A retired bureaucrat who takes a job managing a rest house along the banks of the Narmada River following the death of his wife. Seeking tranquility and a retreat from the world, he attempts to embrace the life of a forest hermit. Despite his desire for isolation, his position constantly brings him into contact with pilgrims, travelers, and locals who share their life stories with him.

An older mullah and Islamic theologian who runs a mosque near the Narmada River. He serves as a wise conversational partner to the narrator, frequently sharing stories that challenge preconceived notions about life and enlightenment. Though he is an Islamic scholar, he respects the regional spiritual practices and the holiness of the river.

A prominent figure connected to the history and spirituality of the Narmada River. As an ascetic of Shiva, he undergoes extreme physical training and interacts with marginalized communities. As a scholarly archaeologist, he leads an excavation team studying the river's physical history. His dual existence represents the different paths of experiencing the region.

The narrator's clerk at the rest house who lives in the nearby town of Rudra. He is a practical and dedicated worker who ensures the daily operations run smoothly. He maintains a deep respect for the local mythology and frequently explains tribal customs to the narrator.

The local doctor in the area near the rest house. Educated and rational, he approaches the myths and legends of the Narmada River with a secular, historical perspective. He frequently provides medical advice while offering cultural commentary, viewing the ongoing spiritual practices as psychological phenomena rather than divine occurrences.

A Jain monk belonging to the Sky Clad sect, traveling as a pilgrim near the Narmada. Formerly the heir to a wealthy diamond company, he spent his youth indulging in material pleasures before becoming disillusioned. He renounced his opulent lifestyle in a lavish ceremony to embrace a life of severe asceticism and poverty.

A poor music teacher living near Calcutta who struggles to support his resentful family. Having lost his own musical prospects as a youth, he finds renewed purpose when he discovers a highly talented blind singer. He attempts to mentor and protect the young singer from exploitation, despite facing abuse from his wife and children.

A blind boy with an extraordinary singing voice. He is taken in by Master Mohan, who trains him in classical and devotional music. His pure talent draws crowds at local parks and eventually attracts the attention of wealthy individuals looking to exploit his abilities.

The nephew of the narrator's former colleague, coming to the rest house to study tribal cultures. Previously an executive living an indulgent life in Calcutta, he grew dissatisfied and took a solitary position managing a rural tea estate. He struggles with severe mental distress and believes he is afflicted by a curse related to his time at the estate.

An employee at the rural tea estate managed by Nitin Bose. She enters into a physical relationship with him during his time of isolation. Connected to the local tribal communities, her relationship with Nitin ends poorly when he decides to return to his urban life.

A former courtesan from Shahbag who comes to the Narmada River searching for her missing daughter. She raised her daughter in the traditional arts of beauty and music, protecting her until a violent raid at a bazaar separated them. She refuses police help due to the dangerous reputation of the men who took her child.

A highly skilled performer raised in a haveli in Shahbag. She was kidnapped by a notorious bandit after a performance, leading to a complex relationship with her captor. She is trained in the traditional arts of seduction and music, using these skills to survive her captivity.

A notorious outlaw whose reputation terrifies local authorities and citizens alike. Despite his violent public image, his private interactions reveal a different, more devoted side when he kidnaps a young performer. He commands a loyal group of men and claims to possess a mythic immortality.

A highly talented veena player who travels to the Narmada River seeking spiritual restoration for her music. Born with an unattractive physical appearance, she found solace and expression in classical music under her father's rigorous instruction. Her musical abilities serve as a powerful force of connection and seduction.

A genius veena player who recognizes his daughter's social struggles and decides to train her rigorously in classical music. He is a strict and demanding teacher who insists that she learn the origins and theories of ragas before ever touching an instrument.

A young woman who travels the region singing devotional hymns. Originally from a difficult background where she faced severe abuse, she is taken in and taught to read, write, and sing. She develops a profound spiritual connection to the Narmada River, which serves as a protective force in her life.

The local police constable of Rudra. He assists in managing incidents around the river and the town, coordinating with Dr. Mitra and the narrator when travelers face legal or physical trouble.

A friend to Master Mohan who observes his difficult home life and encourages him to take control of his household. He shares musical outings with Mohan and provides a supportive ear.