Suma Mandheling
A Brief Character Study
By Katrina Slater

Suma, age 31
Appearance: Suma is the tall lanky sort with dishwater brown hair and a face like tan leather. Although often smeared with paint and dirt, he is more intriguing then handsome with eyes that shine with the brilliance of someone who sees everything. His most remarkable feature (or lack-there-of) is his arm, of which only half remains. Because he used to be right handed, his painting skills now have to be re-learned using his left hand.

Role: Caught painting a portrait of the mayors daughter in a less than lady-like pose, Suma was punished in the same manor as a common thief. After the removal of his hand, the artist went into a deep depression. With only his thoughts to keep him company, Suma sought the wisdom of nature and turned to conspiracy. Finding a promising lair in the caves, he may be the only one to have seen the Piper enter through the mountains. He also aided the mercenary, Legion, who stumbled upon Sumas cave in his quest to track the Piper.

Questions/Activity for Reflection:
Take the beginning of characterization Katrina has outlined above, and flesh out Sumas story. Write a poem, or a story which features Suma as the main character. The story can be set inside the Pied Piper story, or can be independent of the Piper story.

Can you find an article that supports the idea Katrina has above, about a thief losing his hand as a punishment? When and where did this practice take place? Do you think it a valid punishment? What alternative punishment could you suggest?

If you were to use the hand you write with all the time, could you then pick up a paint brush and paint a picture with your other hand? Try it, and see what happens. Submit your scanned work to the Pied Piper Literary World, to be shown in the museum art gallery!


Art Note: Katria executed the pen/ink drawing of Suma. It cannot be copied without her permission.