Gogol Ganguli is the main character in the novel "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri. He is the son of Indian immigrants who struggle to balance their cultural heritage with their new life in America. Gogol's name, derived from the Russian author Nikolai Gogol, becomes a significant part of his identity crisis as he navigates his dual heritage. Throughout the story, Gogol experiences various challenges related to his name and cultural background. He grapples with feelings of alienation and seeks to understand his family's traditions while trying to forge his own identity. His journey reflects the broader themes of belonging and self-discovery in a multicultural society.