Characters in Durgeshnandini are numerous, and belong to the novel named `Durgeshnandini` which is a historical novel, composed in Bengali language by the author Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the year 1865. This novel is based on a legendary tale involving a love triangle between Tilottama, who is the daughter of a feudal lord in Bengal, a Mughal General named Jagat Singh and Ayesha, who is a Pathan leader`s daughter.

Tilottama, Daughter of Burendra Singha
The main protagonist of the novel Durgeshnandini, Tilottama is the daughter of the Bengali feudal lord named Birendra Singha, who controls the south-western portion of Bengal, particularly Mandaran which constitutes the present-day Hooghly district in Paschimbanga. The beautiful Tilottama falls in love with Jagat Singh, who is a General belonging to the Mughal army. In the conclusion of the novel, the union of Tilottama and Jagat Singh is assisted by Ayesha, a Muslim woman.

Birendra Singha, Feudal Lord of Mandaran
Birendra Singha is the father of Tilottama and the feudal lord of Mandaran, a region in the south-western area of Bengal province. He dies in a fierce battle, however, when Mandaran is abruptly attacked by Katlu Khan, a Pathan leader.

Jagat Singh, Mughal Army General
Jagat Singh is a general of the Mughal army and is a Hindu prince who is quite valiant. He is the hero of the novel, and he is smitten by the charming woman, Tilottama. He was captured and taken prisoner in a violent conflict between a Pathan leader by the name of Katlu Khan, in which Birendra Singha was killed. Another character called Ayesha also harboured affections for this young and courageous general. Eventually, Jagat Singh was released by the Pathans. But, he was asked to fight a duel with Osman, who was the lover of Ayesha, wherein Jagat Singh emerged victorious. Finally, was able to marry the woman of his choice, thanks to the efforts of a Muslim lady known as Ayesha.

Bimala, Wife of Birendra Singha
Bimala was the wife of the feudal lord Birendra Singha and Tilottama`s mother. She was also imprisoned by the Pathan leader Katlu Khan, along with Tilottama and Jagat Singh in the battle between Birendra Singha and the Pathans. Later, Bimala took revenge against Katlu Khan, for murdering her husband, by stabbing Khan.

Ayesha, another Significant Character
Ayesha is another significant character in the novel Durgeshnandini. She has a soft corner for Jagat Singh and secretly loves him. However, she is aware of the love relationship between Tilottama and Jagat Singh, and therefore decides to steer clear of Jagat Singh. She rescues Tilottama from the clutches of her father Katlu Khan, who lusts for the former. She is quite practical and knows that being a Muslim lady, it is impossible for her to enter into matrimony with Jagat Singh, who is a Hindu prince. The author demonstrates her generosity when she extends her cooperation in order to help Tilottama marry the man of her dreams, Jagat Singh.

Katlu Khan, Rebellious Pathan Leader
Katlu Khan is a rebellious Pathan leader who launched war against Mandaran and attacked Birendra Singha, killing him in that very battle. He is the father of the benevolent lady Ayesha and developed a great lust for the attractive Tilottama. Luckily for Tilottama, Katlu Khan never succeeded in his evil designs of coming close to Tilottama, thanks to the intervention of his own daughter Ayesha. Later, Katlu Khan is murdered by the widow of Birendra Singha, namely Bimala.

Osman, Admirer of Ayesha
Osman is the admirer of Ayesha and challenges Jagat Singh to duel. However, he is defeated by the bold general Jagat Singh.