Character Sketch

1. Notes

2. Character Analysis of Rajam
Rajam is the son of the Police Superintendent and one of Swami’s closest friends. Rajam is
new to Swami’s school at the start of the novel, and initially Swami and Mani view him as
an enemy due to his quick wits, fine clothes, and fearless nature. However, Rajam quickly
becomes friends with Rajam and Swami and acts as their ringleader for the remainder of
the novel. Rajam does well in school and is liked by most of his classmates, and he draws
confidence from his father’s prominent position (Rajam’s father is the Police
Superintendent), although it also causes him to oppose the political activity that his
friends support. Rajam sometimes bullies his friends and acquaintances, but more often
he unites them and urges them toward new goals, most notably the formation of a cricket
team. Swami loves and admires Rajam but comes into conflict with him, first because
Swami supports political action that opposes Rajam’s father, and later because he doesn’t
live up to his promise on Rajam’s cricket team. Rajam is so angry at Swami for missing the
cricket match that he stops speaking to him, and it is unclear at the novel’s end whether
the two friends have reconciled.

3. Character Analysis of Mani
Known as “the Mighty Good-For-Nothing,” Mani is Swami’s other closest friend. Mani is a
fearless troublemaker who never does his homework, sleeps in class, and frequently
resorts to violence to solve his problems. However, he is also a loyal and affectionate
friend, and Swami is proud to be allied with him. Mani often plays a supporting role in
Swami and Rajam’s friendship, though at the end of the novel it is Mani, rather than
Swami, who takes on the role of Rajam’s best friend. Mani lives with a frightening uncle,
but little else is known about his family or background.

4. Home Work Questions

5. 1. Mani and Rajam resolve all their problems and decide to be friends. Swaminathan
was astonished and delighted as he secretly admired Rajam. He writes his thoughts and
feelings in his diary. Prepare the likely diary entry.
The following hints will help you prepare the diary.
(Day
Date
Time
A comment on the day/event – Oh, What an eventful day!
The incidents that took place at Nallapa’s grove
Mention how the rivals became friends.
Swaminathan’s admiration for Rajam
Express the emotions of Swaminathan – astonishment, happiness, relief and delight.
A good conclusion – All’s well that end well.)

6. 2. Mani and Rajam are two young boys in the story
‘The Trio’ written by R. K Narayan. The two boys
study in the same school but come from different
backgrounds. Compare and contrast their character.

7. 3. Rajam comes to Nallapa’s grove to meet Mani.
A conversation takes place between the two
boys. Prepare the likely conversation.