Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat

Klawde is the second protagonist and point-of-view character of the novel, as well as the titular character. In the Prologue, Klawde’s own people revile him, condemning him as an evil warlord. However, he sheds this imposing persona when he is banished from Lyttyrboks and arrives on Earth, where he is just like any other cat. When Raj first sees him, Klawde is “skinny, wet from the rain, and didn’t have a collar” (18). This first impression makes Raj instantly sympathetic to the simple cat he believes Klawde to be. When Raj learns the truth about Klawde, this first impression shifts to wonder and curiosity, emphasizing The Importance of Exploring Different Viewpoints. Ultimately, Klawde’s warlike outlook is a foil for Raj’s milder approach to the world. Whereas Klawde thinks of everything in terms of competition or outright warfare and is always looking for ways to further his own agenda, Raj is just happy to spend time with Klawde, even if their activities are meant to allow the feline warlord to reconquer his home planet. Klawde’s confidence also helps Raj to find his own inner strength, which makes Klawde a role model of sorts despite his many flaws. By the end of the book, Klawde has changed his opinion of Earth a bit, and his stated goal to return to Lyttyrboks and regain power reveals that he is largely as a static character who barely changes despite having many opportunities to do so.

Turkey Vulture is Raj’s counselor at nature camp and acts as the primary antagonist in the novel. His keen interest in the natural world also highlights The Differences between Animals and Humans. Whereas Raj is from New York and has lived a life immersed in technology, Turkey Vulture rejects many aspects of civilization in favor of living off of the land. Turkey Vulture is an over-exaggerated representation of survivalist culture and is deliberately created as a satirical commentary on this movement. However, he does make valuable points about the potential for humans to live in greater harmony with nature.

Due to his excesses, Turkey Vulture’s actions demonstrate the trouble with completely ignoring unpleasant realities. Whether Turkey Vulture likes it or not, technology exists and has an impact on the Earth. By ignoring this fact, Turkey Vulture isolates himself from any potential benefits technology offers the planet. At the same time, Turkey Vulture’s comments in the novel allow Johnny Marciano to make important points about the effects of global warming on the health of Earth’s ecosystems. He offers a warning about what Earth’s future could hold if steps are not taken to reduce environmental damage.