Guide

A witty, street-smart freelance guide who makes his living taking tourists to historic sites. After his jail release, he becomes deeply involved with Rosie, guiding her through love, loyalty, and social scrutiny. His arc moves from a carefree fixer to a conflicted lover whose choices lead to forgery and eventual spiritual awakening. He endures hardship, ultimately seeking a higher purpose beyond personal desire.

Daughter of a courtesan who has fought for respectability by marrying a wealthy archaeologist, yet longs to dance. Her past and societal pressures drive her toward dramatic actions, including suicide attempts, while she seeks a path to independence and stardom with Raju’s support. As she rises as a star, her relationship with Raju strains under ambition, jealousy, and her complex history.

Wealthy archaeologist who hires Raju to guide his exploration of new caves. He is consumed by discovery and control, particularly over Rosie, and reacts with fury when faced with Rosie’s resilience and independence. His presence anchors the tension between exploration, marriage, and power.

Raju’s Muslim friend and driver who accompanies him and later becomes estranged due to Rosie’s influence. He represents a loyal, practical bond in Raju’s world, contrasting with the village’s rigid judgments.

A farmer who finds Raju sleeping under a shawl and mistakes him for a holy man, enabling Raju to become Swami Ji and gain the village’s trust. His decisions affect the community’s perception of faith and leadership.

A character who interacts within the story’s social circle; his role emphasizes the broader network surrounding Rosie and Raju.

A police inspector who enforces the law, including the forgery charge against Raju, highlighting the conflict between personal loyalties and legal obligations.

A traditional matriarch who disapproves of Rosie’s presence and insists she be kicked out, reflecting generational and social tensions within the family.

A family elder whose influence and advice anchor Raju’s early life and moral compass during his return to society.

Wife of Bhola, part of the village dynamics that respond to Rosie’s presence and the social upheavals around Raju’s actions.