The Mark Of The Beast

Rudyard Kipling

The Mark Of The Beast

Rudyard Kipling
23 pages46-minute read
Fiction
Short Story Collection
Adult
Published in 1890

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

An unnamed English writer who resides in India and strives to make money from his experiences. He possesses a somewhat pluralist mindset, respecting local customs and deities, yet maintains firm loyalty to the British Empire. He often uses dry humor to mask his discomfort during tense cultural clashes and feels slightly removed from the typical colonial adventurer class.

Key Relationships

Close Friend of Strickland

Casual Acquaintance of Fleete

Startled by The Silver Man

Respectful Observer of Hanuman

Acquaintance of Dr. Dumoise

An English police officer who has lived in India for a long time. He possesses extensive knowledge of the local people, their language, and their customs, which he uses to maintain colonial authority. Despite his empathy and understanding of the Indian population, his profession firmly roots him as an outsider who governs the local residents.

Key Relationships

Trusted Confidant of The Narrator

Frustrated Host to Fleete

Professional Associate of Dr. Dumoise

Opponent of The Silver Man

Respecter of Hanuman

A newly arrived English colonizer staying at Strickland's home. He represents the stark ignorance of the occupying forces, possessing zero understanding of local Indian customs. His heavy drinking and inherent sense of cultural superiority prompt him to act recklessly, culminating in a highly offensive gesture at a sacred site.

Key Relationships

Houseguest of Strickland

Drinking Companion of The Narrator

Desecrator of Hanuman

Confronted by The Silver Man

Patient of Dr. Dumoise

A mysterious, naked priest suffering from advanced leprosy, which gives his skin a frosted silver appearance. The disease has left him faceless and missing his hands and feet. Despite his physical condition, he acts as a terrifying protector of the temple's sanctity and responds swiftly to the desecration of his sacred space.

Key Relationships

Attacker of Fleete

Priest of Hanuman

Threat to Strickland

Witnessed by The Narrator

Supporting Characters

The local English doctor in the colonial station. He relies entirely on Western science and rational medical diagnoses to explain the world around him. His strict adherence to traditional science limits his ability to comprehend anything outside the realm of standard biology.

Key Relationships

Medical Consultant for Strickland

Doctor to Fleete

Corroborator for The Narrator

The revered Monkey-god of the local Indian population. According to tradition, he represents strength and unwavering loyalty. His temple stands as a central place of worship and community for the local people, contrasting sharply with the Englishmen's dismissive colonial attitudes.

Key Relationships

Insulted by Fleete

Respected by The Narrator