A young girl who is taken in by Khalifa and Asha after being rescued from an abusive situation, Afiya learns to navigate and assert herself in a society with restrictive gender norms.

A young man with a troubled past who joins the askari under false pretenses, Hamza finds work and a new life in Tanga, where he forms important relationships and grows personally and professionally.

The niece of Amur and wife of Khalifa, Asha faces challenges in her society's patriarchal structure but provides care and discipline to her adoptive daughter, Afiya.

Afiya’s older brother, who takes her away from an abusive household and becomes enamored with the German colonial order, seeking to find his place through military involvement.

The son of Afiya and Hamza, whose curiosity and dreams drive him to uncover details about his family's past, particularly regarding his uncle.