The Board School Headmaster is a strict, wizened old man who Swami thinks of as “owl-like.” He is an imposing figure and frightens Swami, even preventing him from attending the cricket practices he loves. But when Swami and Rajam go to confront the headmaster about Swami’s schedule, they find him sleeping, indicating that his strength may be at least in part a façade. The headmaster is ultimately responsible for Swami’s second departure from school, when he publicly punishes Swami for missing drill practice.