Naranappa
Naranappa is dead at the beginning of the novel, but he plays an outsized role in the book's events. He is a member of the Brahmin caste but is viewed as a disgrace in the eyes of the community. He leaves his wife for a woman of a lower caste, enjoys alcohol and meat, and shows a general disregard for Brahmin traditions. His death creates an uproar, as the other Brahmins are uncertain how to handle his funeral rites. They cannot decide if his behavior makes it inappropriate for him to be buried in their temple's cemetery. The fallout from this decision (or lack thereof) makes up the central conflict of the novel.
Praneshacharya
Praneshacharya is a member of the Brahmin community. He is highly regarded for his piety and devoted study. He is tasked with making a final decision about whether or not Naranappa should be buried in the Brahmin cemetery. He is depicted as a kind man who lovingly attends to his extremely ill wife. Later in the novel his faith is put to the test after he is caught up in feelings of desire. He agonizes a great deal about right and wrong.
Chandri
Chandri is Naranappa's lover. He takes up with her after leaving his wife, causing a great stir in the village. She is extremely generous and cares for Naranappa while he is alive, regardless of how poorly he acts. She continues to show this care for him after he dies, pushing for him to receive Brahmin funeral rites. Over the course of the novel, Praneshacharya develops feelings of romantic and physical attraction towards her.
Garuda
Garuda is Naranappa's relative. He is portrayed as being self-interested and greedy. He has no interest in performing Naranappa's funeral rites but repeatedly pushes his claim for Naranappa's gold.
Putta
Putta is a man who Praneshacharya encounters in the forest. He takes an immediate interest in Praneshacharya and begins following him. He takes him to a carnival and then tries to get him to go to stay at the home of a beautiful woman he is acquainted with. His motivations for pursuing Praneshacharya's friendship appear suspect, as he comes off as working some sort of angle.
Padmavati
Padmavati is Putta's attractive female friend. She attempts to convince Praneshacharya to stay the night at her home. Like Putta, her intentions seem unclear and potentially malicious.
Belli
Belli is a low-caste woman in the village. She leads an exceedingly difficult life with her parents in a small home filled with rats and other vermin. She is romantically involved with Shripati.
Shripati
Shripati is a young man in the village. He perceives the Brahmin elders as out-of-touch and foolish. He is sleeping with Belli and frequently thinks of her with desire.
Lakshmana
Lakshmana is another of Naranappa's relatives. Naranappa's wife was his wife's sister. He has a tense relationship with Garuda, as he too pushes his claim for Naranappa's wealth.
Bhagirathi
Bhagirathi is Praneshacharya's wife. She is extremely ill and incapable of taking care of herself. She speaks very infrequently and is mostly seen crying out in pain. She suffers so immensely she often wishes she weren't alive. Praneshacharya cares for her diligently.
