Characters:Ben - He is the main character, he is also the one who tells the story of what happened to his family and Zan. At the beginning of the story, Ben neither wanted nor liked Zan. He thought it would take up too much of his time and be annoying. As the story progressed, Zan began to like him and they continued to bond together until they became best friends. By the end of the story, Ben has become the kind and loving person who got to keep and protect Zan. Richard Tomlin - He is the father who is working on a doctorate. He is also trying to prove to the world that animals can understand and learn American Sign Language. At the beginning of the story he wasn't there for Zan; but as the project grew, Zan began to appreciate it. In the end, he sacrificed his own time and money to protect Zan.Mrs. Tomlin - She is a protective mother who loves Zan and doesn't want to compromise for Zan. He wants to protect Zan and make him believe he is human. Towards the end of the book, he lets Zan go so he can have a better life. He then tries to bring him back once he finds out they are going to send him to an animal testing facility. Zan - He is a chimpanzee and the other main character. Zan was scared at first and didn't want to learn how to sign. But as he became familiar with his new family and surroundings, he began to sign up for what he wanted and communicate with his family. About halfway through the book, the Tomlins decided that Zan wasn't using ASL as well as he should, so they ended the project. Soon after, they decided they wanted it back. They brought him back and sent him to a sanctuary. Ideas: Some of the main ideas of Half Brother are love and friendship. As time passes, the Tomlin family begins to lo...... middle of paper ...... or condition- (Connotative) makes you feel good; to help someone get betterCowardly - (Denotative) shudder in fear- (Connotative) frightenedSubmission - (Denotative) the act of doing something to the power of another; the state of submission- (Connotative) surrendered, meek, or frightenedPaddock - (Denotative) an enclosed area usually near a stable, used primarily for grazing horses- (Connotative) a stable, yard/farmClutched - (Denotative) by grasp or hold tightly- (Connotative) hold or graspInstinct - (Denotative) an innate pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species and often a response to specific environmental stimuli- (Connotative) visceral feelingSanctuary - (Denotative) a sacred place such as a church or temple.- (Connotative) peace, happiness