The story's setting is in Pondicherry, India. The story's theme is based on one's personal spiritual faith in God. Piscine Molitor Patel is the prominent character in this story. The nickname that he called himself is "Pi". Pi believed in and practiced: Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.

During February 1976, the Indian Constitution was suspended, and the Tamil Nadu Government was overthrown by Delhi (Mrs. Gandhi). Pi-Patel's father (Santosh) sold the zoo, so that his family: Pi, Ravi-his brother, his mother (Gita), and himself could emmigrate to Canada. Pi's family left India on the Panamanian-registered Japanese cargo ship,"Tsimtsum". After the ship left Manila, and was midway to Midway it sank. Santosh had loaded the ship with some of the zoo animals. Most of the animals drowned when the ship sunk. The only animals that survived the ship's sinking were: a Bengal Tiger (which Pi nicknamed "Richard Parker"), a Spotted Hyena, an orang-utan, and a disabeled Zebra.

Pi's trial (on a lifeboat, and customized raft) in the Pacific Ocean lasted over seven months. Pi's spiritual beliefs enabeled him to survive this ordeal against all odds. He prayed: mornings, afternoons, and evenings. His praying helped him steadfast his spirit in his predicament. During this trial, Pi discovered an algae island. His spirits fell once that the trees contained balls of leaves which contained human teeth.

When Pi reached land (being Mexico) he was very weak. The Mexican Villagers fed him, gave him clothes, and took him to the hospital. Once the lifeboat had arrived on the Mexican Shoreline, the Bengal Tiger (Richard Parker) escaped into the jungle. Pi was taken to the."Benito Juarez Infirmary, in Tomatlan, Mexico." After he arrived there he was questioned by Tomohiro Okamoto, and his junior colleague, Atsuro Chiba, both of these men were officials from the Japanese Transportation Ministry. They asked Pi if he knew why the "Tsimtsum" sank. All Pi could tell them was about the animals, and his grueling ordeal at sea.

In conclusion, the premise of Pi's steadfast, unwavering faith in God is what saved him from certain peril. Tomohiro, and Asturo wanted factual answers concerning the Tsimtsum's sinking. Pi did not possess the ability to provide these men with the answers that they were looking for.