Characterization

Piscine Patel

He is the son of Ravi and Gita and prefers to be called as 'Pi' because he was teased about his full name during his early years of school. To his parents' dismay, Pi decides to practise 3 different religions.

Ravi Patel

He is Piscine's older brother. He loves to play sport, particularly cricket and is popular in school because he is the captain of the cricket team. On multiple occasions, Ravi is seen as a teaser towards Pi.

Santosh Patel

He is Piscine and Ravi's father. Additionally, he is the founder, owner and director of the Pondicherry zoo. At first glance, he seems strict towards his children but he does it with caring and kind intentions.

Gita

She is Piscine and Ravi's mother. She doesn't support Pi's choice to practise multiple religions but still cares about her children, especially when she tries to defend them when their father wants to teach them an extremely harsh lesson. She also isn't religious and loves reading books.

Francis Adirubasamy

Francis is one of Pi's father's earliest business contacts. He is also described to be a good friend of the Patel family, additionally being called 'Mamaji'(respected uncle) by Pi. He introduces the significance of Pi's name, which is after an olympic pool. As a champion competitive swimmer, he has tried to teach the Patel family how to swim however was only successful with Pi.

Father Martin

Father Martin is a Christian priest that first introduced Pi to the concepts in Christianity. Ultimately, Father Martin is the person that introduces the love of Christianity to Pi. He believes that God has only loving intentions in his mind and additionally does not agree that Pi should practise all three religions

Satish Kumar

The first Satish Kumar in Life of Pi is an atheistic teacher that teacher Pi Biology. He is the person that inspires Pi in his love of zoology.

Satish Kumar

The other Satish Kumar in Life of Pi is a Muslim baker that introduces Pi to the Muslim religion and inspires him to partake in the religion and believe in brotherhood. He knows next to nothing about animals.