What is Padma?

Padma is the narrator's confidante, the person to whom he tells the story of his life. Her name means “The One Who Possesses Dung.” Throughout the novel, Saleem tells the story that he is writing to Padma, who is uneducated and illiterate. She listens and comments critically, telling him what parts she likes and what parts she finds impossible.

In the end, Padma convinces Saleem that he should be married, if only for the sake of his son, Aadam. The novel ends with Saleem marrying Padma.