One of the great appeals of The Pearl lies in the beautiful and simplistic way that Kino is characterized. However sophisticated one might become, there is always something that one finds appealing in the "noble savage" or the "pristine innocence" of people like Kino, whose life is lived close to the simple harmony of the natural world and who is not affected by the hypocrisies and artificialities of the "civilized world." For example, Kino's simple breakfast of corncake and pulque contrasts well with the opulent decadence of the doctor's breakfast of cocoa served to him in bed in a dainty china cup.
Kino's profession — a simple pearl diver — requires him to be constantly close to nature, and he is constantly affected by natural events; for example, when the sea is rough or the climate is unsuitable, Kino cannot practice his trade. Even though he is on the lowest economic rung of society, he still has a deep sense of human dignity. In fact, he is not even fully aware of how much the townspeople despise and exploit all of his people. Only when the outside forces — whether it be the scorpion, the doctor, or the pearl buyers — intrude upon his life does he then become estranged within his natural surrounding. Otherwise, Kino lives a perfectly harmonious life, both socially and environmentally.
The harmony of his life is also evident in his relationship with his wife, in his devotion to his son, in his kinship with his brother, and in his respect for the traditions of the village. Toward Juana, his wife, he is protective and concerned. He would sacrifice his life for her; yet when she crosses him by trying to throw away the pearl, he can be quite severe with her. When they are trying to escape the trackers (in Chapter 6), Kino is constantly concerned about Juana and Coyotito's safety. At one point, he is even willing to allow himself to be captured so as to protect Juana and Coyotito.
