Deming's mother who moves from China to the US, adopting the name Polly; she faces a conflict between her adventurous spirit and family responsibilities.

Polly's boyfriend and a father figure to Deming, working hard to support his family while grappling with difficult life circumstances.

Leon’s sister who lives with him, Polly, and their children, making tough decisions for her family and household.

Vivian’s son who grows up alongside Deming and later supports him by sharing information about their past.

Daniel's closest friend and bandmate from Ridgeborough, known for his confidence and dynamic energy despite feeling like an outcast.

An economics professor who, with his wife Kay, fosters and then adopts Deming, introducing him to a different cultural environment.

A political science professor and Peter’s wife, she shares a closer relationship with Daniel and grapples with the challenges of adoption.

Polly's husband, offering her economic stability and support as she navigates the complexities of her life.

An adoptive Chinese daughter who befriends Daniel; they bond over shared feelings of disconnection from their adoptive families.

Polly’s father, a traditional fisherman from Minjiang who raises both Polly and Deming during their early years.

Haifeng's mother who is involved in Polly's early life, particularly related to family and property matters.

A village boy connected to Polly through a relationship rooted in her early life circumstances.

Angel's adoptive parents and close friends of the Wilkinsons, forming part of the social circle surrounding Daniel.

A classmate of Daniel's from Ridgeborough, symbolizing the local environment Daniel navigates during his return.