King Rat

Main Characters and Their Development

• Peter Marlowe - a young British officer who finds himself in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Singapore. He is intelligent, educated, and possesses a strong moral compass. Throughout the book, he faces moral dilemmas and learns to survive in the harsh conditions of the camp, developing his leadership skills and understanding of human nature.
• The King - an American sergeant who becomes the leader of the black market in the camp. He is charismatic, clever, and has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. The King represents an amoral force, using any means necessary to achieve his goals. His relationship with Marlowe highlights the complexity of human relationships in extreme conditions.
• Shong - the Japanese officer in charge of the camp. He is cruel and ruthless but also shows moments of humanity and weakness. His character illustrates the complexity of power and the impact of war on an individual.
• Max - an Australian officer who becomes a friend and ally to Marlowe. He represents moral support and an example of resilience in the camp's conditions. His development shows how friendship and solidarity can help one survive in difficult circumstances.