Kim: Analysis of Major Characters
"Kim" is a novel by Rudyard Kipling that intricately explores the lives of its major characters against the backdrop of British-occupied India. The protagonist, Kimball O'Hara, known as Kim, is a boy of mixed heritage—born to an Irish mother and an absent father—who navigates life on the streets of Lahore. His journey begins when he becomes the chela, or disciple, of a Tibetan lama seeking enlightenment and the holy River of the Arrow. This relationship serves as a critical element in Kim's education and moral development.
As the narrative unfolds, Kim is discovered by the chaplain of his father's former regiment, leading him to a new life where he becomes involved in the British Secret Service. Key figures in this realm include Mahbub Ali, a horse trader and secret agent, who plays a pivotal role in Kim's recruitment, and Colonel Creighton, the head of the Secret Service, who recognizes Kim’s unique talents. The character of Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, a babu and fellow agent, further enriches Kim's adventures as they work together to secure important intelligence. The dynamics between these characters reflect themes of identity, colonialism, and the search for belonging, making "Kim" a profound exploration of personal and cultural intersections.
Kim: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rudyard Kipling
First published: 1901
Genre: Novel
Locale: India
Plot: Adventure
Time: Late nineteenth century
Kimball O'Hara (Kim), the son of an Irish mother, who died in India when he was born, and an Irish father, who was color sergeant of the regiment called the Mavericks and who died and left Kim in the care of a half-caste woman. Kim grows up on the streets of Lahore, and his skin becomes so dark that no one can tell he is white. He attaches himself to a Tibetan lama as a chela. Kim is caught by the chaplain of the Maverick regiment, who discovers his real identity. The lama pays for Kim's education, and Kim finally distinguishes himself as a member of the British Secret Service.
ATibetan Lama, who becomes Kim's instructor and whose ambition it is to find the holy River of the Arrow that would wash away all sin. The lama pays for Kim's schooling. After Kim's education is complete, he accompanies the lama in his wanderings, though he is really a member of the Secret Service. In the end, the lama finds his holy river, a brook on the estate of an old woman who befriends him and Kim.
Mahbub Ali, a horse trader who is really a member of the British Secret Service. Mahbub Ali is largely responsible for Kim's becoming a member of the Secret Service.
Colonel Creighton, the director of the British Secret Service, who permits Kim to resume the dress of a street boy and do Secret Service work.
Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, a babu, and also a member of the Secret Service. He is Kim's confederate in securing some valuable documents brought into India by spies for the Russians.