Character Sketch from BSEB Class 12 English Chapter 3 – A Pinch of Snuff of the Narrator, His Mother, Nanukaka, and Sohanlal Ratiram
A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of the Narrator, His Mother, Nanukaka, and Sohanlal Ratiram from BSEB Class 12 English Rainbow Book Chapter 3 A Pinch of Snuff
- Character sketch of the Narrator
- Questions related to the Character of the Narrator
- Character Sketch of Narrator’s Mother
- Questions related to the Character of Narrator’s Mother
- Character Sketch of Nanukaka
- Questions related to the Character of Nanukaka
- Character Sketch of Sohanlal Ratiram
- Questions related to the Character of Sohanlal Ratiram
Related:
Character Sketch of the Narrator
The narrator is a probationary Under-Secretary who seems somewhat formal, formalistic, and inferior to officials of a higher grade. He also seems pragmatic and cautious, indicating his discomfort with his uncle Nanukaka’s more outlandish act of bureaucracy. However, while going along with the wishes of his mother and assisting his uncle, the narrator respects family obligations and seems to be engaged in an internal struggle between his obligations to family and his discomfort with the episode summarised above.
Questions related to the Narrator’s Character:
- What influence does the narrator’s professional role have on his decisions regarding Nanukaka’s actions?
- What internal conflicts is the narrator experiencing when his uncle Nanukaka appears?
Character Sketch of the Narrator’s Mother
The narrator’s mother is a dutiful sister and traditional homemaker who focuses on family relations. Her joy at the thought of Nanukaka visiting is a demonstration of her loyalty to her family. She makes a point of making sure her brother is welcomed and treated well, even if that comes at the expense of her son’s plans, demonstrating that she puts family before herself.
Questions about the Character of the Narrator’s Mother:
- In what ways does the mother’s behaviour towards Nanukaka represent her family values?
- How does the mother’s treatment of Nanukaka affect the narrator’s experiences during Nanukaka’s visit?
Character Sketch of Nanukaka
Nanukaka is characterised as clever, resourceful, and charming with a talent for the dramatic and the manipulative. He effectively manoeuvres through difficult social circumstances using wit and deception, which also shows his cunning and capacity for deception. Nanukaka’s behaviours, however, are not merely reckless but rather an effort for him to meet his aims, and they often yield amusingly absurd results.
Questions related to the Character of Nanukaka:
- What methods does Nanukaka use to accomplish his objectives, and what do they signify about his character?
- How does Nanukaka’s approach to problem-solving differ from the narrator’s?
Character Sketch of Sohanlal Ratiram
Sohanlal Ratiram is presented as a person of political significance concerned with the potential career of his son. He is easily flattered and wants to get “good positions” for his family members. In his interaction with Nanukaka, he demonstrates his reliance on a network of influence and a desire to be beholden to authority figures to get what he wants.
Questions on the Character of Sohanlal Ratiram:
- How does Sohanlal Ratiram’s reaction to Nanukaka’s visit show us what he values?
- What do Sohanlal Ratiram’s actions tell us about the way influence and connections work in politics?

