The trackers in "The Pearl" are men hired by the town's patron, the "pearl buyers," to find Kino and his family after Kino finds the enormous pearl. They are described as being ruthless and cruel, willing to use any means necessary to get the pearl back.
Here's a breakdown of their roles:
* They symbolize the greed and corruption of the outside world, which threatens Kino and his family.
* Their presence represents the power dynamics of the town, where the wealthy elite can easily manipulate those less fortunate.
* They are a constant threat, representing the danger Kino and his family face as they attempt to escape with their newfound wealth.
The trackers are not individual characters with names and personalities; they are a collective force representing the forces of greed and oppression that threaten the well-being of Kino and his family.