The main characters are often ordinary people. They could be a shopkeeper, a schoolteacher, or a housewife. They are simple folks with simple dreams and desires.
The main characters in RK Narayan short stories are mostly common people living in small - town settings. They are full of human qualities - they can be kind, greedy, naive, or wise. They are characters who experience the joys and sorrows of life. They are often in a state of flux, either trying to improve their situation or coming to terms with their lot in life. These characters are not heroic in the traditional sense but are rather like the people we might meet in our daily lives, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Given Narayan's style, the main characters could be a person with a strong sense of aspiration and a figure that represents some sort of obstacle or mystery. The aspirational character might be trying to break free from the influence of the other, which is like a shadow that follows and affects their every move. Maybe there is a young protagonist who is trying to find his or her own identity while being haunted by this 'shadow' figure that is deeply intertwined with their past or present circumstances.
Obviously, Swami is one of the main characters. There are likely other friends whose names and personalities contribute to the development of the story.
One common theme is the exploration of Indian society and its various strata. His stories often depict the simple lives of ordinary people in small towns. Another theme is human relationships, like the complex bond between family members and friends.
Since I haven't read the story in detail, I can't say for sure. But in Narayan's works, common characters include villagers, elders, and young protagonists. So in 'The Tiger's Claw', there might be a character who finds the tiger's claw, perhaps a curious young boy or a hunter. There could also be an old wise man in the village who has knowledge about the claw.
There are two main characters in 'A Horse and Two Goats'. One is Muni, a simple village man who owns two goats. He is a poor fellow who has his daily routine around the village temple. The other main character is an American tourist. He is a representative of a different culture and a more modern, wealthy world. Their encounter forms the crux of the story.
There is Muni, an old man in one of the stories. He is poor and has a goat as his only possession. His conversations with the American tourist are both humorous and poignant. The character of the postmaster is also memorable. He is in a new place, Malgudi, and his experiences adjusting to the town and its people are well - depicted. These characters, among others, bring the world of Malgudi Days to life.
Swami is a very memorable character. His innocent and sometimes mischievous ways are quite endearing. He represents the curious and naive child trying to understand the world around him. Another one is Rajam. He is Swami's friend who has a certain charm and confidence that makes him stand out. Then there is the astrologer in one of the stories. His mysterious presence and the way he deals with the people who come to him for advice are quite interesting.
One main theme is fear. Swami is constantly afraid, especially of sleeping alone. Another theme is growth. Through the events in the story, Swami grows from a fearful boy to someone who can be considered a hero in a sense.
One of the main themes is the power of deception. The astrologer pretends to have great knowledge of the stars to earn a living. Another theme is fate and chance. The events that unfold seem to be a mix of chance encounters and pre - ordained situations. Also, there is the theme of human nature, as we see the astrologer's survival instincts and his ability to read people.
One of the main themes is the simplicity of small - town life. In Malgudi, people have basic joys and sorrows. Another theme is human relationships. We see friendships, family bonds, and the interactions between neighbors. Also, there is a sense of the passage of time and how it affects the characters and the town.