Jagan
Jagan is a 55-year-old vendor of sweetmeats living in the fictional town of Malgudi in Southern India. Earlier in his life he was a serious disciple of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He is the father of Mali and frequently overburdens himself to be kind to him. He is depicted as a largely peaceful man who is content with the success of his business. He struggles when Mali asks for increasingly large sums of money, as he is torn by his desire to make him happy and the impossibility of his demands. As the novel progresses, he becomes less and less attached to his worldly possessions.
Mali
Mali is Jagan's son. He expresses a desire to become a writer, though nowhere in the novel is it indicated that he has ever actually written anything. He is described as being relatively entitled, constantly taking money from his father, even when he has to steal it. His interactions with other characters frequently involve him asking for things. He constantly says that India is a "backwards" country and says that people are more focused on progress in the West. He rarely appears happy or content with anything.
Cousin
The "cousin" character is supposedly Jagan's cousin, although this assumption is based solely on the character's claim and no concrete evidence. He is depicted as Jagan's confidante and often acts as mediator between Jagan and Mali. His intentions are not portrayed in a positive light, as he seems to relish Jagan's unhappiness and discomfort during his struggles with Mali.
Grace
Grace is Mali's girlfriend, whom he initially introduces as his wife. She is from America and is of Korean and American descent. She is kind and Jagan likes her immediately. She appears to often have been mistreated by Mali. He constantly asks her to do things, like write letters and ask for money, on his behalf without thanking her. His relationship with her causes a great deal of controversy in the village as she is not Indian and, as it is later revealed, they are not actually married.
The Bearded Man
The bearded man is a solitary individual whom Jagan encounters one day. He shows Jagan the sculpture he is making of the goddess Gayatri and inspires him to let go of his desire for material wealth.
Nataraj
Nataraj is a worker at Truth Print Works, a telegram company. Jagan receives his telegrams from him. He is depicted as being kind to Jagan.
Sivaraman
Sivaraman is a cook at Jagan's shop. He is dismayed by the changes in price Jagan makes, as he worries it means that he intends to close down.
Ambika
Ambika is Jagan's wife. She is dead by the time the events of the book occur. He remembers her very tenderly, as their marriage was a happy one and he constantly wished to be with her.
Jagan's Father
Jagan's father is described as a serious and very traditional man. He is critical of Jagan when he fails his exams and when he does not have children with Ambika in the early years of their marriage.
Jagan's Brother
Jagan's brother is depicted as his confidante and friend. He is supportive of Jagan on the train ride back from the visit to Ambika's house.
