Pardes

Ganga is a young Indian woman rooted in tradition who must balance family duty with personal integrity. She initially upholds cultural expectations but grows to demand autonomy, resisting an arranged marriage when it conflicts with her values. Her resilience comes to the fore after Rajiv's flaws are revealed, leading her to choose her own path with Arjun.

Adopted son of Kishorilal, Arjun is worldly and protective, attempting to reform Ganga's household by bridging two cultures. He forms a close bond with Ganga and confesses his love, while grappling with his dual loyalty to Kishorilal and his own feelings. He ultimately acts to shield Ganga from harm, affirming his commitment.

A wealthy NRI who raises Arjun as his son and seeks to arrange a marriage with Ganga for his own family’s future. He is stern about honor and tradition, taking decisive action when he believes trust has been betrayed. He ultimately intervenes to set things right, slapping Rajiv and ending the engagement.

Ganga's would-be husband, whose alcoholism and womanizing threaten the relationship and reveal a lack of respect for Indian traditions. His behavior escalates from initial shock to coercion, culminating in assault, which catalyzes the crisis and Ganga's decision to end the engagement.

Ganga's father and a village patriarch who upholds traditional values and family honor. He is protective but quick to react under perceived betrayal, even attempting to harm Arjun and Ganga when he thinks they eloped. His later involvement underscores the severity of honor culture in the village.