How is theme revealed through character in Life of Pi?

One of the central themes which is definitely conveyed
through the character of Pi is the way that the essence of life is shown to be in the
details. Again and again, through his observations of life and what he notices going on
around him, Pi is a character who notices the details of life and is alive to their
wonder and joy. Note the following description of the dying dorado Pi has just
caught:

The
dorado did a most extraordinary thing as it died: it began to flash all kinds of colours
in rapid succession. Blue, green, red, glod, and violent flickered and shimmered
neon-like on its surface as it struggled. I felt I was beating a rainbow to
death.

In a sense, the highly
detailed descriptions that he gives during his time on the ocean are what keeps him
alive and sane as he does not abandon hope and give in to despair, but is able to cling
on to the simple pleasures of life and his childlike wonder of all that he sees. This is
in a sense why the number of lists are so important to Pi's survival and his account.
Again and again, Pi's character demonstrates the truth of how the essence of life is in
the details.