In Katha Kali there are six main characters. They are PACHA, KATHI, MINUKKU, THADI,  KARI and PAZHUPPU. PACHA stands for Hero or Good Characters ( ex: ARJUNA, KRISHNA, NALA and BHIMA ) and KATHI for Anti-Hero or highly powerful characters( ex: DURYODHANA, RAVANA and KEECHAKA ) . MINUKKU is used for depicting Women and Monks. THADI are three types. They are CHUVANNA THADI, VELLA THADI, KARUTHA THADI. CHUVANNA THADI symbolizes very cruel characters ( ex: DUSSASANA and BAKA ), while VELLA THADI symbolizes good, loyal and very strong characters ( ex:  HANUMAN and NANTHIKESHA ). KARUTHA THADI is used  for symbolizing savage characters. The character KARI is used for Black Magic or Demoness characters ( ex: NAKRATHUNDI and SIMHIKA ). PAZHUPPU is a character that can only play the role of either GOD SIVA or SRI BALARAMA. Other characters are NARASIMHA, HAMSA, GARUDA, JADAYU, KARKODAKA AND SRI KRISHNA.

COSTUMES OF KATHAKALI

THANDAPPATHAPPU, KACHAMANI, NJORI, PATTUVAL, MUNTHI, PADIYARANJAN, KUPPAYAM, VALA, HASTHAKADAKAM, THOLPOOTTU, PARUTHIKKAIMANI, UTHAREEYAM, KOLLARAM, KAZHUTHARAM, THODA, KIREEDAM, CHUTTITHUNI, CHEVIPPOOVU AND CHAMARAM.