Achilles Character Analysis in My Family and Other Animals

Achilles is a small, young tortoise that Gerry purchases from the Rose-Beetle Man. He very quickly becomes tame enough to be given the run of the garden at the strawberry-pink villa. He adores both strawberries and grapes, and if he finds someone sunbathing outside, he tries to climb them. Achilles dies when he escapes the garden and falls into a disused well.

Achilles Character Timeline in My Family and Other Animals

The timeline below shows where the character Achilles appears in My Family and Other Animals. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Friendship and the Care of Animals Theme Icon

Thrilled with his purchase, Gerry races home. The family quickly names the tortoise Achilles, and Achilles turns out to be intelligent and lovable. As he grows tamer, Achilles learns... (full context)

One day, Achilles discovers the garden gate is open and wanders out. The entire family embarks on a... (full context)