Metty, initially named Ali, is a charismatic former slave from Salim’s family who becomes a close worker and confidant to Salim and integrates into his new community.

Ferdinand is the son of Zabeth and is under Salim's watchful eye as he attends school in town; he becomes friends with Metty.

Zabeth is a resourceful village woman and Ferdinand's mother, known for her trips to Salim’s shop and her association with magic.

Father Huismans is a European priest and head teacher who values African culture and collects artifacts for the school.

Mahesh, from eastern Africa like Salim, owns a shop and becomes successful by adapting to the political climate while remaining unruffled by the town’s turmoil.

Shoba is Mahesh's wife, known for her beauty and vanity, and avoids her wealthy family after marrying against their wishes.

Nazruddin is a family friend of Salim who initially owns Salim’s shop and later moves to different countries, seeking prosperity for his family.

Yvette, a Belgian woman, lives in the Domain with her husband and becomes romantically involved with Salim, representing a connection to European culture.

Raymond, once an adviser to the president, is a scholar living in the Domain, whose writings on Africa are based on colonial knowledge.

Indar, a friend from Salim's past, experiences success and struggle as he transitions back to Africa from his education in England, working to spread new ideas in the Domain.

Théotime is a mechanic turned party official who takes over Salim’s shop when it is redistributed, showing a cunning side as he navigates the political environment.