijuana?

Max and Mia are in the opening scene with Efrén, and except for the school day, rarely leave his side thereafter. How would the story be different if their ages were eight or nine instead of kindergarten? What does Efrén learn from Max and Mia (together or individually) over the course of the story? In what scenes does Efrén demonstrate parent-like traits regarding the twins? Find details to support your thoughts.

Efrén and David have many differences. What might the author have been trying to demonstrate with a friendship like theirs? Pretend the main topic of the book was the boys’ friendship. What might a labeled plot triangle diagram look like that focuses on this plot? Finally, choose three adjectives that describe their friendship (considering the friendship’s conflicts in the story), and discuss your choices utilizing facts and details.