The Ministry of Time

Who, if anyone, is the story’s hero, and who is the villain? Why? Explain, using textual evidence.

In a postcolonial era, why might the Ministry choose to categorize time travelers as expats rather than refugees? Based on what you know about the narrator, does she agree with this choice of labels? Why or why not?

Describe the narrator’s character arc, including her initial state, significant turning points, and final state. Using textual evidence, describe the character traits that make her a compelling protagonist, and why.

Consider Graham’s reactions and attitudes toward the changes he encounters in the 21st century. How did Victorian-era life and society, as well as his personal life in that era, influence these reactions?

Why does the narrator buy the chicken purse? What does her reasoning say about gender and sexuality in the 21st century?

How does the power of narrative create stakes for the Ministry and for each main character? What does each stand to lose, related to the concept of narrative, if they don’t achieve their individual goals?

What choices does the narrator make that she later regrets? What influences her choices when she makes them, and why does she later regret them?

The narrator defines an internally displaced person as someone whose interiority is at odds with their exteriority. Discuss what this means and what kinds of events cause it. How do the concepts of hereness and thereness contribute to your understanding of this topic?