In Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the main character, Pi Patel, would not be able to survive without Richard Parker. Richard Parker gives Pi a purpose in life: a reason to live. Richard Parker provides company and activities to keep Pi busy such as, catching fish or being trained. If Pi is completely alone, as the second story Pi tells to the Japanese reporters suggests, Pi would have no reason to survive. Without a purpose to life that Richard Parker provides, Pi would not have to will to survive. Pi explains, “It is the irony of this story that the one who scare[s] me witless to start with [is] the very same who br[ings] me peace, purpose, I dare even say wholeness” (162). Richard Parker terrifies Pi during the beginning of his journey, and