Yazbec, Olga (PhDAyalew, Bayleyegn2018-06-192023-12-052018-06-192023-12-052011-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/1522The purpose of this thesis is to show how Sahle Sellassie Berhane Mariam, who has proven his worth as an Ethiopian novelist, represents the Ethiopian social and political environment in a thoroughly realistic way. Realism portrays the world as it really appears. Moreover, the study contribute to the study of Ethiopia literature in English which has not yet got due consideration so far. This thesis has five major chapters. The first chapter shows that the background of Ethiopian literature in English, statement of the problem, objectives, significance, delimitation and organization of the study as well as operational definition of terms. Previous studies are reviewed under chapter two and the methodology of the study is treated under the third chapter. Chapter four is the theoretical framework that reviews the theoretical issues related to Realism and its tenets. Chapter four is the analysis of characterization in Warrior King, a realistic depiction of cultural and traditional beliefs in The Afersata and major themes in both novels. It is this part of the thesis that explores how Realism emerges through such elements. Chapter five is the last chapter that deals with conclusion and recommendations. It is found that, in Warrior King, all events and episodes were realized in the novel without any fantasy and extraordinary exaggeration since it is a historical novel. The upbringing, family background, brevity, and military talent of the hero, Emperor Tewodros, are portrayed and indicated as real as in history of Ethiopia. In The Afersata novel of Sahle Sellassie, the story focused on the communal and traditional court system called the Afersata to investigate the arson which was a real experience of the Gurage people in the past. The author revealed different customs and beliefs. Besides political corruption, social insecurity and economic woes are revealed. The story evolves during Emperor Haile Sellassie’s regime where Ethiopia suffered from bureaucratic government system.enSahle Sellassie Berhane Mariam’Thesis