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🛺DISCUSSION ON FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga explores modern India and deep social divides. The protagonist of the story is Balram Halwai who ascend from a very poor boy to a successful entrepreneur. Along with Balram, there are other characters like Mr. Ashok, Pinky Madam, Kusum and the Stork that contribute a significant role in the story.
Munna a.k.a Balram Halwai
Munna a.k.a Balram Halwai
Balram Halwai portray a dynamic character in "The White Tiger" through his significant transformation. Initially a poor villager from Laxmangarh, Balram ascends to become a successful entrepreneur in Bangalore, escaping caste discrimination. This shift in social and economic status highlights his dynamic nature. Internally, Balram evolves from an obedient servant to a morally conflicted individual who ultimately murders his employer, Mr. Ashok, to steal his money and identity, starting a new life.
Substantiation:
"And don't tell anyone about this, not even Pinky." "No, no." "I promised her I would stop." "No sir, everything between servant and master is always secret"
Pinky Madam
Pinky Madam
Pinky Madam is a round character in "The White Tiger" due to her complexity and the contradictions in her actions and personality. She displays depth by showing that she cares and want to act accordingly when she accidentally hit the child, as highlighted by Balram's observation of her conscience despite her "indecent" attire. But, her decision to leave Mr. Ashok after the hit-and-run incident emphasize her inner conflict and moral awakening. This complexity reveals the multifaceted nature of her character.
Substantiation:
“(Who would have thought, Mr. Jiabao, that of this whole family, the lady with the short skirt would be the one with a conscience)”.
The Stork watched her go into her room and said, “She’s gone crazy, that woman. Wanting to find the family of the child and give them compensation—craziness. As if we were all murderers here.”
Mr. Ashok
Mr. Ashok
Mr. Ashok is also a round character due to his complex emotions. He struggles with his morality, torn between wanting to do the right thing but fear of his family's power. His interactions with Balram reveal a mix of friendship and guilt, highlighting his internal conflicts. Ashok becomes increasingly frustrated, especially after the tragic hit-and-run incident, which shows his transformation.
Substantiation:
"We shouldn't do this. It's not right." "Then why don't you and Pinky go to the police and tell them what happened. If you understand law, then handle this. Otherwise, just shut up!" Mr. Ashok turn around and keep quiet.
Kusum, Balram's grandmother
The static character in this story is Kusum, Balram’s grandmother who is a domineering and controlling matriarch, a woman who is the head of a family the whole time. She maintains strict control over her family members, demanding obedience and financial support from each of them. Her role remains as a constant pressure on Balram, representing the traditional expectations that he seeks to escape. Her attitude does not evolve and her relationship with Balram remains unchanged throughout the story. Her character is only portrayed in the village or her house in Laxmangarh reflecting her static character.
Substantiation:
"Swear on all the gods you believe in that you'll send every rupee, every month, to your granny"
The Stork
The Stork
The Stork, one of the wealthy landlords, a greedy and corrupt businessman who enslaves the poor is a stock character. His interactions with characters such as Balram and other villagers highlight the gap between the rich and the poor. His character is used to highlight the oppression faced by the lower classes. The stork is portrayed as someone willing to do anything to maintain his wealth and power including bribery, corruption, and oppressing his workers. This aligns with the stereotypical role of a wealthy businessman, representing the greediness of the upper class.
Substantiation:
A minute later he hit me on the head again. “Tell him what it was for, Father. I don’t think he knows. Fellow, you’re pressing too hard. You’re too excited. Father is getting annoyed. Slow down.” “Yes, sir.” “Do you have to hit the servants, Father?” “This is not America, son. Don’t ask questions like that.”
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