# The Narrator — Bashan and I character guide

> The Narrator in Bashan and I by Thomas Mann.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Unknown, myself, me, I

**First appearance:** 0001-bashan-and-i

## Snapshot

A writer whose study, manuscript, and solitude are perpetually invaded by a dog convinced that their inseparability is rooted in sacred nature.

## Who they are

He is the household's head and Bashan's chosen master, the one figure the dog honors with vassal-friendship while treating everyone else with independence. His work demands stillness, but Bashan's trampling paws, air-kisses, and blurred ink make solitude impossible, and the dog's eerie dream-barking stirs a conscience he cannot quiet. Watching Bashan pantomime a hunt he is denied, the narrator must weigh his own need for reverence and solitude against the animal's blood-deep hunger for the open.

## In the story

### [Bashan and I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/bashan-and-i)

The human counterpart who observes and reflects on his relationship with Bashan.

### [I: Bashan Puts in His Appearance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/i-bashan-puts-in-his-appearance)

Describes his morning walk ritual, whistles a two-tone signal to summon Bashan, and reflects on Bashan's appearance and behavior with affectionate amusement.

### [How We Acquired Bashan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/ii-how-we-acquired-bashan)

The primary voice, who along with his family visits Anastasia, pays for the dog, and leads the process of acquiring and settling Bashan.

### [III: A Few Items Regarding Bashan’s Character and Manner of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/iii-a-few-items-regarding-bashan-s-character-and-manner-of-life)

Observes and reflects on Bashan's character, struggles with the dog's demanding presence, feels moral disquietude about restricting Bashan's instincts, and ultimately yields to Bashan's plea to be let in.

### [The Hunting-Grounds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/iv-the-hunting-grounds)

The narrator describes the territory in detail, reflects on the failed development, and recounts the sheep incident, ultimately leading the retreat to the farm.

### [The Chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/v-the-chase)

The observer and companion in the hunt, who reflects on Bashan's instincts and feels bored and listless during Bashan's absence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/characters/narrator
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/characters