A Passage to India : Characters

Characters

Characters

Major Characters

• Dr. Aziz: One of the central figures of the novel. He is a young Indian doctor living under British rule. Though generous and friendly by nature, he carries resentment due to colonial injustice. In the Marabar Caves incident with Adela Quested, he is falsely accused of assault. Aziz symbolizes Indian nationalism and the longing for independence against colonial rule.
• Cyril Fielding: The principal of the British government college. He is liberal, open-minded, and sincerely wishes to build friendships with Indians. His relationship with Aziz is central to the novel, but in the end, the British–Indian divide creates distance between them.
• Mrs. Moore: An elderly British woman who, upon arriving in India, expresses deep sympathy for Indian culture and religion. The echo in the Marabar Caves breaks her spirit, and she realizes the futility of human life. She symbolizes spiritual sympathy and the possibility of connection between East and West.
• Adela Quested: A young British woman who comes to India with the desire to see the “Real India.” In the Marabar Caves, she becomes confused and mistakenly accuses Aziz of assault. Later, realizing the truth, she withdraws the charge. She symbolizes cultural misunderstanding and colonial division.
• Ronny Heaslop: The British magistrate of Chandrapore and Adela’s fiancé. He represents the arrogance of the colonial administration and contempt toward Indians.

Minor Characters

• Professor Godbole: A Hindu professor who symbolizes spirituality and religious mystery. Through him, the deep traditions of Indian culture are revealed.
• Mr. Turton: The district collector, who represents colonial rule. Although he tries to build relationships with Indians, in reality, he embodies the mentality of ruler and ruled.
• Mrs. Turton: The wife of the Collector. At the Bridge Party, instead of welcoming the Indian women, she insults them. She believes Indians are of a lower race. Her character shows racial pride and a strong sense of superiority.
• Major Callendar: A colonial doctor and Aziz’s rival. He symbolizes the arrogance and intolerance of colonial power.
• The Nawab Bahadur: A wealthy Muslim aristocrat. Though loyal to the British, his character reflects the dilemmas of Indian society.
• Hamidullah: A close friend of Dr. Aziz and a lawyer. He often discusses whether true friendship with the English is possible or not. His character reflects the nationalism and discontent of Indian Muslims.
• Mahmoud Ali: A lawyer and friend of Aziz. He is suspicious of the English and always openly criticizes their hypocrisy and injustice. In court, he plays an important role in defending Aziz.
• Mohammed Latif: A weak, dependent relative of Aziz. He joins Aziz in Mau during the Janmashtami festival and the boating scene.
• Nawab Bahadur: An influential landlord and social leader. Though the English show him respect, they never treat him as an equal. Later, when his car accident occurs, it becomes a symbol of gossip, fear, and superstition.
• Major Callendar: The Civil Surgeon of Chandrapore. He treats Indians with rudeness and contempt. His insulting behavior toward Aziz and seizing of his tonga represent his colonial arrogance.
• Mrs. Callendar: The wife of Major Callendar. She insults Indians and humiliates Aziz by using his tonga without permission. Her character represents the arrogance of English women in India.
• Ralph Moore: Mrs. Moore’s younger son. Sensitive and gentle. He appears at the end in Mau. Aziz likes him because he reminds him of Mrs. Moore’s honesty.
• Stella Moore: Mrs. Moore’s daughter. She marries Fielding. She too appears in Mau and represents continuity of Mrs. Moore’s spirit.
• Mrs. Lesley: An Englishwoman in Chandrapore. She accompanies Mrs. Callendar and also insults Aziz by seizing his tonga.
• The Viceroy’s Officials / Anglo-Indian Club Members: They are not given deep individuality but collectively represent colonial authority and prejudice.

Symbolic Relationships

• Aziz and Fielding: Their friendship symbolizes the hope of union between East and West. However, under colonial realities, that friendship cannot last.
• Aziz and Adela: Their relationship symbolizes misunderstanding and cultural conflict. The Marabar Caves incident destroys it.
• Mrs. Moore and the Marabar Caves: The echo in the caves breaks her spirit. It symbolizes the emptiness and futility of human life.
• India and Britain: In the novel, India represents a land of diverse cultures and spirituality, while Britain symbolizes power, authority, and colonial division.