Name :BABATUNDE YUSUFF ENIOLA
LEVEL : 200
DEPARTMENT:Counseling and Human Development Studies
Matric number: 242536
Course code :Ges 201
Course title : Use of English
Assignment :
Roles of the major characters to the development of the story in 'The Old Man and the sea
major characters in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and how they contribute to the
story’s development:
1. Santiago (the Old Man)
Role: Protagonist / Symbol of perseverance and dignity
• Santiago is the central character around whom the entire story revolves.
• His struggle with the marlin and the sea represents human endurance, courage, and pride
in the face of hardship.
• Through his character, Hemingway explores the theme of “man can be destroyed but not
defeated.”
• Santiago’s internal strength and humility help develop the novel’s message about the
nobility of struggle and the dignity of labor.
2. Manolin (the Boy)
Role: Symbol of hope, faith, and human connection
• Manolin is Santiago’s devoted apprentice and friend.
• Although his parents forbid him to fish with Santiago after his long streak of bad luck, the
boy continues to care for him—bringing food, bait, and companionship.
• His loyalty shows the importance of friendship and mentorship.
• Manolin’s faith in Santiago helps the old man retain his self-respect and gives emotional
warmth to the story.
• The boy also represents youth and continuity, suggesting that Santiago’s spirit will live on
through the next generation.
3. The Marlin
Role: Symbol of nature, worthy opponent, and test of character
• The marlin is more than just a fish—it symbolizes Santiago’s ultimate challenge and the
natural world’s beauty and power.
• The battle between Santiago and the marlin is a test of endurance, skill, and respect.
• The marlin’s nobility elevates the old man’s struggle to a heroic level, showing that true
greatness lies in the struggle itself, not just in victory.
4. The Sharks
Role: Symbols of destruction and the harsh reality of life
• The sharks represent the forces that destroy human achievement.
• After Santiago catches the marlin, the sharks devour it, leaving only the skeleton—
symbolizing how success is often eroded by fate or the world’s cruelty.
• Their attack also highlights the theme of loss and futility, contrasting with Santiago’s
unbroken spirit.
5. The Sea (La Mar)
Role: Symbolic setting / Living presence
• The sea acts almost as a character—it is both Santiago’s home and his adversary.
• It represents nature’s beauty, mystery, and power.
• Santiago’s respectful attitude toward the sea reflects Hemingway’s idea that humans must
live in harmony with nature, even as they struggle against it.
Summary
Each character or force in The Old Man and the Sea contributes to the central themes of:
• Perseverance in adversity
• Dignity in struggle
• Respect for nature
• The cyclical connection between generatio
