* The Narrator: A young Indian girl, likely around 8-10 years old, growing up in a British-influenced colonial setting. She is the central figure through whose eyes we experience the story.
* "The Englishwoman": A stereotypical representation of a British woman, likely a teacher or governess, who embodies the dominant colonial ideology. She is portrayed as strict, imposing, and condescending.
* "The Indian woman": The narrator's own mother, who represents a more traditional and less overtly Westernized perspective on Indian culture. She is presented as loving, nurturing, and patient, but also slightly apprehensive about her daughter's assimilation into Western ways.
* The Narrator's Grandmother: A wise and traditional Indian woman who embodies the core values of Indian culture. She becomes a mentor and guide for the narrator, teaching her about the importance of cultural heritage.
* The Narrator's Brothers and Sisters: Their role is less significant than the narrator's, but they contribute to the story's depiction of the family dynamic and the societal expectations that surround them.
It is important to note that "Learning to be an Indian" is not a linear narrative with a singular plot. Instead, it is a collection of vignettes and observations about the narrator's experiences and struggles with identity within a colonial context. Therefore, it's more accurate to think of the story as centered around the narrator's journey of self-discovery and understanding rather than featuring specific, defined characters with conventional roles.