# The Story of My Experiments with Truth — Character guide

> Key figures in The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

- [Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mohandas_gandhi.md): Born the youngest son of a short-tempered but incorruptible diwan, he stumbles through childhood — stealing, smoking, and once eating goat's meat to prove his courage — while haunted by remorse. His marriage to Kasturbai
- [Kasturbai Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/kasturbai_gandhi.md): As a child bride she was pulled from her family and thrust into a household where her husband policed her movements, resented her independence, and later demanded celibacy she had no say in. She pushed back — sneaking ou
- [Gopal Krishna Gokhale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/gopal_krishna_gokhale.md): Gokhale was the moderate, exacting figure Gandhi sought out in India after returning from South Africa, a man whose approval mattered more than any crowd's. He imposed conditions — a year of silence, no public speaking, 
- [Raychandbhai](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/raychandbhai.md): Raychandbhai was no ascetic lecturer but a householder who spoke of religion the way others speak of weather, calmly and without performance. Gandhi brought him his hardest questions — about renunciation, about the soul,
- [Narayan Hemchandra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/narayan_hemchandra.md): Narayan Hemchandra arrived in London with no money, no polish, and no interest in acquiring either, cheerfully demanding introductions to editors and refusing to be embarrassed by his rough manners. Gandhi, still fussing
- [Parsi Rustomji](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/parsi_rustomji.md): Rustomji was the kind of supporter every movement needs — wealthy, well-connected, and generous to the point of recklessness — but he was also human, and once smuggled goods in a moment of weakness that Gandhi refused to
- [Sir Pherozeshah Mehta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/pherozeshah_mehta.md): Pherozeshah Mehta looms over Gandhi's early Bombay years as the gold standard of legal brilliance — the man whose acumen, memory, and ability seem to make an ordinary career impossible. When a kindly Englishman tells the
- [Hermann Kallenbach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/hermann_kallenbach.md): Kallenbach is the friend who refuses to let Gandhi travel alone when news of a moral failure among the ashram youth shatters him. When Gandhi imposes a seven-day fast and months of one meal a day as penance, Kallenbach a
- [Albert West](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/albert_west.md): West belongs to the small circle of Europeans who cast their lot with Gandhi's South African experiments, tending the daily life of Phoenix while its founder shuttles between Johannesburg and the coast. His presence embo
- [Henry Polak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/henry_polak.md): Polak moves through Gandhi's South African years as confidant, publicist, and fellow seeker after a disciplined life. His interest in vegetarianism and health reform intersects with Gandhi's own evolving experiments, whe
- [Maganlal Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/maganlal_gandhi.md): Maganlal belongs to the family-and-ashram web that made Gandhi's public life possible, taking on the unglamorous labor of running settlements and instructing the young. His role sits at the intersection of kinship and co
- [Manilal Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/manilal_gandhi.md): Manilal grows up as both son and pupil in a household where fatherhood and moral instruction were inseparable, and where the children of the community received the same exacting care as Gandhi's own. His presence shadows
- [Dadabhai Naoroji](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/dadabhai_naoroji.md): In London, Dadabhai Naoroji looms as the elder statesman every young Indian student is urged to consult, yet Gandhi's own shyness turns the offered mentorship into a test of self-reliance. The gap between the advice he c
- [Lokamanya Tilak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/tilak.md): Tilak belongs to the world of assertive Indian politics that Gandhi encounters on his return from South Africa, a figure whose reputation precedes him even in brief meetings. The autobiography treats him less as a develo
- [Rajkumar Shukla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/rajkumar_shukla.md): Rajkumar Shukla is the peasant who attaches himself to Gandhi with a persistence that borders on the comic and the heroic, following him from place to place until his cause is heard. His stubbornness embodies the grievan
- [Kaba Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/kaba_gandhi.md): Kaba Gandhi served as Prime Minister in Porbandar, Rajkot, and Vankaner, earning a reputation for truthfulness and impartiality while remaining uneducated in anything but practical experience. He married four times, was 
- [Putlibai Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/putlibai_gandhi.md): Putlibai, Kaba Gandhi's fourth wife, raised her youngest son in a household saturated with vows, fasts, and visits to temples, her religiosity unshowy but absolute. Her willingness to keep difficult vows, even when it wo
- [Dada Abdulla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/dada_abdulla.md): Dada Abdulla, head of a prosperous firm in Natal, summons Gandhi to South Africa for a lawsuit, and the assignment, meant to last a year, becomes the hinge of Gandhi's life. The merchant's world of Indian traders abroad 
- [Abdulla Sheth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/abdulla_sheth.md): Abdulla Sheth is the prosperous Gujarati trader whose Pretoria establishment becomes Gandhi's base during his early South African years, a patron who can open doors and close them just as quickly. He is proud of his stan
- [Mr. Coates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/coates.md): A Christian friend who introduced Gandhi to the Bible in Pretoria.
- [Mr. A. W. Baker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/a_w_baker.md): A Christian missionary who befriended Gandhi in Pretoria.
- [Balasundaram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/balasundaram.md): An indentured Tamil clerk who became Gandhi's first client in Natal.
- [Sorabji Adajania](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/sorabji_adajania.md): A Parsi coworker and manager of the Indian Opinion press.
- [Mrs. Polak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/polak_mrs.md): Wife of Henry Polak, who supported the Phoenix community.
- [Mr. Pestonji Padshah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/pestonji_padshah.md): A friend and fellow student from Gandhi's London days.
- [Mr. Chamberlain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/joshua_chamberlain.md): British Colonial Secretary who met with Indian delegations.
- [Mr. Harry Escombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/harry_escombe.md): A Natal statesman and lawyer involved in Indian rights issues.
- [Pandit Malaviyaji](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/malaviyaji.md): A Hindu leader and educator who worked with Gandhi on national issues.
- [Dr. P. J. Mehta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/p_j_mehta.md): A physician and early associate of Gandhi in South Africa.
- [Brajkishore Prasad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/brajkishore_prasad.md): A Bihari lawyer who assisted Gandhi during the Champaran campaign.
- [Mavji Dave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mavji_dave.md): A Brahmin friend who advised Gandhi on religious matters.
- [Swami Shraddhanandji](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/shraddhanand.md): A Hindu monk and educationalist who collaborated with Gandhi.
- [Gangabehn Majmundar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/gangabehn_majmundar.md): A woman who joined Gandhi's ashram and became a devoted follower.
- [Ramdas Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/ramdas_gandhi.md): Gandhi's third son, who participated in his father's movements.
- [Tryambakrai Mazmudar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/tryambakrai_mazmudar.md): A fellow lawyer and friend from Gandhi's early career in India.
- [Mahadev Desai](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mahadev_desai.md): Gandhi's devoted secretary and chronicler for many years.
- [Vallabhbhai Patel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/vallabhbhai_patel.md): A future Indian leader who worked with Gandhi in the Kheda Satyagraha.
- [Sjt. Madanjit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/madanjit.md): A coworker who helped run the Indian Opinion press in Durban.
- [Mrs. Besant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/annie_besant.md): A prominent theosophist and Indian independence activist.
- [Dr. Booth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/booth.md): A missionary doctor who treated Gandhi during his illness in South Africa.
- [Mr. D. E. Wacha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/d_e_wacha.md): A Bombay politician and member of the Indian National Congress.
- [Mahadeo Govind Ranade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mahadeo_govind_ranade.md): A judge and social reformer who influenced Gandhi's early political views.
- [Dr. Jivraj Mehta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/jivraj_mehta.md): A physician and later a political leader who treated Gandhi.
- [Mohanlal Pandya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mohanlal_pandya.md): A coworker in the Kheda Satyagraha and ashram member.
- [Mansukhlal Naazar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mansukhlal_naazar.md): A coworker who managed the Indian Opinion in South Africa.
- [Dr. Dev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/dev.md): A physician who treated Gandhi during his pleurisy in 1918.
- [Maulana Hasrat Mohani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/hasrat_mohani.md): A Muslim poet and political activist in the Congress.
- [Virchand Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/virchand_gandhi.md): A relative who accompanied Gandhi to London and later fell out.
- [Adamji Miyakhan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/adamji_miyakhan.md): A Muslim merchant who supported Gandhi's work in South Africa.
- [C. F. Andrews](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/c_f_andrews.md): An Anglican missionary and close friend who supported Indian causes.
- [Hakim Ajmal Khan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/hakim_ajmal_khan.md): A Muslim physician and political leader in the Khilafat movement.
- [Umar Sobani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/umar_soboni.md): A Muslim businessman and supporter of Gandhi's movements.
- [C. Rajagopalachari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/rajagopalachari.md): A future Indian statesman who worked with Gandhi in the Congress.
- [Sjt. Vijayaraghavachari](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/vijayaraghavachari.md): A Congress leader who presided over the Nagpur session.
- [Chittaranjan Das](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/chittaranjan_das.md): A prominent Bengali lawyer and nationalist leader in the Congress.
- [Shankarlal Banker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/shankarlal_banker.md): A coworker in the Ahmedabad textile labour movement.
- [Surendranath Banerji](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/surendranath_banerji.md): A veteran Indian nationalist leader and Congress veteran.
- [Shrimati Sarojini Naidu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/sarojini_naidu.md): A poet and political leader who worked with Gandhi in the Congress.
- [Pandit Motilal Nehru](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/motilal_nehru.md): A prominent lawyer and Congress leader from Allahabad.
- [Mr. Jinnah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/jinnah.md): A rising Muslim political leader who interacted with Gandhi.
- [Maulana Mazharul Haq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mazharul_haq.md): A Bihari Muslim leader who supported the Champaran movement.
- [Anasuyabehn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/anasuyabehn.md): A woman who joined Gandhi's ashram and became a follower.
- [Sheth Ambalal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/sheth_ambalal.md): A mill owner in Ahmedabad involved in the labour dispute.
- [Mr. Laughton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/laughton.md): A lawyer who assisted Gandhi in his early South African cases.
- [Bhupenbabu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/bhupenbabu.md): A friend and fellow student from Gandhi's London days.
- [Mr. Lely](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/lely.md): A British official in Porbandar who Gandhi encountered as a youth.
- [Professor Kripalani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/kripalani.md): A teacher who later became a follower and ashram member.
- [Mr. Saunders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/saunders.md): A British official who dealt with Indian grievances in South Africa.
- [Mr. Ritch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/ritch.md): A lawyer who assisted Gandhi in the Natal Indian Congress.
- [Tyeb Haji Khan Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/tyeb_haji_khan_muhammad.md): A Muslim merchant who supported Gandhi in South Africa.
- [Babu Motilal Ghose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/motilal_ghose.md): A journalist and editor of the Amrita Bazar Patrika.
- [Lady Cecilia Roberts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/cecilia_roberts.md): A British woman who helped Gandhi during his London visit.
- [Dr. Allinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/allinson.md): A dietetic expert whose views influenced Gandhi's experiments.
- [Mr. Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/hills.md): A British vegetarian activist who corresponded with Gandhi.
- [Shankarlal Parikh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/shankarlal_parikh.md): A coworker in the Kheda Satyagraha campaign.
- [Principal Sushil Rudra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/sushil_rudra.md): A Christian educator who hosted Gandhi at Shantiniketan.

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