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