Characters

The main character of the short story “The Free Radio” by Salman Rushdie is Ramani, a young man who becomes a rickshaw driver after his father’s death. Another important character is the narrator, a retired teacher who used to know Ramani’s parents and who cares for the young man. The narrative follows Ramani, as observed by the narrator, until he decides to move to Bombay.

Another character worth mentioning is the thief’s widow, whom Ramani eventually marries. The widow is ten years older than Ramani and, according to the narrator, she seduces Ramani for his money. 

You can read a full characterization of Ramani and the narrator in the following pages.