Roger Featherstone Character Analysis

In “Only Goodness,” Roger Featherstone is Sudha’s English husband, whom she meets in a London museum while examining the painting The Arnolfini Marriage. He studied art history and works as a magazine editor, and he’s a few years older than Sudha. When he sees her studying the painting, he approaches her and begins to explain its contextual meaning and small details she might have overlooked, and she’s impressed by his intellect. As they prepare to marry, he grows demanding, telling Sudha that he intends to maintain clear boundaries between Sudha’s parents and their new family. They choose to live in London, where Sudha gives birth to their son, Neel. When Sudha’s brother, Rahul, ruins his visit by placing Neel’s safety in jeopardy, Roger insists she kick him out, angry and resentful toward his wife for her brother’s actions.