Hannah embodies the “Eurasian” dilemma in colonial India—neither fully British nor Indian. Her existence forces Pom to challenge both British moral hypocrisy and Indian social conservatism. 4. Captain James Thorne – Hannah’s Biological Father Role: Antagonist (by inaction) / Symbol of colonial predation. Background: A British army officer stationed in Calcutta. He has a brief, transactional relationship with Pom when she is a teenager in the brothel.
Pod represents the nationalist, progressive Indian man—one who rejects caste and class prejudices, though not without internal struggle. He is a foil to the British colonial men who exploit Indian women.
Pod meets Pom when she is working in a library. He is initially drawn to her intellect and beauty, unaware of her past. Over time, he learns her history and accepts her fully, though the marriage faces severe social pressure. He eventually participates in the Quit India Movement. cast of the sleeping dictionary
Fleming hires Pom (as Pamela) as his secretary. He encourages her writing and offers her intellectual respect. However, when her past is revealed, he fails to support her publicly, choosing instead to protect his reputation.
Pom begins as a village girl from a tribal community in the Sundarbans, orphaned after a flood. She is sold into servitude and then into a brothel in Calcutta. Her intelligence and resilience allow her to escape, first to a missionary school, then into the world of publishing. She eventually becomes a secretary for a British publisher and later a novelist herself. Captain James Thorne – Hannah’s Biological Father Role:
She represents the evangelical colonial impulse—saving bodies and souls while reinforcing hierarchy. Pom learns to play along but never internalizes the subservience. 7. Shrimati Dutt – Pod’s Mother Role: Traditionalist obstacle. Background: A high-caste Bengali widow, deeply concerned with family honor and reputation.
Shrimati Dutt embodies internalized social prejudice. Her character shows that oppression is not only colonial but also patriarchal and caste-based within Indian society. 8. Mrs. Thorne (Caroline) – Captain Thorne’s Wife Role: Unwitting rival. Background: A British woman married to Thorne, unable to have children. He is cultured
Thorne represents the colonial system’s pattern of exploitation and abandonment. His reappearance is a legal and emotional crisis for Pom. 5. Mr. George Fleming – Employer and Mentor Role: Complex colonial figure. Background: A British publisher in Calcutta who runs a small press. He is cultured, relatively liberal, and appreciates Indian literature.