Ronny's role is important because he is given the task of illustrating the changes that take place in the Enlish due to the time spent in India, or as a result of the positions they hold. When we meet Ronny, he's already changed. We don't know what he was like before, except for a few glimpses we receive through his mother. The Ronny depicted for us as readers is suspicious, ambitious, and easily manipulated. He portrays a character, who is merely a shadow of his original self, and who has been molded by the English officials he desires acceptance from.