All important character sketches from ' the story of my life ' !

HELLEN KELLER :-Helen Keller is the writer, narrator as well as the central character ofThe Story of My Life. The book, while tracing her journey from childhood to her college days, underlines many of her characteristic traits. In spite of her disabilities, Helen showed exemplary determination and perseverance in her life. Even though Helen had become mute with the loss of her ability to hear, through her hard work and unfailing resolve, she learnt how to speak. Helen overcame all the ordeals and fears on her journey to realise her dream of going to college. Helen appears to be an enthusiastic and, at times, unruly from a very young age. She was frequently gripped by bouts of depression and discontentment. But strong will-power motivated her to overcome all negativities.Being deaf and blind, her only source of knowledge about the world was her books. Thus, Helen was an avid reader. Helen also loved travelling and staying out-of-doors. Her love of the countryside is evident throughout the text. Even though she lacked the sense of sight, she could appreciate the beauty of nature and the works of art.

ARTHUR H. KELLER:-Helens father was Arthur H. Keller. He was a former captain in the Confederate Army and later an editor of a newspaper. Helen's recollects how she used to make her way through 'great drifts of newspapers' to her father's side. Helen found her father's work amusing and puzzling, and would often imitate him to find out exactly what he would be so occupied in. It was only several years later that she learnt that he was an editor.

He was a loving father and was devoted to the family. He was also a good hunter. Helen notes that his hospitality was great, almost to a fault. He also seemed to have keen interest in gardening and maintaining orchard. He was very fond of his dogs. Helen calls him an excellent story-teller, who used to entertain Helen by spelling stories on her hand. Helen recalls how her father would be delighted to give to her anything that pleased her. Mr. Keller tried every means possible to first get her cured of her disabilities, and later, to give her proper education.

Mr. Keller died in the summer of 1896 after a short span of suffering and illness. Helen recalls her fathers death as a great blow to her, her 'first personal experience with death'.