‘Ram Mohammad Thomas’ as Idiosyncratic Personality in Vikas Swarup’s Q&A

Idiosyncratic personality is a modern personality style closely associated with the New Age movement. Individuals with idiosyncratic personalities are not easily influenced by others’ ideologies or spiritual and religious beliefs. Their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is entirely self-directed, and their beliefs are uniquely their own. This paper examines the experiences and challenges of a slum boy in Vikas Swarup’s Q&A. It applies the theory of John M. Oldham and Lois B. Morris’ “Idiosyncratic Personality” to analyze the character Ram Mohammad Thomas. The study is conducted within an Indian context, examining the impact of the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs on the slum dwellers. In Q&A, Swarup highlights the protagonist’s fight against the rich and powerful, ultimately showcasing his journey to becoming a millionaire through participation in a quiz show. The novel is a social commentary that addresses issues such as child labor, violence against women, juvenile delinquency, overcrowding, and poor sanitation in urban areas. This paper argues that self-efficacy-the ability to overcome life’s obstacles-can lead to success regardless of one’s socioeconomic status. No matter how poor a person is, they can achieve their goals through determination and perseverance.