Raza is Hiroko's son, who appears in the latter half of the story, grappling with his dual heritage and striving to find his place in a world marked by his mother's past and his own choices.

Sajjad is Hiroko's husband, representing optimism and adaptability as he builds a life in Karachi despite losing his ancestral home.

Harry is a man caught between ideals and reality, whose complex life in espionage challenges his personal relationships and moral convictions.

Kim is Harry's daughter, portrayed as a rebellious teenager who evolves into an anxious adult with a cautious approach to cultural differences and global events.

Ilse is the kind yet class-conscious lifelong friend of Hiroko, who grows in her understanding and acceptance of different cultures over time.

James is a culturally insensitive attorney, presenting the attitudes of the British Empire and struggling to adapt to changing global dynamics.

Abdullah is an Afghan refugee whose interactions with Raza highlight themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of cultural perceptions in a post-9/11 context.

Konrad is Hiroko's German lover, embodying cosmopolitan ideals and leaving a lasting impression on the characters despite his early death.