Vellya Paapen, Kuttapen, Inspector Thomas Mathew - Characters, The God of Small Things | The God of Small Things- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

Vellya Paapen

Vellya Paapen is Velutha's father. He's a Paravan, which means he belongs to the Untouchable class, at the bottom of the social totem pole. Vellya Paapen used to deliver coconuts to Pappachi and Mammachi's house, but Pappachi would never let him come inside. Vellya Paapen feels extremely indebted to Mammachi and her family because, after he lost his eye in an accident, she bought him a glass one. He felt extremely unworthy of such a gesture and kisses up to Mammachi at all times. Vellya Paapen grew up at a time where caste rules were extremely rigid, so he's terrified when he discovers that Velutha is having an affair with Ammu. He even offers to kill his son for what he's done.

Kuttapen

Kuttapen is Velutha's older brother and Vellya Paapen's other son. He was paralyzed after falling out of a coconut tree, so he spends all of his days lying in bed.

Inspector Thomas Mathew

He's the policeman who leads the investigation into Sophie Mol's death and Estha and Rahel's "abduction." He threatens Baby Kochamma when it becomes apparent that there is no basis for her case against Velutha, and he sexually harasses Ammu when she later goes to him to set the record straight.