Mr. Patel Character Analysis in About a Boy

Mr. Patel is an employee at one of Marcus’s favorite newsagents. He is kind and very fond of both Marcus and his mum. Unlike other newsagents, Mr. Patel allows kids to read the magazines and newspapers without pressuring them to purchase anything. After he witnesses Marcus being bullied, Mr. Patel advises him to keep out of the bullies’ way. It is implied that Mr. Patel is also a victim of bullying, particularly in the form of xenophobic comments.

Mr. Patel Character Timeline in About a Boy

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Patel appears in About a Boy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...candy and gum in his pockets to get him in trouble with the shop owner, Mr. Patel , whom they refer to as “Mohammed.” Mr. Patel, however, understands what truly happened and... (full context)