Ramo Character Analysis in Island of the Blue Dolphins

Ramo is Karana’s six-year-old brother and Chief Chowig’s son. He’s small for his age, but very intelligent and observant. He’s often getting into trouble and making mischief, which is very annoying for Karana (Karana and Ramo’s mother is dead, so Karana and her older sister, Ulape, care for Ramo). Having never seen a ship before, Ramo is entranced when the Aleuts arrive to hunt otter around the island. He’s excited and afraid when, about a year later, another ship arrives to take him and the rest of his tribe “across the sea.” But disaster strikes when Ramo insists on going back to the village for his forgotten fishing spear, and he ends up getting left on the island. Karana leaps off the ship and returns to the island to care for him, but this only lasts a day. Ramo instantly renames himself Chief Tanyositlopai and decides to take on tasks that are far too difficult for a boy of his age and size. This results in him wandering off alone and being killed by the wild dogs, though he does manage to kill two before dying. Karana vows to kill the dogs’ leader to avenge Ramo’s death.

Ramo Character Timeline in Island of the Blue Dolphins

The timeline below shows where the character Ramo appears in Island of the Blue Dolphins. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Colonialism, Violence, and Indigenous Culture Theme Icon

...is: a red ship with two red sails. She’s gathering roots with her six-year-old brother, Ramo. He’s small but quick, and he's sometimes foolish. To keep him from running off, Karana... (full context)

Ramo has never seen a ship before, so he watches it get closer without knowing what... (full context)

...profit from this relationship. The villagers obey, but someone always keeps watch on the Aleuts. Ramo brings news that Captain Orlov combs his beard in the morning, and Karana’s older sister... (full context)

...assigns everyone jobs. Karana and Ulape are tasked with gathering abalone on the rocks, and Ramo is assigned the job of protecting the drying abalone from gulls and wild dogs. The... (full context)

...the island. Karana remembers her father all the time, and it’s hard to look after Ramo with no parents. Once people settle into their houses for winter, they grieve for those... (full context)

Karana and the villagers wait, afraid to start a fire to cook breakfast. Finally, while Ramo is down checking on the canoes, a young man named Nanko returns with a message—which... (full context)

...the ship will come back with handsomer men. Finally, the villagers head for the cove. Ramo starts in front, but then tells Karana he forgot his fishing spear. Karana refuses to... (full context)

...the beach. They speak a language Karana doesn’t understand. Aside from Nanko, all the men—and Ramo—are already on the ship. The women get into the two boats and then manage to... (full context)

Karana calls for Ramo; he’s bound to get in the sailors’ way. She can’t find him. But then, Ulape... (full context)

...too heavy and lets it sink. Then, she swims for shore. She intends to punish Ramo when she gets there, but when she sees how forlorn he looks, she just hugs... (full context)

Karana and Ramo climb the trail, but the blowing sand makes it hard to see. They shelter amongst... (full context)

Ramo and Karana spend the day gathering food. They find more than enough to eat, but... (full context)

Eyes shining, Ramo says he doesn’t care if the ship comes back—he likes it better on the island... (full context)

Even if Ramo is the chief now, Karana has no intention of letting him get a canoe alone.... (full context)

...gathers mussels as she waits, wondering if the ship will actually return for her and Ramo. When her basket is full, she climbs to the mesa and studies the coastline. She... (full context)

Karana carries Ramo home and then scares the dogs off with a club. The dogs’ leader, a big... (full context)

...to return for her. Karana has been keeping track of every month since she and Ramo were left on the island. Now she has marks on a pole from roof to... (full context)