Naveed John Heffernan Character Analysis

The novel Naveed by John Heffernan shows examples of how people can use certain situations to benefit themselves, while others choose not to become a victim and take up an altruistic lifestyle. “ I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” - Carl Jung. A victim is someone who has been caught in a horrible situation. Therefore a victim mentality is taking on the traits of victim even if you have had no negative cause on you. Characters like Naveed are incredibly selfless and altruistic rather characters like Akmed choose to choose to dwell in self pity. Many of these characters are just like Naveed but many are like Akmed, this is where we see a stark contrast in this novel.

Usually it is not a terrible situation that determines whether a person will suffer for the rest of their lives, but its the person themselves who decide. Jake, the Australian soldier, chose to provide optimistic opportunities to Naveed, “she might be able to save other lives as well”, his sister and even give hope to Afghanistan. Even though there was a war all around him Jake does not let that defeat him but he see’s the bright side of all the circumstances thrown at him. Many people do not believe that Jake can help
After getting her legs amputated when they are blown up by an IED, improvised explosive device. Regardless of her environment she has joy and her attitude remains cheerful even when everyone else see’s her condition as a disadvantage. “I used to be sad about having no legs” “but now I realise it’s a blessing in disguise”. She broke out of the victim mentality and found a motivation to go on and inspire others, especially Naveed, “Nor has she ever shown any sign of self-pity. The opposite in fact”. While some would view themselves as victims, unlike Anoosheh, and believe that they can’t do anything to improve their situation, which will never get them to any place of