Milkman is a 41-year-old high-ranking member of the local paramilitary who stalks middle sister. His social prominence and influence allow him to intimidate her and pursue his personal agenda with minimal repercussions.

Maybe-boyfriend is a 20-year-old car mechanic and middle sister’s ambiguous romantic interest. Despite his apparent lack of traditional masculinity, middle sister cares for him, although their relationship deteriorates due to milkman’s threats.

Ma is middle sister’s 50-year-old, widowed mother, who is traditional in her views and concerned about her daughter’s rumored association with the milkman.

Third brother-in-law is the husband of third sister and a friend to middle sister. Known for his eccentricity, he shares an interest in running with middle sister and is liked within the community despite his unusual behavior towards women.

Somebody McSomebody is a young man from a renouncer family who stalks middle sister after being rejected by her. His social lack of power makes him less of a threat compared to milkman.

Wee sisters are middle sister’s younger siblings, aged seven, eight, and nine. They are intelligent and curious, engaging in complex discussions while still behaving like typical children.

Chef is maybe-boyfriend’s best friend and secret romantic partner. Known for his interest in cooking and baking, he is often targeted by homophobic attacks.

Real milkman is the actual local milkman, who is seen as a dissenting figure against the paramilitaries. He is helpful and holds sympathetic views towards women’s concerns.

Longest friend is middle sister’s childhood friend, whose growing political involvement leads to drifting apart from the middle sister. She eventually warns middle sister about her social standing in the community.

Eldest sister is the oldest of middle sister’s siblings. Married with children, she plays a compliant role in her marriage and turns a blind eye to her husband’s faults.

First brother-in-law is eldest sister’s older husband who is also predatory towards middle sister. He faces repercussions for his behavior towards other women and girls.

Tablets girl is known for poisoning people’s drinks for unclear reasons. Her actions are driven by fear and psychological imbalance.

Second sister is middle sister’s older sibling, notorious for marrying a Protestant loyalist and moving away. She has not returned since an assault by local paramilitaries.

Third sister enjoys drinking with friends and takes pride in the miniature hedge in front of her house.

Tablets girl’s younger sister, admired for her hopefulness and kindness, eventually becomes a victim of her sister’s poisonings but maintains an optimistic outlook.

These women are associated with the district's paramilitary fighters. They hold a significant but complex position in the community due to their relationships.

The neighborhood’s feminist organization, known for addressing political issues beyond the Troubles, is met with suspicion and misinterpretation by others in the community.

Middle sister's late father, whose depression and political obsessions parallel middle sister’s own struggles with invisibility and distress.

Middle sister’s twin, married by the time the novel opens, who quietly harbors feelings for another.

Nuclear Boy is Somebody McSomebody's younger brother concerned with Cold War anxieties but considered bizarre by his community.

Second brother was a renouncer killed in a shootout, while fourth brother, not a biological sibling, is on the run due to his violent actions.

These are nicknames for the married individuals responsible for cataloging names considered disloyal in the community.

Middle sister’s French instructor in her adult education classes, admired for her optimistic outlook.

World-renowned ballroom dancers from middle sister’s district, symbols of hope and unity transcending political divisions.

A neighbor who insinuates maybe-boyfriend's disloyalty, later indirectly leading to threats from milkman.