Character Sketch of Patrick Lewis In the Skin of a Lion

 

In the Skin of a Lion

-         Michael Ondaatje

                       Character Sketch of Patrick Lewis

The novel In the skin of a Lion is written by Michael Ondaatje. Patrick Lewis is the protagonist of the novel. The first chapter in this novel named “Little Seed” refers to Patrick’s childhood stage and his personality traits. He was born in the rural town of Depot Creek, Ontario, Canada. He resides with his silent father, Hazen, a dynamiter.

Patrick is a keen onlooker of nature and a listener. He watches the hard labor of loggers and hears to the flapping sound of the bugs during his childhood stage. Patrick observes his father’s job from a distance, like a kid. He acquires the skill of his father succeeding through his child – like learning.

After the death of his father in the year 1930, the 22-year-old Patrick moves to the city of Toronto. In the same year a millionaire Ambrose was found missing. Patrick, who takes the job of a searcher goes in search of the missing man. He meets the old man’s wife and gather information about the man. Then he goes in search of the Oldman’s mistress Clara, an actress.

Patrick falls in love with Clara. The relationship grows to a great extend of seduction. Clara invites Patrick to the house of Alice, her friend. Clara is too intimate with her friend Alice which makes Patrick fall in despair. She moves away with Ambrose. Patrick feels heartbroken and isolated. For three years he remains silent thinking his love. With the help of Alice mother, he tries to meet Clara, but Ambrose attacks Patrick when he tries to meet her.

Patrick leaves his previous job as a searcher and arrives to the city to find a new job. He joins with the Macedonian immigrant workers striving hard in the tunnel.  He lives in the apartment of Macedonian neighborhood. He lives alone and works along with the immigrants.  Patrick attends the puppet show organized by the immigrants. He is captivated by the scene and he rushes to the stage to find the actor who was under mask. He was a man who comprehends the frustrations of the immigrants.

 Patrick’s life changes after the arrival of Alice. She has a nine-year-old daughter Hana. Hana has lost her father Cato. Patrick willingly accepts Alice and Hana. But Gods Will be different. Patrick learns about the sudden death of Alice. Her death makes him take revenge upon by bombing a hotel. He adopts Hana, Alice's daughter, whom he loves dearly as a father.