Through Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi shows the vital role the women around her have in developing her character and becoming the woman she is today. Women like her mother, grandmother, school teachers, maid, neighbors and even Revolutionary Guards influenced Marjane and made her into an independent, educated and ambitious woman. Throughout the novel, Marjane never fully conforms or lets go of her roots, this is mostly due to the women who have influenced her. Marjane's mother was one of the most influential people in her life, her mother taught her to be strong and independent. By presenting her mother through the story of her mother being photographed at a demonstration, Marjane presents her mother as independent and rebellious (Satrapi 5). Later in the novel Marjane's mother argues with her father to allow Marji to come to a rally with them. She states that the time has come for Marji to “defend her rights as a woman” (76). Because her mother taught Marji that it is okay for a woman to rebel and speak her mind, Marji never hesitates to speak out and will not conform and allow herself to become just another veiled traditionalist woman. Marjane's mother shows that she accepts Marjane as an independent woman when she visits her in Austria and asks for a cigarette (204). Marjane's mother is not ignorant, nor does she hold her daughter to the rules of society. He knows that Marji has grown up and treats her like an adult, allowing her to not only see their relationship in a different way but also to see herself in a different way: an independent adult who can make her own choices. Another important role model in Marjane's life was that of her grandmother... middle of paper... Marji to realize that the cultural idolatry of martyrs is completely distorted. Throughout the rest of the novel Marji never truly escapes the pain that witnessing so much death has caused her, in Austria he grows tired of the drugs and loves to comfort her, but nothing works, the gruesome image never manages to escape her mind. Marji is struck by the courageous women who came before her, the women who die unjustly, and even the women who attempt to take away her individuality. Throughout the novel Marji constantly tries to figure out who she is and who she will become. But by the end of the novel Marji evolves into an independent woman who does what she wants with her life to make her happy, something that would never have happened without the influence of women throughout her life. Works Cited Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. Pantheon; First edition, 2004