Characters

Jamal Malik is the main character in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle. He is an eighteen-year-old man from the slums of Mumbai who takes part in the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and somehow gets all the answers right. Jamal has had a hard life since he lost his mother at a young age and was forced to survive on the streets and always be on the run. It can be said that Jamal’s participation in the game show and his eventual victory could represent the breaking of the class and economic barriers in a society where the inequalities between classes are quite notable.

Other characters are presented in connection to Jamal. His older brother Salim is an important figure in Jamal’s life. For the better part of his childhood, Jamal depends on Salim to survive. However, Salim’s behavior becomes more and more erratic as he turns completely to a life of crime and intimidation. Latika is Jamal’s childhood friend, who will eventually become his love interest. Jamal’s quest for Latika is what spurs him on and influences his actions. Prem Kumar is the presenter of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Although there are hints that he too comes from a low economic background, Kumar appears disdainful of Jamal and even accuses him of cheating. The police inspector also illustrates society’s prejudices towards people from Jamal’s background. Maman and Javed are both negative figures in Jamal’s life.

Jamal’s relationships with Latika and with his brother Salim influence his life choices. Jamal seems to need both Latika and Salim – despite Salim’s many betrayals.