Weighed But Found Wanting

Once celebrated in her community, Kuala is branded the village idiot after an abortion performed by a traditional folk healer. Public humiliation and a deteriorating mental state push her toward isolation in the heat of the plains. Her struggle against stigma and hardship drives the emotional core of the story.

A leper seeking companionship, he befriends Kuala and offers her a fragile shelter in his ramshackle cemetery home. His care and vulnerability stand in contrast to the town’s cruelty, highlighting themes of empathy and marginalization. His fate becomes a catalyst for the ensuing tragedy.

The son of Cesar Blanco, he navigates jealousy, impending adulthood, and complicated relationships. He defies his father and seeks to help Kuala, ultimately witnessing Berto's death and bearing responsibility for the aftermath as he carries Kuala and Berto’s son toward an uncertain future.

A lawyer and unsuccessful politician, Cesar wields power in the town while concealing a sinister secret. His actions and influence contribute to the community’s moral rot, and Kuala’s accusation at the end hints at a deeper truth behind his public facade.

Junior’s girlfriend who flirts with others, she becomes entangled in jealousy and social pressure. Her choices reflect the fragility of romance amid a judgmental community and competing loyalties.

A devout caretaker who enforces strict social norms, Lola Jacoba plays a key role in Kuala’s custody and the town’s moral policing. Her actions embody the sanctimonious authority that compounds Kuala’s suffering.

A seductive and calculating figure who manipulates Junior, Milagros embodies desire and power within the community. Her influence tests loyalties and exposes the fragility of romantic plans.

The doctor who refuses to assist Kuala during childbirth becomes a focal point for ethical conflict. His eventual capture and escape fuel the chase that drives the story toward its violent turn.

An eccentric teacher who harbors a crush on Junior, adding a layer of unrequited desire and tension to the school and social environment.