Major Characters

Raju ✪✪✪: Raju is the central character of the novel. At the beginning, he is an ordinary tourist guide at the Malgudi railway station, clever, cheerful, but somewhat selfish. Gradually, he falls in love with Rosie, gets involved in deceit, and eventually ends up in prison. After his release, his life takes a new turn. In the village of Mangal, the villagers begin to see him as a “Swamiji” or holy man. Raju’s character symbolizes human growth and spiritual awakening. He moves from lies and sin toward truth and self-sacrifice.

Rosie / Nalini: Rosie is an educated, beautiful, and sensitive woman who has loved dancing since childhood. Her husband, Marco, fails to understand her and treats her like a burden. Through Raju’s companionship, Rosie regains her lost confidence. She finds freedom through her art and transforms into Nalini, a successful dancer. Rosie’s character represents the struggle of women in Indian society, the fight for freedom, dignity, and artistic identity.

Marco: Marco is Rosie’s husband and an archaeologist. He is serious, intellectual, and emotionally detached. His life revolves entirely around his research and books. He disapproves of Rosie’s dancing and feelings, considering them lowly pursuits. Marco symbolizes the educated middle-class Indian man, rational and ambitious but disconnected from emotional and human values.

Velan: Velan is a simple villager from Mangal who first accepts Raju as a holy man. He is innocent, faithful, and pure-hearted. Velan’s unwavering devotion inspires Raju to perform his final act of self-sacrifice. Velan represents the faith, devotion, and simplicity of common people.

Minor Characters

Raju’s Mother: A simple, religious, and practical woman. She wants her son to live an honest life. She never accepts Rosie because, according to society, a married woman living with another man is sinful. Raju’s mother represents Indian motherhood, moral values, and the social code of ethics.

Raju’s Father: He ran a small shop near the Malgudi railway station, selling betel leaves, tobacco, nuts, and sweets. A hardworking and honest man, he taught Raju the basics of business and human dealings. After his father’s death, Raju takes over the shop and eventually becomes a tourist guide. His father represents the root of Raju’s worldly knowledge and early experience.

Gaffur: Gaffur is a taxi driver in Malgudi and one of Raju’s friends. Raju often used Gaffur’s taxi for his tourist trips. Gaffur is loyal and hardworking, but later feels disappointed when he discovers Raju’s deceitful behavior. Gaffur symbolizes the ordinary working-class man of urban life, sincere and grounded in honesty.

Raju’s Uncle: He is Raju’s mother’s brother. When Raju’s mother leaves home because of Rosie, she goes to live in her brother’s house. This character represents the social and moral pressure of traditional Indian family life.

The Lawyer: The lawyer who defends Raju in court during his forgery case. Though his role is brief, it is significant. Through him, we see Raju’s crime, guilt, and self-realization. The lawyer symbolizes justice and the worldly consequences of moral failure.

Velan’s Sister: She appears only briefly but plays a crucial role. Initially, she is disobedient. She refuses to study or marry. After receiving Raju’s casual “blessing” or advice, she changes completely. This incident marks the beginning of Raju’s transformation into a saint.

Symbolic Character – The Village of Mangal: The village of Mangal acts as a symbolic character. It represents society itself, simple, faithful, and full of devotion. The villagers believe in Raju’s false identity as a holy man, but that very belief transforms him into a true saint. Mangal village symbolizes human hope, faith, and the essence of humanity.