"The Blue Umbrella" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Character	Role
Binya	Protagonist
Ram Bharosa	Antagonist
Bijju	Supporting
Mrs. Ram Lal	Supporting
Nandu	Supporting
Rajju	Supporting
Binya's mother	Supporting
Binya's father	Supporting
Binya's brother	Supporting

Role Identification

"The Blue Umbrella" by Ruskin Bond is a heartwarming novella that revolves around the life of Binya, a young girl living in a small village in the Indian Himalayas. Binya is the protagonist who embarks on a transformative journey when she acquires a beautiful blue umbrella.

Ram Bharosa, a shopkeeper, serves as the antagonist of the story. He becomes obsessed with owning the blue umbrella and tries to manipulate Binya into selling it to him.

Bijju, Mrs. Ram Lal, Nandu, and Rajju are supporting characters who play significant roles in Binya's life.

Character Descriptions

Binya

Binya is a young and innocent girl who is known for her beauty and grace in the village. She has a charming smile and captivating eyes. Binya's simplicity and curiosity make her endearing to everyone around her.

Ram Bharosa

Ram Bharosa is an unscrupulous shopkeeper who is driven by greed and envy. He has a perpetually shifty gaze and a sly smile that reveals his true intentions. Ram Bharosa is known for his cunning nature and manipulative tactics.

Bijju

Bijju is Binya's best friend and constant companion. He is a cheerful and mischievous boy who is always up for an adventure. Bijju has a contagious laugh and is fiercely loyal to Binya.

Mrs. Ram Lal

Mrs. Ram Lal is a kind and compassionate woman who acts as a mother figure to Binya. She is always there to provide guidance and support to Binya whenever she needs it.

Nandu

Nandu is a young boy from the village who often teases Binya. Despite their playful banter, Nandu cares deeply for Binya and is quick to come to her defense when needed.

Rajju

Rajju is Binya's older brother who is protective of her. He is responsible and mature for his age, always looking out for his sister's best interests.

Binya's parents and brother

Binya's parents are hardworking individuals who provide a loving and nurturing environment for her. Her brother, although not a major character, shares a strong bond with Binya and supports her throughout the story.

Character Traits

Binya

• Innocent
• Curious
• Brave
• Compassionate
• Determined

Ram Bharosa

• Greedy
• Manipulative
• Envious
• Deceptive

Bijju

• Mischievous
• Loyal
• Adventurous
• Cheerful

Mrs. Ram Lal

• Kind-hearted
• Supportive
• Maternal
• Wise

Nandu

• Playful
• Protective
• Caring

Rajju

• Responsible
• Mature
• Supportive
• Brotherly

Binya's parents and brother

• Loving
• Hardworking
• Nurturing
• Supportive

Character Background

Binya, the protagonist of "The Blue Umbrella," is a young girl who lives in a small village nestled in the beautiful mountains of the Indian Himalayas. She leads a simple life with her parents and older brother. Binya's family is not wealthy, but they find happiness in the little things.

Ram Bharosa, the antagonist, is a shopkeeper who is always on the lookout for opportunities to make money. He is envious of Binya's blue umbrella and wants it for himself.

Bijju, Binya's best friend, is a local boy who often accompanies her on her adventures. He comes from a humble background and shares Binya's love for exploration.

Mrs. Ram Lal, a kind-hearted woman, takes on a motherly role in Binya's life. She provides guidance and support to Binya, acting as a mentor and confidante.

Nandu, a mischievous boy from the village, has a playful relationship with Binya. Despite their banter, Nandu genuinely cares for Binya and stands up for her when needed.

Rajju, Binya's older brother, is protective of her and ensures her well-being. He takes on the responsibility of looking out for his sister and supports her throughout her journey.

Character Arcs

Binya

Binya's character arc in "The Blue Umbrella" is one of personal growth and resilience. Initially, she is a naive and innocent girl who becomes the center of attention due to her blue umbrella. As the story progresses, Binya learns valuable life lessons about material possessions, envy, and the importance of true friendships. Through her experiences, she becomes more compassionate, brave, and self-assured.

Ram Bharosa

Ram Bharosa's character arc showcases his descent into greed and manipulation. At first, he appears as a friendly shopkeeper, but his true nature is gradually revealed as he becomes obsessed with owning the blue umbrella. Ram Bharosa's relentless pursuit of the umbrella leads to his downfall, highlighting the destructive power of envy.

Bijju

Bijju's character arc is not as prominent as Binya's or Ram Bharosa's, but he serves as a constant source of support and friendship for Binya. Throughout the story, Bijju remains loyal to Binya and helps her navigate the challenges she faces.

Relationships

Binya and Ram Bharosa

Binya and Ram Bharosa's relationship is one of conflict. Ram Bharosa's envy drives him to manipulate Binya, leading to a tense dynamic between them.

Binya and Bijju

Binya and Bijju share a deep bond of friendship. They embark on adventures together and support each other, providing a sense of companionship throughout the story.

Binya and Mrs. Ram Lal

Binya and Mrs. Ram Lal's relationship is one of mentorship and guidance. Mrs. Ram Lal acts as a mother figure to Binya, providing her with wisdom and support during her journey.

Binya and Nandu

Binya and Nandu's relationship is characterized by playful banter and teasing. Despite this, Nandu genuinely cares for Binya and defends her when needed.

Binya and Rajju

Binya and Rajju's relationship is one of sibling love and protection. Rajju takes on the role of a caring older brother, ensuring Binya's well-being throughout the story.

Binya and her parents

Binya shares a loving and nurturing relationship with her parents. They provide a stable and supportive environment for her growth and development.

In conclusion, "The Blue Umbrella" presents a diverse array of characters, each contributing to the overall narrative in their own unique way. Binya's transformation, Ram Bharosa's descent into greed, and the relationships forged throughout the story make "The Blue Umbrella" a compelling and insightful read.