Jamal Malik

The main character in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle is Jamal Malik. Jamal is eighteen years old and lives in the Juhu slums of Mumbai. He works at a call center for XL5 mobile phones as an assistant who delivers tea. During his childhood, Jamal has done many odd jobs to survive, including guiding tourists through the Taj Mahal and taking their pictures. After taking part in the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Jamal wins 20 million rupees. Presumably, his life will change for the better after this.

Jamal has an older brother named Salim. Although the two traveled together for a better part of Salim’s childhood, they separated at one point and did not reunite until they were fully grown. Jamal’s mother was killed in the Bombay Riots. There is no indication of any father in the picture.

Jamal knows how to take advantage of every situation he finds himself in

One of Jamal’s most notable personality traits is his ability to observe his surroundings and take advantage of everything he learns. He pays great attention to what is going on around him and tries to find ways to use what he discovers to his benefit. This is seen especially during his time at the Taj Mahal. By reading several signs for tourists, Jamal learns enough to invent a story about the Taj Mahal that he tells to the tourists he is guiding. Even when he obviously deviates from what the tourists know, Jamal knows how to make...