The Thief Story Character Sketch

 "The Thief" is a short story by Ruskin Bond about a young boy who steals money from his mother's purse to buy a gift for a girl he likes. The story focuses on the protagonist, the boy who steals the money, and his interactions with his mother, his friend Somu, and the girl he wants to impress.

The protagonist is a young boy who is curious, impulsive, and somewhat reckless. He is fascinated by the world around him and is always looking for ways to explore and discover new things. However, he is also easily swayed by his emotions, particularly when it comes to his feelings for the girl he likes. He is willing to take risks and break rules to impress her, even if it means stealing from his own mother. The protagonist's actions are not justified, but the story portrays him as a sympathetic character who is struggling to navigate the complexities of adolescence.

The protagonist's mother is a loving and caring woman who is concerned for her son's well-being. She is unaware of her son's theft and is shocked and hurt when she discovers the missing money. Her reaction is one of disappointment and sadness, rather than anger or punishment. She is a gentle and understanding character who tries to help her son learn from his mistake and grow as a person.

Somu is the protagonist's friend who is a more cautious and sensible character. He tries to dissuade the protagonist from stealing the money, but ultimately goes along with the plan. Somu is a loyal friend who cares about the protagonist's well-being and tries to help him when things go wrong.

The girl the protagonist likes is not given a name in the story, but she is portrayed as a mysterious and intriguing figure. The protagonist is infatuated with her and is willing to do anything to impress her, including stealing from his own mother. She is a symbol of the protagonist's desire for something beyond his mundane life, and her presence represents the excitement and possibility of the unknown.

In conclusion, "The Thief" is a story that explores the complexities of adolescence and the temptations that young people face as they try to navigate their changing emotions and desires. The story's characters are well-drawn and sympathetic, and the narrative effectively portrays the protagonist's struggle to find his place in the world. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation and the importance of learning from one's mistakes.