January - The Loss of Nana

I believe that Mariam's loss of Nana was an essential occurrence in A Thousand Splendid Suns because without that loss Mariam never would have become the woman she was at the end of the story. She finally realizes that's Nana was right and her father was a spineless man only to return to find Nana dead. This causes her to live by Nana's rule of endurance that helps her to survive her life with Radheed. Nana's role is and essential catalyst for the progression of Mariam's character. Without those lessons and loss Mariam would not have been able to endure Rasheed, protect Lilia and eventually sent them free.