KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS

SETTING

The setting of the novel is in La Paz, a small fishing village where Kino and his family reside. The doctor and the other people live in the town, which is located nearby. Later in the book, Kino decides to sell his pearl in the capital. He leaves his fishing village and travels north. Much of the action takes place on the beaches along the way.

LIST OF CHARACTERS

Major Characters

Kino

A young Indian, bound by poverty and the old beliefs of his race. When he finds a magnificent pearl, he dreams of a great future for his son and family.

Juana

Kino's faithful wife, who lives within her means. She shows strong character when she deals with her son's infliction and also when Kino decides to escape with the Pearl.

Coyotito

Kino and Juana's infant son, who is their hope for the future. He is a central character because his parents' actions all revolve around him. He is murdered in the novel.

Juan Tomas

Kino's elder brother. He protects Kino while in hiding and gives advice since he is the eldest in the family.

Apolonia

Juan's wife. She displays obedience and devotion to Kino and his family.

The Doctor

A vicious and selfish man. He refuses to help Coyotito because Kino does not have the money to pay him. The doctor dreams of a great life in France and feels that only by fleecing others will he realize his dreams.

Minor Characters

The Priest

A devout man. When he learns of the discovery of the great pearl, his thoughts go only to the repairs necessary for the Church.

The Pearl Buyers

An unnamed group of men. They exploit the poor Indian pearl divers.

The Beggars

Four men who know all the happenings in the town; ranging from the smallest of scandals to the biggest of crimes.

The Trackers

A group of unseen men. They are as sensitive as hounds and can read a trail so well that Kino has to change his plans based on their movements.

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