The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

Main Characters and Their Development

• Anjum - a transgender woman born in a male body, who undergoes numerous trials to find her place in the world. She begins her life in Old Delhi and then creates her own refuge in a cemetery, gathering around her other outcasts and marginalized individuals. Anjum symbolizes the struggle for identity and acceptance in a society that often rejects those who differ from the norm.
• Tilo - a woman with a mysterious past, connected to several men, each playing a significant role in her life. She is a central figure in a love triangle that reveals the complex relationships and political conflicts in contemporary India. Tilo embodies the inner struggle and quest for personal freedom amidst societal pressure.
• Musa - a Kashmiri activist fighting for his people's independence. His life intertwines with Tilo's, and he becomes a symbol of the fight for justice and freedom. Musa represents a complex image of a person who sacrifices personal happiness for ideals and the struggle for his people's rights.
• Saddam Hussain - a young Muslim who changes his name in honor of the Iraqi leader to avoid persecution. He becomes a friend and ally to Anjum, helping her establish «The Ministry of Utmost Happiness». Saddam symbolizes adaptation and survival in the face of social injustice and religious discrimination.