Final answer:
In "The Simple Heart of Wali Dâd", the main characters are Wali Dâd and members of royalty, set in rural India. The story's conflict arises from Wali Dâd's struggle to preserve his simple life, which is resolved when the royal characters recognize his values. The theme focuses on the fulfillment found in simplicity over wealth, which is evident through the story's events and Wali Dâd's character.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main characters in "The Simple Heart of Wali Dâd" are Wali Dâd, a poor blacksmith who is content with his simple lifestyle, and various members of royalty who inadvertently involve him in their extravagant gestures of gratitude. The story is set in a nondescript rural setting in India, enhancing the fairy tale-like quality and emphasizing Wali Dâd's humility and contentment against the grandeur of the royal characters.
The primary conflict is Wali Dâd's struggle to maintain his simple life amidst the increasingly grand gifts he receives and then gives away in an attempt to avoid the complications they bring. Plot elements, such as the exchange of gifts, shift the story's direction, leading to ironic situations where Wali Dâd's generosity causes him more trouble than the wealth itself.
The resolution comes when the royalty recognizes Wali Dâd's desire for simplicity and agrees to respect it, thus ending the cycle of gift-giving. Theme in this tale revolves around the idea that happiness and contentment cannot be bought and that simplicity can be more fulfilling than wealth. The consistent pursuit of humility by Wali Dâd despite the allure of riches strongly cements this theme. Additionally, the title reflects these themes by highlighting Wali Dâd's unadorned, sincere nature.