Yasmina is Doria’s mother. She grew up in rural Morocco and initially lived as a traditional wife and mother before her husband left. She works as a cleaner and later takes on a cafeteria job at the local school as she builds a new life for herself.

Referred to as “the Beard,” he is absent from the beginning of the story, having left Doria and Yasmina. He represents traditional gender roles and cultural expectations, which affected Doria's self-perception.

Hamoudi is a late-twenties small-time drug dealer with whom Doria shares a close bond. He acts as a father figure to her and supports her when she faces difficulties at school.

Mme. Burlaud is Doria’s therapist, providing her with guidance throughout the novel. She is a stable and positive presence, despite Doria sometimes viewing her eccentric behavior with skepticism.

Mme. Du is the social worker for Doria and Yasmina. While initially met with resentment by Doria, who endows her with various nicknames, Mme. Du assists in facilitating Yasmina’s job training and literacy courses.

Aunt Zohra is Yasmina’s longstanding friend from Algeria. Despite living in another suburb, she remains close to Yasmina and faces challenges in her own family situation.

Youssef is Aunt Zohra’s oldest son and was like a big brother to Doria in their younger years. His involvement with crime leads to his arrest, shocking Doria.

Nabil is the son of a friend of Yasmina and becomes Doria's boyfriend. He helps her with homework and encourages her intellectual pursuits, becoming integral to her personal growth.

Lila is a young Algerian woman who is a divorced mother living in the same housing estate as Doria. She employs Doria as a babysitter, and her relationship with Hamoudi influences Doria’s perspective.

Jacqueline teaches Yasmina literacy and soon becomes her friend. The friendship signifies the possibility of cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.

Samra is a young woman living in Doria’s building. Her dramatic escape from a restrictive home life provides a counterpoint to Doria’s own struggles.

Aziz manages a small neighborhood grocery and is friendly to Yasmina. He symbolizes traditional marriage expectations but does not fulfill Doria’s hope of being a new partner for her mother.