Kino, the protagonist in John Steinbeck’s novella The Pearl, is of Mexican nationality. He belongs to a marginalized indigenous community in Mexico, specifically identified as part of the native people known as the Yaqui.
This background is crucial as it shapes Kino’s experiences and struggles throughout the story. The narrative explores themes of oppression and the exploitation faced by Indigenous populations, set against the backdrop of colonialism and economic disparity in Mexico. Kino’s identity as a Mexican indigenous man plays a significant role in his character development and the choices he makes after discovering the pearl, which represents both hope and tragedy.