Kostas Kazantzakis is Ada's father and a Greek Christian Cypriot. Once in a taboo relationship with Turkish Muslim Defne, they reunite years later, marry, and move to England. Kostas is characterized by his love of nature, becoming a botanist and ecologist, and struggles with his wife's death, leading to a temporary strain in his relationship with Ada.

Defne is a Turkish Muslim woman from Cyprus, the lover and eventual wife of Kostas, and Ada’s mother. She is known for her fiery and independent spirit. She takes bold steps for love, moving to England with Kostas despite cutting ties with her family. Her past trauma significantly impacts her, and in her determination to protect Ada, she attempts to sever ties to the past.

Meryam is Defne's older sister and Ada's aunt, visiting from Cyprus after many years due to family obligations. She is more cautious than Defne and takes joy in household tasks. Her traditional beliefs initially clash with Ada's modern upbringing, but they gradually form a bond as Ada learns more about her cultural heritage.

Yiorgos and Yusuf are co-owners of The Happy Fig tavern and are secret lovers, one Greek and the other Turk. They provide a safe haven for Kostas and Defne's relationship amid cultural tensions. Their story highlights issues of societal prejudice and the struggles of hidden love during the time of *The Happy Fig*.