31 pages 1 hour read

Anita Desai

A Devoted Son

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1978

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Character Analysis

Rakesh

Based on the title, Rakesh appears to be the main character of this story. He does drive some of the action and, without him, the story wouldn’t have a point, but he doesn’t experience change through the narrative. He’s is round, but he’s not dynamic.

His actions from the beginning of the story to the end don’t alter. He continues to be devoted to his father. Every action he performs is to make his father proud. He touches his father’s feet to pay him respect and to let him know that he values him and wouldn’t be successful without him.

In another sense, however, Rakesh is the antagonist in the story because his actions eventually lead to his father becoming angry and disillusioned with life and his son. Rakesh doesn’t change, but how he’s perceived by others does.

Varmaji (Varma)

Varma is a dynamic, round character who changes from the beginning of the story to the end. He’s the protagonist in that every action in the story impacts him in some way. In the beginning, he is proud of his son and wants everyone to know how devoted his child is because it makes him the center of attention and brings him glory.