Gods or Devas
Krishna Friend of the Pandavas, the Supreme Divine Individuality – Bhagavan
Balarama Brother of Krishna
Surya The sun God
Indra The God of rain and thunder
Parashurama Incarnation of the supreme God
Elders
Bhishma Grandsire of the Kuru dynasty. Great uncle of Pandu, Dhritarashtra and Vidura.
Dhritarashtra King of the Kuru dynasty, Father of the Duryodhana, brother to Vidura and Pandu
Vidura Brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu
Kunti Wife of the late Pandu, mother of the Pandavas and Karna
Gandhari Wife of king Dhritarashtra
Sakuni Brother of Gandhari.
The Pandavas
Yudhishthira Eldest of the Pandavas, son of Dharma
Arjuna Brother of Yudhishthira – son of Indra
Bhima Brother of Yudhishthira
Nakula Brother of Yudhishthira, twin of Sahadeva
Sahadeva Brother of Yudhishthira, twin of Nakula
The Kauravas
Duryodhana Eldest son of Dhritarashtra, head of the Kauravas
Dushasana Brother of Duryodhana
Vikarna Brother of Duryodhana
Other characters
Karna Son of Surya, the sun God, and of Kunti
Drona Teacher and Guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas
Ashvatthama Son of Drona
Kripa Teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Adhiratha Adopting father of Karna, a charioteer of King Dhritarashtra.
Radha Wife of Adhiratha, adopting mother of Karna.
Ekalavya Prince of the Nishadas, of a low birth
Drupada Father of Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna.
Dhrishtadyumna Brother of Draupadi.
Draupadi Wife of the Pandavas, sister of Dhrishtadyumna.
Salya A prince.
Sanjaya A royal messenger.
Ghatotkacha Son of Bhima who is half rakshasa (demon).
Three Rishis
Brahmanas, priests, servants, soldiers