Though KOvalan is supposed to be the hero, the author in his unique style has elevated the two women characters, KaNNaki and MAdhavi to the highest status in the eyes of the society for ever. Whereas KaNNaki's exaltation as the Goddess of chastity remains unquestionable, the repentance and renunciation of MAdhavi, after realizing her mistakes made her equally noble and virtuous. The moral that comes out is that it is one's actions, and not birth, which are important.

The first part of the epic starts with the city of Poompuhar, talks of Kannagi and her husband Kovalan the almost pathetic whimpering of Kannagi as she witnesses her husband cheat on her, as he falls in love with Madhavi, a dancer. She seems to be this irritatingly benign character who is willing to forgive all her husband does.