The Third and Final Continent Character Analysis

Narrator

The narrator is an Indian man who was born in Calcutta, the younger of two sons. His father dies when the narrator is sixteen and his mother suffers from psychiatric illness as a result. This… read analysis of Narrator

Mrs. Croft

Mrs. Croft is the narrator’s elderly landlady. When the narrator meets her, he notes that age has “battered her features” and that she wears an old-fashioned dress that goes to her feet. Her home… read analysis of Mrs. Croft

Mala

Mala is the arranged Indian wife of the narrator. She is younger than her husband by nine years. Mala knows how to cook, knit, embroider, sketch, and recite poetry, but she is not conventionally… read analysis of Mala

Helen

Helen is the 68-year-old daughter of Mrs. Croft, who delivers groceries to her mother on Sundays. She is short, thick-waisted, wears fashionable clothing, and pink lipstick, but has a bad knee. Helen is the… read analysis of Helen

The Narrator’s Mother

The narrator’s mother is traditional Indian wife, who wears her sari over her head as is the custom until her husband’s death in 1949. After his death, she never adjusts and sinks “into a world… read analysis of The Narrator’s Mother

The Narrator’s Brother

The narrator’s older brother lives in Calcutta. When their father dies, the brother “abandons his schooling” and goes to work in a jute mill to “keep the household running.” Eventually, he becomes the manager… read analysis of The Narrator’s Brother