Can you identify three major characters who represent specific themes in the novel?

I think that in nearly any analysis of Ondaatje's work
discussion of the English Patient is of vital importance.  Count Almasy is essential to
most of the themes in the novel.  I would say that the theme of identity and what
constitutes it is critical to the work.  The Count is an important figure in this
theme.  He never really considered himself to be of any "nation" or side.  The fact that
he is of Hungarian descent, and thus considered to be part of the Axis forces, is ironic
because he is willing to do anything to save the woman he loves, someone of the Allied
side.  The notion of his name denying him the chance to save his beloved is something
that haunts him, as national borders precluded him from his true love, something that
transcended borders.  His unintentional betrayal of Madox is something else that speaks
to the idea of how nations and national status "deforms people."  Kip would be another
example of this, as he is an Indian who is working for the British in the war.  While he
works for the West, he holds contempt for its savage ways.  The collision of national
identity with professional responsibility is seen fairly powerfully in Kip.  Madox might
be one other character to discuss with the notion of identity and implications nation-
status has on it.  From a nationless existence in the Royal Geographic Society, Madox
seems to be unable to deal with life in a war where national identity defines all
aspects of identity.  Painted with the brush of nationalism, Almasy is depicted as a
traitor to Madox, causing himi to kill himself.