Tutor Feyrik Character Analysis in The Poppy War

Tutor Feyrik is Rin’s teacher in Tikany. He offers free classes to teach poor children basic literacy, but Rin bribes him with stolen opium to help her study for the Keju. He agrees also because having a student pass the Keju and earn admittance to Sinegard Academy will boost his profile—and his earnings—as a tutor. Tutor Feyrik is kind and level-headed, but also susceptible to manipulation due to his opium addiction. He offers Rin useful advice on studying and navigating Sinegard, even traveling with her to drop her off at school. Once they part ways at the school gates, however, Rin doesn’t contact him again.

Tutor Feyrik Character Timeline in The Poppy War

The timeline below shows where the character Tutor Feyrik appears in The Poppy War. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Identity, Cultural Trauma, and Coming of Age Theme Icon

Later that night, Rin steals a packet of opium and runs to Tutor Feyrik with the news that she’s getting married. She asks for help: she wants to take... (full context)

Addiction, Drugs, and Control Theme Icon

Rin tries to tempt Tutor Feyrik : he’ll gain prestige as a tutor, and therefore more money, if one of his... (full context)

...She motivates herself by thinking of her wedding night, imagining it as a rape. When Tutor Feyrik encourages Rin to keep going, she begins burning herself to stay awake. (full context)

...catches her trying to smoke the incense stick. Soon after, results are posted. Rin and Tutor Feyrik go together and discover that Rin scored the highest in the province. She’s going to... (full context)

...her to stay. Rin comforts him for a moment, but then she shoves him away. Tutor Feyrik accompanies Rin to Sinegard, regaling her with stories and warnings about the capital during the... (full context)

Dehumanization and the Horrors of War Theme Icon

...Like everyone born after the Second Poppy War, she’s never seen anyone from Mugen. But Tutor Feyrik warns Rin to never even look at them: Nikan only barely won the last war,... (full context)

...Academy is gorgeous and quiet, with beautiful landscaping. An older student named Tobi gives Rin, Tutor Feyrik , and another new student and his mother a tour. The other student is extremely... (full context)

Once Tutor Feyrik leaves, Rin tries to regain composure, reminding herself that this is better than being married.... (full context)