Ishwaran - The Storyteller

Ishwaran is a character from the chapter "The Snake and the Mirror" in the CBSE Class 9 English textbook. He is a lively and cheerful person who works as a peon in the government hospital. Despite his lowly position, Ishwaran possesses a rich imagination and storytelling skills that bring joy to the patients and visitors at the hospital. Let's delve into the character sketch of Ishwaran.

Hardworking and Devoted
- Ishwaran is depicted as a hardworking individual who is dedicated to his job as a peon at the government hospital.
- He diligently carries out his duties, ensuring the smooth functioning of the hospital.
- Ishwaran is seen mopping the floors, emptying the garbage bins, and performing other tasks efficiently.

Imaginative and Creative
- Ishwaran has a vivid imagination and a talent for storytelling.
- He uses his storytelling skills to entertain the patients and visitors, providing them with a brief escape from their worries and pain.
- Ishwaran's stories are captivating and filled with vivid descriptions, transporting the listeners to different worlds.
- His stories are often based on mythological or historical events, showcasing his wide range of knowledge.

Compassionate and Empathetic
- Ishwaran is a compassionate individual who genuinely cares for the well-being of the patients.
- He goes out of his way to provide comfort and support to those in need.
- Ishwaran's kind nature can be seen when he shares his lunch with the narrator, ensuring that he doesn't go hungry.
- He is sensitive to the suffering of others and tries to alleviate their pain through his stories and cheerful disposition.

Optimistic and Cheerful
- Ishwaran is known for his positive outlook on life and his cheerful demeanor.
- Despite the challenges he faces in his own life, Ishwaran always wears a smile and spreads happiness to those around him.
- He brings a sense of joy and laughter to the hospital environment, making it a more pleasant place for the patients and staff.

Conclusion
Ishwaran, with his hardworking nature, vivid imagination, compassion, and positive attitude, is a lovable character in "The Snake and the Mirror." He reminds us of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on people's lives. Ishwaran's character teaches us the importance of finding joy in even the simplest things and spreading positivity wherever we go.

CHARACTER SKETCHES OF ISWARAN THE STORYTELLER

Iswaran: Iswaran is the servant of Mahendra. Iswaran cooked for Mahendra, washed his clothes and told stories to his master at night. When he told Mahendra about ghosts, Mahendra called him a crazy man. He was a good storyteller. Most of his stories were full of suspense and thrill. His stories affected his master so much that Mahendra started feeling afraid of ghosts and left his present accommodation.

Mahendra: Mahendra was a supervisor in a firm. The nature of his job moved him from place to place. He adjusted to all types of dwellings. His servant entertained him with stories. He did not believe in ghosts initially. But after listening to Iswaran, he too seemed to experience the existence of ghosts. Once he was so frightened of a ghost that he decided to leave the present accommodation where he was staying. He appears to be a man who can easily give in to the fear of things like ghosts.



CHARACTERS

Iswaran
Iswaran was Mahendra’s cook and was like an asset to him. He was dedicated to his master and followed him uncomplainingly to all his postings. He would cook for him, wash his clothes, and also chat with him at night. He had the ability to improvise cooking material even in the remotest place and cooked delicious dishes in a very brief time.
Iswaran was fond of reading popular Tamil thrillers. Their imaginative descriptions and narrating styles would fascinate him. He became a master storyteller by adopting the art of storytelling from these novels. He would always add suspense and surprise even to the smallest incident and could make up innumerable stories on different subjects. While describing, he would get so involved that he would jump about on the floor. He would narrate the story in instalments and purposely leave it unfinished midway. On returning, he would not pick it up right away till Mahendra reminded him to. In this manner, he would involve his listener too.
Every day, Iswaran would recount a new story filled with adventure, horror and suspense. Mahendra loved his stories and listened with rapt attention even if they were unbelievable. Iswaran thus entertained Mahendra just as TV does.

Iswaran enjoyed his job and would not sit idle when Mahendra was at work. He would use that time to tidy up the shed and wash clothes. He was also religious because he would mutter a prayer throughout his bath ritual.
This character displays a shade of comedy as well when he teasingly asks Mahendra about his reaction to having seen the female ghost.

Mahendra
Mahendra used to work as a junior supervisor in a firm which offered on-hire supervisors at construction sites. His work involved moving from one location to another. He was unmarried and a simple man. He was pretty accommodating and adjusted well to the odd conditions that he faced at different places. He was a disciplined man and would get up early in the morning. He would leave for work after breakfast and carry lunch with him.
Mahendra was very fond of his cook Iswaran whom he considered to be an asset. He relished the food cooked by him and enjoyed listening to his stories. He was a good listener and never interrupted Iswaran even when he exaggerated. He was very patient and would wait for Iswaran to return and complete the unfinished story. He was also curious as he would insist on knowing all the details.
Mahendra was a rational man and did not believe in ghosts or spirits but could not help getting influenced by what Iswaran told him about the female ghost. He tried to ignore the strange sounds at night but got scared when he thought he saw the ghost. However, his rationality made him forget the previous night’s experience.
Mahendra’s faith in Iswaran was very strong. He was convinced about the presence of a female ghost when Iswaran told him that he had heard sounds at night.
This character appeals to the reader for his qualities as a devoted worker, a kind-hearted master and a trusting man.