Mariamma (Big Ammachi or Big Mother)
Mariamma is the novel's central character, 12 years of age when she goes to Parambil to get married to a 43-year-old widower, Big Appachen. Mariamma has never met Big Appachen, but she is optimistic that he will be a loving man. Mariamma does not initially comprehend why her family sells her to the land of Parambil to marry a stranger. However, Mariamma is a sanguine girl who believes all will be well.
After arriving in Parambil, Mariamma is received by her new husband, Appachen. The husband knows he has married a young girl; therefore, he treats her with care until she becomes a young woman. He waits patiently until she is older and ready to start a sexual relationship. Mariamma is a social and lovable woman and everyone in her new home loves and treats her with respect. Mariamma is given a new name, Big Ammachi, which means Big Mother.
With time, Big Ammachi becomes the family's matriarch, who is regularly consulted before major decisions are made. Big Ammachi becomes the stepmother to Jojo, and her biological children include Baby Mol and Philipose. Big Ammachi's biggest achievement is when she breaks the curse of death by drowning, which has haunted the family for generations.
Big Appachen
Big Appachen is the 43-year-old widower who marries Mariamma when she is 12. Appachen is the father of Jojo, baby Mol, and Philipose and a younger brother of Thankamma. Big Appachen is an understanding and compassionate man. After marrying Mariamma, Appachen understands that she is a young girl. Consequently, Appachen first takes care of Mariamma until she matures enough to become a wife. Appachen is loving and respectful because he treats Mariamma well. Despite being a man of few words, he listens to Mariamma's desires and tries hard to fulfill her wishes.
Jojo
Jojo is Big Appachen's son and the stepson of Mariamma "Big Ammachi". When Mariamma is married to Appachen, Jojo is a small boy. Jojo and Mariamma have a close relationship, partially due to the closeness of their ages. Though fearful of water because of the family curse, Jojo is adventurous in all other pursuits.
Thankamma
Thankamma is Big Appachen's elder sister and an aunt to Jojo, Baby Mol, and Philipose. Thankamma is concerned about the well-being of her brother when his wife dies. Thankamma encourages Appachen to marry a younger wife to take care of Jojo.
Baby Mol
Baby Mol is the daughter of Appachen and the firstborn of Big Ammachi. Baby Mol is also the sister of Philipose and Jojo. Baby Mol is friendly, talkative, and playful.
Philipose
Philipose is the son of Appachen and the second born of Big Ammachi. Philipose is also the younger brother of baby Mol and Jojo. Philipose is determined in his quest to learn to swim.
Shamuel
Shamuel is a senior member of the Pulayar family who has worked in Parambil for many years. Shamuel is sharp, focused, and determined to perform his duties on the farm. Shamuel is devoted to Big Appachen and later to Mariamma.
