As a literary expert, I can provide an analysis of the characters in "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park. The novel is a blend of fact and fiction, which is a common technique in literature to explore themes and issues deeply embedded in historical contexts. In this case, the book tells the story of the Sudanese civil war and its impact on the lives of its people.

The character of Salva Dut is based on a real person. Salva is a member of the Dinka tribe and one of the Sudanese Lost Boys, a term used to describe young boys who were displaced during the Second Sudanese Civil War. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who faced unimaginable hardships and yet managed to survive and thrive.

On the other hand, Nya is a fictional character created by the author to represent the experiences of many young girls in Sudan. She is a member of the Nuer tribe and her story is woven into the narrative to highlight the struggles faced by girls and women during the war, particularly the issue of water scarcity and the daily challenges they faced in their pursuit of education and basic survival.

The inclusion of both a real and a fictional character allows the author to explore the broader themes of the novel. Salva's story provides a historical and factual context, grounding the narrative in the realities of the Sudanese civil war. Meanwhile, Nya's story adds depth and emotional resonance, allowing readers to connect with the human experiences beyond the headlines and statistics.

The novel uses the juxtaposition of these two characters to illustrate the different ways in which the war affected individuals. Salva's journey is one of survival and eventual success, while Nya's story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many, particularly the challenges of accessing clean water and pursuing an education amidst conflict.

In conclusion, while Salva Dut is a real person whose life story is depicted in the novel, Nya is a fictional creation designed to represent and amplify the voices of those who lived through the same harrowing experiences. Both characters serve important roles in the narrative, offering a multifaceted view of the impact of war on the people of Sudan.

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A Long Walk to Water is a short novel written by Linda Sue Park and published in 2010. It includes the true story of Salva Dut, a part of the Dinka tribe and a Sudanese Lost Boy, and the fictional story of Nya, a young village girl that was a part of the Nuer tribe.read more >>