Steinbeck, John: 1902-1968

The Pearl, 1947 - Characters

  • Kino - The protagonist, a poor Mexican-Indian pearl diver who discovers the "Pearl of the World." His journey reflects themes of greed, hope, and the struggle against oppression.

    Juana - Kino's loyal and practical wife. She is more cautious than Kino and often serves as a voice of reason, warning him about the dangers the pearl brings.

    Coyotito - Kino and Juana's infant son. His scorpion sting sets the story in motion, as Kino seeks wealth from the pearl to pay for his medical treatment.

    The Doctor - A greedy, selfish man who represents colonial exploitation. He refuses to treat Coyotito initially because Kino cannot pay, but later seeks to profit from the pearl.

    The Priest - A figure of authority in the village who subtly pressures Kino to give up the pearl, reflecting the influence of organized religion and its ties to wealth.

    The Pearl Buyers - A group of dishonest merchants who work together to cheat Kino out of the pearl’s true value, symbolizing economic exploitation.

    The Trackers - A group of armed men who pursue Kino and his family after they flee the village, representing the violent consequences of greed and societal conflict.

    Developed by AI
  • Character List from Spark Notes