Peekay
Peekay is the protagonist of the novel. He is a white English South African. He has been harassed in school as he was the youngest boy in the school. He has been punished verbally and physically by The Judge for his bedwetting habit. He is excellent in boxing, rugby, and academics. He never frightened of facing challenges in life. His personality and attitude help him to lead a successful life.
The Judge
He is an older boy in Peekay’s school. He is popular for harassing Peekay in school. He dislikes Peekay because he is a Nazi supporter and Peekay is the only English boy in the school. In the last days of school, he tries Peekay to eat human feces. In the end, in the Mine where Peekay worked, he got an opportunity to clash with him, but Peekay defeated him and carved Union Jack and the letters "PK" over The Judge's Swastik tattoo.
Hoppie Groenewald
Hoppie Groenewald comes in Peekay's life as the game-changer which inspires Peekay to learn boxing. He is also a champion of Boxing. He shows his Boxing gloves to Peekay. Boxing brings great achievements in the life of Peekay. It becomes the passion of Peekay's life. Hoppie's phrase "First with the head, then with the heart" remains with Peekay throughout the life to inspire him.
Doc
Doc is a kind-hearted person. His real name is Karl von Vollensteen. Peekay met him in his grandpa's house in Barberton. He supports Peekay in piano learning. He has different hobbies related to plantation, music, and coffee. He got arrested during the second world war due to his alien citizenship. Peekay visited the jail to learn piano which helps Peekay to get selection in the Royal College of music.
Geel Piet
Geel Piet is an important character in the life of Peekay. Peekay met him in Barberton jail. He taught Peekay the techniques and peculiarities of Boxing. He becomes the personal Boxing trainer. These techniques have resulted to win the boxing match. He has a close relationship not only with Peekay but also with Doc. He was brutally murdered in the gym of prison due to some suspicion.
Rasputin
Rasputin is a colleague of Peekay in the Mine. They are close friends who celebrate and entertain together. They help mining kids that show their generosity. Rasputin saves the life of Peekay in an accident but unfortunately lost his life. Rasputin's insurance money helps Peekay to get admission to Oxford.
