Courage is the act of doing what is right no matter the consequences. In Padma Venkatraman's Climbing the Stairs, characters have not only shown courage, but they have overcome obstacles that faced them. This especially true in the lives of Vidya, Appa, as well as Kitta. In fact, the following characters have demonstrated courage in countless events throughout the novel. To begin, Vidya displays courage through the actions of wanting to go to college, despite the traditions Vidya must abide by. Furthermore, Appa conveys courage through his acts of valour, together with the obstacles he must overcome in the freedom fighters. In addition, Kitta establishes his courage by joining the army, as well as fighting along side the British. Courage is displayed throughout the actions of various characters, presenting how they overtook the many obstacles that faced them. To begin with, Vidya conveys courage throughout her foolhardy attempts to go to college, despite the circumstances. During a talk with Thatha, the best occurs: Vidya gets the tenacity and courage to stand up against Thatha and speak her mind: “Tell me, as you don't want to marry yet, what would you do if you were given more time? Go to college” (Venkatraman 224). Vidya is expressing her state of mind to Thatha. This allows the reader to appreciate the courage it takes to go against the head of the family, even though it is a custom for women to marry and become housewives, rather than to receive a education. In addition, this event causes Thatha, a rather traditional person to rethink his choice on marrying Vidya rather than letting her get a education: “I haven't thought about it for a day, and yet I am willing to say-to give you my word that you may go to college” (225). Although the reader expects the Thatha to refuse, he instead accepts her request. In doing so, Vidya acquires what she has been longing for. This enables the reader to acknowledge the obstacles she must