Karim Amir, Creamy

Karim is the main character of the novel. The plot follows him from late teens into his mid-twenties. Karim is his given name, but his close friends call him Creamy. Karim begins the novel as a bored teenager looking for action and excitement in his life. He is the son of an Indian father and an English mother. Although more English than Indian due to his upbringing, he still has to deal with the problems that come from being of a minority race.

Throughout the course of the book, Karim is constantly searching for his place in the world. He is unsure of his sexual identity and lacks ambition. His father wants him to be a doctor, but Karim only holds a vague notion of becoming an actor.

Karim moves through a series of sexual relationships. He thinks he is in love with Charlie, but it...