Killer is a “racunk” that Jimmy’s father brought home from work. It is a creature created by splicing together a raccoon and a skunk, to achieve a desirable combination of docility and cleanliness. Jimmy quickly begins to think of Killer as his best friend and greatest comfort, and talks to Killer about his life when he feels he can talk to no one else. It is therefore especially upsetting to Jimmy that his mother takes Killer with her when she disappears.
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Killer Character Timeline in Oryx and Crake
The timeline below shows where the character Killer appears in Oryx and Crake. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
...Bandit, but when his mother suggests that name he changes his mind and names it Killer. His tenth birthday is the only one he can ever remember—his birthdays were usually stressful...
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Shortly after Killer arrives, Jimmy’s father finds a better job at NooSkins, a subsidiary of HelthWyzer, and the...
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...up the stairs, Jimmy rolls over and pretends to be asleep. He is upset, but Killer’s nose tickles him under the covers and he begins to giggle uncontrollably.
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...and more, and though he is not unpopular at school, he doesn’t have many friends. Killer is his only source of true companionship—she is the only one he can talk to....
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...driven her to leave, that she will always love him, and that she has taken Killer with her so the animal can be set free. Jimmy wonders if his mother ever...
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...there for Jimmy, and Jimmy appreciates the attention, though he is still sad and misses Killer dearly. He occasionally receives cards, with stamps from faraway places like England and Argentina, that...
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Chapter 10
...who is about to be executed. She looks at the camera and says “Goodbye. Remember Killer. I love You. Don’t let me down.” Jimmy claims he knows nothing about the person...
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