Kia Character Analysis in Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

Kia is a childhood friend of Marjane’s. As a kid, Kia often got into trouble, and Marjane’s mother thought he was a bad influence. The two reconnect as adults when Marjane returns to Tehran. Kia is one of the few people Marjane wants to see, but their first meeting is difficult. Like most young men, Kia fought in the Iran-Iraq war and was injured. In the novel’s present, Kia is in a wheelchair and only has the use of one arm. This, however, doesn’t affect his sense of humor, which is as sharp as ever. He and Marjane hang out several times before losing contact when Kia travels to the U.S. for medical reasons.

Kia Character Timeline in Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

The timeline below shows where the character Kia appears in Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Identity, Culture, and Self-Expression Theme Icon

...must be someone Marjane wants to see, Marjane realizes there is. She wants to see Kia, whom she played with in the streets. Mom has never liked Kia and starts to... (full context)

On the way to Kia’s apartment, Marjane worries about what she’ll find. One of Kia’s neighbors seems thrilled that someone... (full context)

When another awkward silence falls, Kia tells Marjane a joke: A grenade lands on the head of a young soldier at... (full context)

Kia laughs so hard that he falls out of his wheelchair. He and Marjane spend the... (full context)

...reveals that he fought in the war. He attempts to tell her the same joke Kia did before describing what it was like to be a tank gunner. All of this... (full context)