Chemmeen

A young fish trader who finances Chembankunju's dream of a bigger fishing operation. He loves Karuthamma and embodies a practical, determined spirit; his ambitions intertwine with the village's social constraints. The partnership with Chembankunju enables a rise that ultimately contributes to the tragedy.

Chembankunju's daughter, torn between her duty to family and her love for Pareekkutty. Her sacrifices reflect the strength and sorrow of a woman navigating a rigid social system. She becomes a focal point of gossip and misunderstanding that drives the plot toward tragedy.

Karuthamma's mother, a voice of warning about the consequences of defying tradition. She embodies the parental concern to shield the family from social shame. Her illness at a critical moment underscores the fragility of family bonds.

A significant figure in the village's social web, contributing to the collective gaze that shapes Karuthamma's life. Her interactions highlight the pressures and humor within the tight-knit fishing community.

The ambitious father who seeks wealth through boats and nets. His greed drives family strife and fuels distrust, ultimately leading to personal and financial ruin. He becomes a cautionary figure about the corrupting power of money.

An orphan found by Chembankunju and later Karuthamma's husband. He faces ostracism from the community and relies on Karuthamma’s support. His arc shows how external judgments can fracture a marriage and drive a man to solitude at sea.

Chembankunju's younger daughter who resents her stepmother and the tension in the household. She embodies the younger generation's conflict with the older generation's codes. Her actions ripple through the family dynamics and influence Karuthamma's decisions.

Pappikunju's son, a child of the marriage that Chembankunju disapproves. His departure and longing reflect the human cost of a fracture in familial trust. He represents the next generation caught in the bevy of family tragedy.

Widow who marries Chembankunju after the first marriage ends, a central player in the shifting family dynamics. Her presence in the home and the theft of savings amplify tensions within the family.