Neftalí Reyes

Neftalí Reyes is The Dreamer’s <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/protagonist/">protagonist</a>. The story, which is based on the childhood years of poet Pablo Neruda (See: Background), spans Neftalí’s life from approximately six or seven years old to the time he leaves home for Santiago University. Neftalí’s complexity as a character is seen in his contrasting inner and outer lives. On the outside, he lacks physical strength or prowess, is intensely shy, and longs for a friend. His inner life, however, is robust, with an active mind, vivid imagination, and enduring curiosity. The transformations that define Neftalí’s character arc establish several of the book’s thematic concepts, such as <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Themes" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-dreamer/themes/#473916">Inspiration, Influence, and Identity</a>. His father habitually tells Neftalí he’s “weak” and “idiotic” and won’t amount to anything. Early in the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/narrative/">narrative</a>, this leads Neftalí to believe there’s something wrong with him. Over time, Neftalí experiences resentment toward his father for not accepting him as he is. He gains his own sense of identity by pursuing his passions, despite his father’s discouragement. Exploring nature, working for his uncle’s newspaper, and writing articles affirm his sense of self. He distances his identity as a writer from his father’s judgment by creating a <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.

José Reyes aka Father

Rodolfo Reyes

Laurita Reyes

Mamadre 

Orlando

Augusto

Blanca

Guillermo

Middle School

5th-6th Grade Historical Fiction

7th-8th Grade Historical Fiction

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Humanities

Books & Literature

Books on Justice & Injustice

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Fiction

Magical Realism

Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)

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Pam Muñoz Ryan

Illustr. Peter Sis

Middle grade

Novel

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About The Dreamer

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Chapters 1-3

The Dreamer Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Dreamer Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Dreamer Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Dreamer Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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The Dreamer

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