This document summarizes the life and works of renowned Indian novelist R.K. Narayan. It was born in Madras in 1906 and began his writing career in 1935 with his novel Swami and Friends. Some of his other notable works include The Bachelor of Arts, The Dark Room, and The English Teacher. Narayan is best known for setting many of his stories in the fictional town of Malgudi. The document also provides character summaries of Leela, a 5-year old girl, and Sidda, her servant, who become good friends in the short story "Leela Friend".