In the book A Single Shard, there are many characters that change throughout the story. One of those characters is Min, who in the beginning is a cruel and irritable potter. Towards the end of the story, his sympathetic and gracious side shows after a great tragedy in Tree-ear’s life. Tree-ear was an orphan boy taken in by Crane-man who dies suddenly in an accident. This alters the life of Tree-ear greatly; however, Min’s anger grows into love. In the novel Min was a master potter in Ch’ulp’o. He was a perfectionist while making pottery, so if he messed up, he became irritable with himself and others. Tree-ear came to work for Min in hopes of learning how to make pottery. When Tree-ear mention learning to make pottery; Min became very angry. In the book he stated,” If ever you learn to make a pot, it will not be from me.” “The potter’s trade goes from father to son. I had a son once. My son, Hyung-gu. He is gone now. It is him I would have taught. You are not my son.” With this statement that Min …show more content…
In chapter eight, readers find out Min had a late son, which was an abhorrent tragedy. Also in chapter thirteen, Crane-man dies whom was Tree-ear’s caregiver. With Min experiencing losing a love like a Tree-ear; he became sympathetic towards Tree-ear. In the book it states, “Min leaded forward and put his hand on Tree-ear’s shoulder.” “Tree-ear noticed Min’s eyes were soft, his face gentle.” This was the first time in the story Min showed any compassion. Since Crane-man had passed away, Tree-ear had no place to live. Min and his wife graciously took Tree-ear into their home. Not only did they let Tree-ear live with them, but Min will teach Tree-ear how to make pottery. On page 146, Min states, “How are you to help me if you don’t have a wheel of your own?” This means Min will teach Tree-ear how to make pottery and Tree-ear will be able to help