Characters

The short story “Stench of Kerosene” by Amrita Pritam has two main characters, Guleri and Manak. Throughout the narrative, both their perspectives are presented, which makes it easier for readers to understand both characters’ feelings and perceptions. While Manak loves Guleri, he does not have the courage to go against tradition and allows his mother to get him a second wife. Guleri, through her suicide, rejects tradition as she does not accept to share Manak with his second wife.

The story introduces other characters as well. For example, Manak’s mother, who is an important part of the conflict in the story. She chooses Manak’s second wife and pushes Manak to take a new wife, which eventually leads to Guleri’s death. 

You can read a full characterization of Guleri and Manak in the following pages.