Characteristic of characters.

• Swami’s father

Swami’s father, and W. T. Srinivasan, is an imposing figure who works at the courts and is usually strict with Swami. Swami sometimes feel afraid of his father, but at the other times he turns to him for help and support. Swami’s father encourages Swami to study hard and helps him with homework and, notably, provides Swami with a study space within his own room. Late in the novel, Swami’s father reveals that his concern for Swami’s well-being outweighs his frustration with his son as shown when he searches for swami all night and welcomes him home without punishment.