“Arangerra Kalaimani” and “Iraniyal Kalaithozhan” - Perarignar Anna Dramas: Character Analysis - A Comparative Study

‘அரங்கேற்ற கலைமணி” இரணியல் கலைத்தோழன் - பேரறிஞர் அண்ணா நாடகங்களில் கதாபாத்திரங்களின் தன்மை - ஓர் ஒப்பீடு

Abstract

This comparative study analyzes the character portrayals in the dramas of two prominent Tamil
dramatists - Perarignar Anna (C.N. Annadurai) and Iranaiyal Kalaithozhan. The research examines how both playwrights have crafted their dramatic characters to reflect and critique various social issues prevalent in Tamil society. Anna, who viewed drama as the most effective medium for social transformation, created characters that can be broadly categorized into two groups: those who corrupt society and those who are corrupted by it. His antagonistic characters, such as Vedachala Mudhaliyar, Karunakara Devar, Singaravelar, and others, represent the exploitative elements of society who use money, caste, religion, and social conventions to maintain their dominance. Similarly, Iranaiyal Kalaithozhan’s characters, including Karunakaran from “Kalnenjan,” Dayalan from “Ilatchiyas Payanam,” and Manimekhalai from “Neruppil Neeradum Malargal,” embody both progressive ideals and social evils. Through his 66-year career in drama, Kalaithozhan has written 37 social dramas, 17 historical dramas, 12 short plays, and 13 one-act plays, all aimed at social reform and Tamil language promotion in rural areas.
The comparative analysis reveals striking similarities in both dramatists’ approach to character development. Both writers use their dramatic personas to expose social exploitation, gender discrimination, caste prejudices, and economic inequalities. Their characters serve as vehicles for social commentary, with antagonists representing corrupt landlords, fraudulent religious leaders, and exploitative capitalists, while protagonists embody progressive values and social reform ideals. The study demonstrates how both Anna and Kalaithozhan successfully employed drama as a powerful communication tool for social awakening and transformation, making their works relevant for understanding Tamil society’s evolution and ongoing social challenges.