Abdi Nor Iftin, nicknamed Abdi American, is the protagonist of the story and the writer of the memoir. Growing up in Somalia, a country ravaged by civil war, he never truly feels like he belongs. Abdi undertakes a journey which takes him across continents and halfway around the world in pursuit of his dream to escape to America. Abdi’s story is a version of the American dream: Though he grows up in seemingly impossible circumstances, through hard work he becomes a successful member of American society.

In many ways, Abdi’s incredibly willpower, drive, and motivation are the product of his influences: his family and the American movies that inspired him. His mother is a strong and determined individual who fought away lions and hyenas to protect her children and her animals. His brother Hassan is a realist who escapes Mogadishu to make a better life. The heroes of the American movies he watches are strong, powerful men who overcome impossible odds. Abdi displays all of these traits, as despite setbacks, he never lets his dream of traveling to America slip away.

Abdi’s dreams, which stem from the eye-opening effect of American movies on his imagination, distinguish him from his friends and contemporaries.