Minor Characters
Sanjay
A young thief in Annawadi who is so destroyed by Kalu’s death, the lack of opportunities, and the complete disregard for young men in the slum that he commits suicide.
Mr. Kamble
An old man in Annawadi who wants to raise funds to fix his weak heart so that he can go back to work. He begs Asha for help, but he ultimately doesn’t have enough money to convince her that he is worthy of her attention.
Sister Paulette
A nun who runs the orphanage near Annawadi.
Cynthia
Fatima’s best friend in Annawadi.
Suraj
A eunuch who is intact, but feels that he is ¾ girl and ¼ boy. Suraj dances for pleasure, not for money like the other eunuchs. His passion fascinates Manju despite Asha’s distaste for eunuchs.
Prakash
The “smartest boy” in Annawadi, Prakash is studying economics in college but finds it very difficult to study in the mess of slum life.
Officer Thokale
A police officer in the Sahar Police Station who works with Asha. Due to Asha’s bribes, Thokale stops the abuse of Abdul and Karam in prison.
Priya
A poor, orphaned girl in Annawadi who sometimes helps Fatima.
The Master
A Hindu man who speaks to the boys at Dongri juvenile detention center, shaming them – especially Abdul – into living more virtuous lives.
Sunita
Sunil’s younger sister.
Mahadeo
Asha’s husband, a drunkard who lets Asha run the household.
Noori
Fatima’s eight-year-old daughter who witnesses Fatima’s burning.
Vijay
A middle-class student that Manju has a crush on in her Indian Civil Defense Corps, though Manju knows there is no future for them.