| Fara Sherazi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Name: | Fara Sherazi |
| Status: | Deceased |
| Birthplace: | Unknown |
| Date of death: | 2014 |
| Cause of death: | Executed (stabbed) by Haissam Haqqani |
| Nationality: | Persian-American |
| Religion: | Muslim |
| Affiliation: | CIA |
| Profession: | Financial Analyst |
| Rank: | Finances, Analyzing |
| Father: | Kourosh Sherazi |
| Mother: | Unknown |
| Marital status: | Single |
| Played by: | Nazanin Boniadi |
| Season(s): | 3, 4 |
| Episodes: | 16 appearances |
| First episode: | "Uh... Oh... Ah..." |
| Last episode: | "13 Hours in Islamabad" |
"How often do we see a hijab-wearing, career-driven, intelligent, independent Muslim woman on television with a voice of her own? It’s a groundbreaking role that I’m honored to play. Homeland is great at challenging our preconceived ideas. Many viewers will make up their minds about Fara the moment they set sight on her and hear her speak. She wears a headscarf and has a slight Iranian accent. She looks and feels completely out of place the moment she arrives at the CIA. She definitely senses that people define her by her appearance. The question is, has she become what society has imbued her with or does she prove them wrong?" – Nazanin Boniadi
Fara Sherazi is an intelligent, young Muslim woman with Iranian roots who always wears a headscarf and sees her religion betrayed by terrorists and fanatics. She came to America with her father as a teenager. Fara is hired by the CIA to use her expertise in international banking to help find Javadi, the suspected main perpetrator of the 219 Langley assassinations.
Biography[]
Fara Sherazi was a CIA Intelligence officer in Financial intelligence.
Season 3[]
Fara has a difficult start in the job because she is inexperienced and her headscarf arouses suspicion. However, her need for justice and her will to establish herself at the CIA ensure that she finds a lead and gets on to a bank with some transactions in the Middle East. When, thanks to Peter, they receive some data from the bank manager, the trail leads to government circles in Iran. Fara also discovers that money has disappeared without a trace. She tells Saul about it and is assigned to find the money. But she should only talk to Saul about this and tell no one else.
Fara works hard and diligently on the case, gaining more and more Saul's trust in the process. She eventually finds a lead that leads to Venezuela, through which Saul can establish a connection to Javadi. Fara has finally arrived in the inner circle of the operation and then sits across from Javadi to put the facts she has worked out under pressure. She sees Javadi as a traitor and wants to see him before a proper court. She is accordingly surprised by Saul's plan for Javadi to be used as a spy in Iran. That this was even the plan from the start makes her downright angry and unhappy because she cannot reconcile this with her moral beliefs. She even briefly considers taking the law into her own hands and attacking Javadi, but she can't summon up the courage to do so. As a result, she initially stays away from work and takes care of her father at home, who still believes that she can earn a lot of money in a bank and thus help the family in Iran. When the CIA comes to her house because of her unexcused absence from work, her father finds out about her assignment. However, Fara defends herself and explains that she is not cheating her people and that, as an American citizen, she has a duty to solve the Langley assassination attempt if she has the opportunity.
Fara no longer has much to do with the operation due to Javadi's departure. However, her help is needed once again when Carrie must devise an escape plan for Brody after he arrives in Tehran, Iran. Fara is supposed to convince her uncle, who lives in Tehran, to help the CIA. Fara reluctantly asks her uncle to do so and can be helpful again. The uncle is particularly convinced because Fara always wears her headscarf and is still true to her religion even after many years in the USA.
Season 4[]
When Carrie Mathison is busy in Islamabad and wants to act without an official mandate, she looks for confidants and gets Max and Fara on her team.
Fara poses as a journalist who contacts Aayan Ibrahim in order to win him over to her side. Because she is not used to such assignments, she is very nervous and cannot convince Aayan either. She is very upset that she cannot report Carrie success because she would like to impress Carrie too much. She is also not particularly happy about Fara's performance and takes it into her own hands to contact Aayan. Since he is really scared, he seeks help a little later, but only meets Fara instead of Carrie and wants to leave. But Fara is able to persuade him to stay. Shortly after, Aayan sets out with money to solve his problems, with Max and Fara following him unnoticed. Determined to be successful, Fara takes risks and follows Aayan on foot as well. This allows her to discover Aayan dating Haissam Haqqani. She even manages to film with her cell phone and thus be able to prove to Carrie that Haqqani only faked his death. Fara heads back to the operations office to wait for Aayan, who actually shows up. With slight reluctance, she brings him to Carrie, who wants to get to Haqqani via Aayan. Fara doesn't like that Carrie breaks her promise to get Aayan a new passport and bring him to England. As a result, she struggles to reconcile her moral standards with her job responsibilities. But her will to impress Carrie and do a good job ultimately prevails.
While Carrie deals with Aayan, Fara is on the move with Peter Quinn trying to track down Haqqani again. She makes it clear to Quinn that she is insecure because she has little experience in the field and didn't expect to be so involved when she originally agreed to help Carrie. But Quinn encourages her because she is doing her job very well. She eventually discovers Parvez, a close associate of Haqqani, and joins Quinn in his pursuit. However, they cannot follow him across the border and since Carrie cannot be reached to send a drone on him, the trail is lost entirely.
For this reason too, tensions between Fara and Carrie rise. When Fara also realizes that Aayan is now being used to lead Carrie to Haqqani, she has concerns, but Carrie only accuses her of screwing up recruiting Aayan, to which Fara replies that she is at least enabling the new lead have. Fara is now tasked with cleaning up the safe house of any clues that might show Carrie and Aayan were there. However, she does not notice that Dennis Boyd has followed her and is looking through the things.
As a result, Fara tries to help the entire team at headquarters, including rescuing Saul Berenson. When the embassy is stormed by Haqqani's men, she is among the hostages Haqqani hopes will give him the list of American spies. Fara doesn't want to reveal anything, but another employee leads her to the security room, in front of which Haqqani asks Ambassador Martha Boyd and CIA Director Andrew Lockhart to hand over the list and gradually kills hostages. When it's Fara's turn, Lockhart is ready to give up. But Haqqani does not keep his word, asks for the list and kills Fara in cold blood anyway.
Personality[]
At a glance, Fara's wearing the hijab gave the assumption that she was Muslim and viewed suspiciously in working for the CIA, as shown when she is first introduced to the series. However, it was later made clear that she truly cared for the United States. She joined the CIA after the Langley bombing because she thought that her Farsi language skills might help bring the bomber(s) to justice.
Her father believed her to be a banker until she was visited by the IG, or Inspector General (CIA), when she missed two days of work after the double homicide of Javadi's ex-wife Fariba and daughter-in-law Susan.
People and Relationships[]
Saul Berenson[]
In the beginning, Saul was rather harsh toward her and judged her for working for the CIA and wearing a hijab, even in light of the bombing. Even after she has proved her worth to him, it is obvious that, like with Carrie, Saul manipulates Fara and takes advantage of her skills.
Carrie Mathison[]
Carrie was rude to Fara, which Max pointed out after her death. She "wished" she would've been nicer. She constantly yelled at her for being too sensitive and not understanding enough. Even though Fara was an analyst, she almost always got caught up in things way beyond dangerous, which she didn't like and wasn't comfortable with doing.
Carrie called her father to tell him about her death, where she broke down crying.
Peter Quinn[]
Peter and Fara didn't talk or interact much, despite working together much of the time, but he was upset a long time after she was gone and never shared this with anyone.
Max[]
Even though it wasn't clear before, Max deeply cared for Fara, possibly because she was quiet and reserved like he was. He tried giving himself in her place before she died and was completely distraught and upset over her death, for which he blamed Carrie.
He told Carrie she just wanted their approval and that they were always "mean" to her, which Carrie knew (and was true) but she said she was training her. He told Carrie that Fara shouldn't even have been there since she was "just an analyst". He brings this up later on too, clearly showing he thinks it was her fault.
Character profile[]
Fara Sherazi, a character from the critically acclaimed television series, Homeland, is a shining example of resilience, intelligence, and determination in the face of prejudice. As a dedicated analyst in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Fara is not only tasked with uncovering important information, but she also has to confront the biases and assumptions that come with her Iranian heritage. Fara's character not only challenges these prejudices but also provides viewers with a nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals in similar situations.
One of the key elements that make Fara Sherazi such a compelling character is her unwavering dedication to her work. Fara is portrayed as an incredibly intelligent analyst, driven by a desire to make a difference in the world. Her commitment to her profession is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information. Fara's analytical skills enable her to contribute significantly to the CIA's operations, despite the obstacles she faces due to her heritage. However, Fara's journey in the CIA is far from smooth sailing. Being of Iranian descent, Fara is forced to confront the prejudices and preconceived notions that exist within the intelligence community. Through her character, Homeland explores the unfortunate reality that even the most talented and qualified individuals can face judgment based solely on their background. Fara's perseverance in the face of these challenges demonstrates a strength of character that goes beyond mere intelligence.
It is this portrayal of prejudice and its effects on Fara's character development that elevates Homeland beyond a simple spy thriller. The writers of the show take an analytical and theoretical approach to highlight the societal implications of discrimination. Fara's experiences serve as a microcosm of the larger issues faced by individuals of diverse backgrounds, causing viewers to question the fairness and inclusivity of the institutions meant to serve and protect us.
Fara's determination to prove herself in the CIA is not only a testament to her individuality but also to the values that underpin our society. It is through characters like Fara that we are confronted with the stark reality of discrimination. The show's approach to this issue is commendable, as it eschews grandstanding and instead presents it in a down-to-earth and relatable manner.
By depicting Fara's struggles in a genuine and realistic light, Homeland presents an opportunity for viewers to empathize and identify with her character. This empathic understanding of Fara's journey fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion towards individuals facing prejudice based on their identity. Fara becomes more than just a fictional character; she becomes a representation of the countless individuals who strive to break free from the shackles of discrimination.
In conclusion, Fara Sherazi's character in Homeland is a captivating embodiment of intellect, determination, and resilience. Her journey within the CIA offers viewers an insightful look into the challenges faced by individuals of diverse backgrounds in professions where biases can influence outcomes. By presenting these obstacles in a relatable and approachable manner, the show fosters a connection between viewers and the larger issues of discrimination. Fara's character serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring viewers to confront prejudice and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. [x]
Quotes[]
- Carrie: I'd like to hear you ask how you can help our effort, our collective fucking effort, to make our country safe.
- Carrie: Do you think you could manage that?
- Fara: All I asked was what's happening with Aayan.
- Carrie: No. You said “the boy,” like he's some kindergartner instead of a grown adult... who's been smuggling drugs to jihadists.
- Carrie: Do you know what else, actually, since we're on the subject?
- Carrie: If you or Quinn, or you and Quinn, have got problems with this, with what I've done with “the boy,” none of it would have been necessary if you had just done your job.
- Carrie: You were supposed to recruit him.
- Carrie: I had to go in after you fucked that up.
- Carrie: So now, if it doesn't offend your sense of right and wrong, this is what I'd like you to do.
- Carrie: I'd like you to go to the safe house, bag anything that points to him or us and remove it, in case somebody noticed there was an incident this morning and goes poking around.
- Carrie: Do you think you could do that?
- Carrie: You think you could work a Hefty bag in the service of our country, so this whole operation doesn't go bust?
- Fara: There wouldn't be an operation if it weren't for me.
- Fara: I followed Aayan.
- Fara: I found out Haqqani's alive.
- Fara: So don't treat me like I'm the enemy.
- Carrie snaps at Fara in Season 4 Episode 6
Appearances[]
| Season 3 | ||||
| "Tin Man Is Down" | Uh... Oh... Ah... | "Tower of David" | Game On | "The Yoga Play" |
| Still Positive | Gerontion | A Red Wheelbarrow | "One Last Thing" | Good Night |
| "Big Man in Tehran" | "The Star" | |||
| Season 4 | ||||
| The Drone Queen | Trylon and Perisphere | Shalwar Kameez | Iron in the Fire | About a Boy |
| From A to B and Back Again | Redux | Halfway to a Donut | There's Something Else Going On | 13 Hours in Islamabad |
| "Krieg Nicht Lieb" | "Long Time Coming" | |||