Spiro Hakiaopulos Character Analysis in My Family and Other Animals

Spiro is a hulking and hairy Greek man who takes the Durrell family under his wing. Prior to the start of the novel he spent eight years in Chicago, which is where he learned English. This, according to him, makes him a favorite guide of all English-speaking tourists. He takes it upon himself to make sure the Durrells don't get swindled and fights with the local customs agent on several occasions to move the Durrells' belongings through without too much issue. Gerry notes that Spiro acts as though he owns the island, though Spiro regularly badmouths others that he believes act as though they own the island. Gerry refers to Spiro as the family's guardian angel; he becomes a friend and mentor during the family's time in Corfu. Spiro adores Mother and regularly reports to her when he sees the Durrell children doing anything potentially unsafe or of interest. He endears himself to Gerry especially when Gerry asks for help obtaining goldfish for his pond. Gerry discovers that Spiro stole the goldfish out of the palace where royalty and foreign dignitaries stay when they visit the island.

Spiro Hakiaopulos Character Timeline in My Family and Other Animals

The timeline below shows where the character Spiro Hakiaopulos appears in My Family and Other Animals. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...It belongs to a short, hammy man in an old Dodge who introduces himself as Spiro. He explains that he knows of a villa with a bathroom, and the family climbs... (full context)

As Spiro drives, he tells the Durrells that the English always want bathrooms. He also tells them... (full context)

...flowers and humming insects. The Durrells love it as soon as they see it, and Spiro jumps into action. He explains that it's better if he takes care of the arrangements... (full context)

Friendship and the Care of Animals Theme Icon

Spiro is especially adept at dealing with government officials. When he learns that Mother's boxes of... (full context)

Childhood, Adulthood, and Education Theme Icon

Spiro comments on the way home that the customs officials believe they own the islands, and... (full context)

Over the end of summer and all of winter, Spiro drives Gerry into town to see Theodore every Thursday. Theodore welcomes Gerry into his study,... (full context)

...a young Turk. She neglects to tell anyone about her rendezvous with the Turk, but Spiro eventually shares the news with Mother. Spiro believes the Turk will certainly slit Margo's throat. (full context)

...that they need to buy new furniture to prepare for Larry's guests. The next morning, Spiro drives Mother, Margo, and Gerry into town to buy furniture. The town is crowded and... (full context)

...saint could cure her acne. The next day, Margo comes down with the flu and Spiro fetches Dr. Androuchelli. He visits every few days for the next three weeks as the... (full context)

...After her dentist's appointment Lugaretzia is in no state to help with party preparations, so Spiro steps in to help. (full context)

Spiro arrives with help and takes over the kitchen not long after, drinking and singing loudly... (full context)

The party rages on and several guests, including Leslie and Spiro, begin a traditional Greek dance in the living room. Dr. Androuchelli arrives late after delivering... (full context)

...role of the outraged brother and threatens to shoot Peter should he return to Corfu. Spiro enjoys all of this and cries with Margo in sympathy. Just as Margo seems to... (full context)

...back to the villa with one in each hand and shows them to Mother and Spiro. Spiro promptly turns green and vomits outside, while Mother assures Gerry that the toads are... (full context)

...help him name the new additions. Margo and Mother are curious, while Leslie, Larry, and Spiro declare that the babies are disgusting. Leslie cautions Gerry to not allow the birds to... (full context)

...tales of various individuals who broke their backs, many of whom died. Kralefsky asks that Spiro take him to see a doctor, and Mother agrees to fetch Theodore to take an... (full context)

...and Greek. They learn to call every member of the family by name and torture Spiro by yelling for him after he drives away. They also learn to call the dogs... (full context)

After tea, Theodore and Gerry return to the water until night falls. Spiro cooks fish and finally, when the moon is high, everyone piles back into the boats... (full context)

...that he needs goldfish as a final touch. Gerry painstakingly describes what goldfish are to Spiro, and finally, the day before the party, Spiro conspiratorially tells Gerry to come with when... (full context)

After lunch, some guests have Spiro drive them down to the sea to swim, and everyone reconvenes later for tea. Several... (full context)

...Theodore and Kralefsky offer suggestions as to how to break up the roiling dogfight, and Spiro finally steps in with a tub of water. He throws it over the dogs and... (full context)

...see the family off, and Mother and the customs officer quickly get into an argument. Spiro arrives in time to angrily berate the customs agent and move the luggage away before... (full context)

Kralefsky, Theodore, and Spiro bid the family goodbye, and Spiro bursts into heaving sobs. Finally, the family boards the... (full context)