The Setting
The city where the book takes place
Mumbai
The Hussain's income comes from this activity
garbage collection/recycling
A teenage entrepreneur; accused of assault and murder
Abdul
Man-made development the slum is situated next to.
The airport / luxury hotels / billboards
The "official" job of the "unofficial" slumlord of the community
Schoolmaster / Politician Wannabe
Unofficial slumlord, takes bribes from residents to help deal with local affairs in the community.
Asha
Name of the slum central to the plot of the book
Annawadi
She sets herself on fire / dies, leading to arrests
Manju
The city described in the book is located in this state
Maharashtra
Hindu nationalist political party that controls the slum
Shiv Sena
The Prime Minister of India in 2022
Narendra Modi