Robin’s half-brother and a foil to Robin, also a son of Richard Lovell with a woman from Macau. He shares a complex relationship with Robin and plays a significant role in shaping Robin’s perspective on colonialism.

Robin’s best friend at Oxford, from a family that lost status during the British occupation of India. Ramy is characterized by his boldness, intelligence, and complex relationship with his heritage and faith.

A white, English woman and daughter of a British admiral. Like her cohort, she navigates a divided life and grapples with her privilege and relationships with the other characters.

A resourceful and intelligent character from a precarious background, with a Haitian domestic worker mother. She is crucial in the Oxford Translators’ Revolution and symbolizes hope in the narrative.

An architect of the British Empire and a professor at Babel, known for his ruthless and exploitative nature. He is the father of Robin and Griffin, playing a significant role in the protagonists' lives.

A character of dual identity, originally enslaved, who gains freedom through Babel. He serves as a mentor to the young characters and represents the stakes of nonviolent change.

The head of Babel, a professor who embodies the duality of being a genial academic while complicit in perpetuating oppression, depicting the complexity of knowledge creation within the empire.

A professor from a colonized culture with authority at the college. His tutelage helps Robin realize the exploitation inherent in translation, though his actions are rooted in nonviolence.

The only female professor at Oxford, aligns with the revolutionaries and demonstrates commitment to change over self-interest.

A committed supporter of British imperialism and translation, whose violent actions serve as a caution against maintaining power through violence.

A working-class man who opposes the oppressive impacts of silver and supports nonviolent coalition-building efforts, balancing Robin’s idealism.