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Shukumar

The protagonist of the story. Shukumar is a student working on a dissertation, so he almost always stays home and rarely leaves the apartment. After the baby dies, he lacks motivation for working on his dissertation. He longs to be closer to Shoba but also keeps his distance.

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Shoba

A woman in her mid-thirties. Married to Shukumar, Shoba works as a copyeditor of textbooks. She was once an active member of the household, but now, Shoba seems detached from the home and spends most of her time working.

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Shukumar’s mother

Shukumar’s mother. She visits the couple after Shukumar’s father dies.

Shoba’s mother

Shoba’s mother. She is religious and indirectly blames Shukumar for not being at home when the tragedy occurred. She is the only person who has been a guest at the couple’s house since the baby’s death.

The Bradfords

A married couple who lives near Shoba and Shukumar. They appear to be happy as they walk by the couple’s home multiple times in the story.

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