The main character of the book so far is Ishmael.  Ishmael has travled with a couple of friends to promote their talent through a show.  While away he finds his hometown has been raided and then deserted by the people.  He is devestated and determined to survive past the constant fighting and tries to avoid becoming part of the problem.  Ishmael is a very good person and has a lot of courage even to still be alive.  He realizes he won't see his family anytime soon so he realizes the best he can do is keep him and his friends together.   He describes the events as surreal as he couldn't believe the civil war actually hurt and effected his and his family's life.