Which of the following is the hero in R. K. Narayan's The Guide ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Raju is the hero in R.K. Narayan's *The Guide*.

Here's why:

*   **Raju as the Central Figure:** The entire narrative of *The Guide* revolves around Raju. We follow his journey from a railway station guide to a tourist guide, his affair with Rosie, his rise as a spiritual figure, and ultimately, his self-sacrificing act of fasting to bring rain to the drought-stricken village. His experiences, transformations, and internal conflicts are the core of the novel. He is the protagonist whose actions drive the plot and whose character arc is the central focus.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Chandran:** Chandran is the protagonist of R.K. Narayan's novel *Bachelor of Arts*, not *The Guide*. Therefore, he is not the hero of *The Guide*.

*   **Jagan:** Jagan is the central character in R.K. Narayan's *Vendor of Sweets*. While he is a significant character in his own right, he has no role in *The Guide*.

*   **Raman:** Raman is the protagonist of R.K. Narayan's *The Painter of Signs*. He is not a character in *The Guide*.

Therefore, based on the narrative structure and character roles within *The Guide*, Raju is undeniably the hero of the novel.