Jusper Wendo - Betrayal in the City Characterization and Role

Jusper Wendo is a philosophy student at the university.
He is the son of Doga and Nina. His brother Adika was shot dead during a demonstration held by the university students. He can be described as;

Arrogant/disrespectful

Jusper talks arrogantly to people who do not make sense to him. He talks back at Tumbo regardless of his powerful office.
He openly shows his disrespect by talking negatively about the evils of the government. At some point, Tumbo thinks he is drunk.

Vengeful/vindictive

He kills Chagaga, the sub-chief\s brother who also killed Adika, his brother.
He shoots Mulili for having caused all the pain and suffering in the society.
He is over-excited that they have successfully carried out the coup.

He vows to avenge the killing of his brother Adika. He tells Regina, “I will get my revenge someday, even if it means doing it alone.” (pg 33)

Sarcastic

When asked by Tumbo what achievement he is going to highlight in the play meant for entertaining the visiting head of state, he says, “the number of expatriate professionals had steadily increased over the year, signifying the full extent of our potential progress….”

(pg 48) On the issue of name changing, he says, “but there is nothing wrong with that.

Changing names is item number three in the new development plan, isn’t it? In fact, Boss himself gave us a fine example when he substituted his Christian name with something none of us can pronounce.’ (pg 40)

After being told by Tumbo that he has won the nonexistent play writing competition, he remarks that out of ten plays submitted, his came first and that the other entries have of course been returned to their authors. (pg 49)

Open/Outspoken/candid

Jusper speaks his mind when he finds his parents at the graveside; he openly confesses having killed someone.

Nina thinks he is drunk and only to find out later that he actually killed Chagaga.

When asked by Tumbo how much beer he drinks he retorts that it is as much as he (Tumbo) drank off the pocket money he got during his university days.

He talks to the president candidly as he gives him a summary of his play. He is not afraid to reveal to him that he has written the play.

Intelligent/creative

Jusper is a university student. He is able to trick the president to provide real guns so that he can find

a chance to avenge the deaths of his parents and brother.

He also succeeds in tricking Tumbo and taking advantage of inefficiency.

He writes an ingenious play that deceives Tumbo completely.

Stubborn

Jusper refuses to remove his red gown despite his girlfriend’s nagging.
She says it makes him appear dangerous.
Students are always treated suspiciously whenever they put them on but he is ready to face the consequences.
He is unapologetic to Tumbo for wearing it.

Roles

Major events in the play revolve around him
His experiences expose the Boss’ regime.

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Jusper Wendo - Betrayal in the City Characterization and Role

Scholarship 2026/27

Scholarship 2026/27