Character Analysis 
Santiago (The Old Man): Santiago is the main character of
the novel, an old
Cuban fisherman who seems to have fallen into a pattern of bad luck in his
trade. Suddenly he gets pulled into an extraordinary adventure and travels
further and further out to sea as he pursues a miraculous fish. As Santiago
endures this dynamic turn of events, he maintains his calm, simple, confident
yet mellow persona. He constantly recalls his past, travelling to Africa,
previous fish caught, and an arm-wrestling match. He has a special relationship
with Manolin (the boy) and during his 3 days at sea, is constantly wishing
he were there to share the adventure and the burden. At the end of the story,
he loses his precious marlin, but it could be implied that he gained his own
personal victory by never giving up, and fighting until there is nothing left
to fight for.
Manolin
(The Boy): Manolin is the old man's closest friend, fellow fisherman, and
constant companion. He has gone on many fishing expeditions with Santiago
and holds a special place in his heart. He cares deeply for the old man and
tries his best to tend to every need. Manolin is the only character who really
understands Santiago and his 3-day trial at sea.
The Marlin: this huge monster of a fish signifies Santiago's last chance.
The opportunity that would turn his luck around. Perhaps Hemmingway was referring
to his own ageing, he's getting older, and the Marlin could be like his last
burst of life. Whatever it signifies, it's something worth fighting for, because
Santiago risks his life, battling sharks in an attempt to save it.
The sharks: The attacking sharks could signify any obstacles that would in
any way prevent Santiago from reaching his goal. Santiago is the perfect example
of one of Hemingway's famous man's men, who follow the Hemingway code, because
he battles these sharks, obstacles, critics, whatever they may be with everything
that he has until he has nothing, and there's nothing left.
Images taken from Kay Smith Artist.com
Sources:
The Old Man
and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
Centenial Watercolor Paintings
Ernest Hemingway Biography
- The Early Years
Home • Religion
in Old Man and the Sea • Fishing in the 50s
• World Politics
Life in Cuba • Baseball:
The Great DiMaggio • Characters in the
Story
About Ernest Hemingway • About
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