16 Vayathinile

A 16-year-old village girl with ambitions to become a teacher, Mayil is torn between love and her aspirations. She values personal autonomy, resisting exploitation and choosing to stand up for herself even when the village disapproves. Her resilience drives the plot as she navigates romance, reputation, and responsibility.

A limping, loyal youth who is cared for by Guruvammal and affectionately called 'Chappani' by the village. Mayil helps him grow into a more confident, self-assured man, and he becomes protective of her. His transformation culminates in a drastic act of defense that changes his life and fate.

A village ruffian who lusts after Mayil and spreads rumors to tarnish her reputation. His predatory behavior and aggression create the central conflict, provoking the love-struck but principled responses of others and driving the plot toward a violent confrontation.

Mayil's mother figure and caregiver to the limping orphan. Her death, precipitated by social shame and hardship, leaves Mayil and Chappani to face a harsher world. She represents care, sacrifice, and the weight of communal pressure.

An urban veterinarian who falls for Mayil and pursues a relationship for pleasure rather than commitment. He leaves for his native place to marry someone else, underscoring a theme of unattainable or one-sided love and the limitations of desire.