Pariyerum Perumal

A youth from Puliyankulam who belongs to an oppressed caste, Pariyan aspires to study law and become a lawyer like B. R. Ambedkar. He faces relentless caste-based humiliation yet remains earnest, hopeful, and committed to justice through education. His journey centers on resilience, integrity, and choosing non-violent means in the face of provocation. The arc culminates in his resolve to continue fighting oppression despite personal risk.

A naive yet strong-willed girl from Ambasamudram who takes it upon herself to teach Pariyan English. She falls for Pariyan’s honesty and kindness, inviting him to family events and supporting his education. Her actions illuminate the human side of cross-caste relationships and the complexities of love within a rigid social framework. She remains largely unaware of the full extent of caste politics around them until it affects their relationship directly.

A fellow law student and Jo’s cousin who embodies caste arrogance and the urge to prove superiority. He orchestrates humiliation and violence against Pariyan, testing the limits of their friendship and the college’s tolerance for dissent. His actions reveal the persistence of caste-based aggression in modern settings and the social pressure to conform to hierarchies.

A protective but caste-conscious elder who fears social ostracism if his daughter’s relationship with a man from a lower caste becomes public. He hires Thatha Maistry to 'correct' the situation, illustrating how fear of stigma can drive drastic measures. His skepticism toward miscegenation underscores the cultural forces upholding caste boundaries.

A folk dancer who, in a bid to shield Pariyan, disguises as his father and accompanies him into the college setting. His presence and subsequent mistreatment highlight the harsh consequences of caste violence and the vulnerability of non-conforming identities within conservative communities. His condition becomes a focal point for Pariyan’s moral choices.

A seasoned assassin hired to uphold caste 'honor' by eliminating perceived threats to the social order. He stalks Pariyan, attempts to tie him to a railway track, and embodies the brutal means some use to preserve caste norms. After a failed mission, he ultimately commits suicide, marking the limits of violence when faced with steadfast courage and resistance.

A figure who recognizes Pariyan’s innocence and resilience. He advises Pariyan to stay brave and keep fighting, framing education as a path to dignity and social reform. His guidance underscores the college’s role as a space where counter-currents against oppression can be nurtured.

A faculty member who interacts with Pariyan and Jo, trying to reconcile their relationship and manage campus tensions. The professor’s involvement reflects the educational setting’s potential for dialogue and conflict resolution, illustrating how teachers navigate caste dynamics within the classroom.