Characterization

Kino is the protagonist in The Pearl, he is a young married man with a child, Coyotito. He has black hair; a thin, coarse mustache; and warm fierce eyes. Over his clean white clothes which have been washed a thousand times, he wears an ancient blanket and a large straw hat, properly tilted. He owns his own canoe, which is inherited from his father and grandfather, and his brush hut. However, the only money he can offer the doctor for the payment for treating his son is eight ugly, almost valueless seed pearls which is his total wealth.

Kino is a quiet sensitive man, who has great strength and courage. He listens continually to an inner music, not knowing whether he is alone or all of his people hear it. He speaks softly to his timid dog and always touches his canoe tenderly. When he leaves the cave to attack the pursuers, he lays his palm on Coyotito's head in farewell and touches Juana's cheek. However, he fights fearlessly when his family is threatened. He is snarling and baring his teeth when he destroy the scorpion; and moving with the strength of a terrible machine as he kills the three pursuers. When he approaches the doctor, his action show the ambivalence he feels: his lips draw light in anger as he knocks but he simultaneously raises his other hand to take off his hat. After his public shaming when the doctor refuses to see him, he can only strike out.

Kino changes after the discovery on the pearl. He feels trapped by his own ignorance and by the doctor's greed and duplicity. He becomes cautious and suspicious, fearing everyone knowing than even the gods are hostile to his plans. When Juana defies him, and tries to throw the pearl away, he beats her brutally before he turns away in sick disgust. Nevertheless, he decides twice to sacrifice himself for his wife and son.

After Kino founds the pearl, he becomes every man's enemy since everyone wants the pearl. Juan Tomas, Kino's brother is the only exception. He is the only protector when Kino is hunted for murder.

In my opinion, Kino is an ideal man. However, he doesn't have a happy life. Since his son's death, he loses his dreams and hopes. I wouldn't like to be him but I would be glad to be his friend. I'm sure he would be a genuine friend.