Tilo is a woman marked by her aloofness and complex relationships, who experiences deep love and personal transformation through her connection to the abandoned baby Miss Jebeen the Second.

Dasgupta is an intelligence officer grappling with his love for Tilo, whose life is intertwined with the political turmoil he witnesses, leading to personal despair.

Musa is a Kashmiri militant and Tilo's former lover, shaped by personal loss and his commitment to the Kashmiri independence movement.

Naga is a security analyst and Tilo’s ex-husband, known for his charm and adaptability, whose personal and professional shifts reflect broader themes of loyalty and change.

Saddam is a resourceful and optimistic young man who becomes part of Anjum’s community, carrying a complex past with him as he seeks a brighter future.

Singh is an Indian Army officer notorious for his cruelty, whose actions have far-reaching consequences in both Kashmir and the personal lives of the characters.

Gulrez is a developmentally disabled man who Musa cares for, whose life and death are emblematic of the innocence caught in the conflict in Kashmir.

These baby girls serve as symbols within the novel, representing both tragic loss and hopeful rebirth through the circumstances of their existences.

Revathy is a Maoist militant and biological mother of Miss Jebeen the Second, whose life embodies the intersecting struggles of her personal and political realities.

Azad Bhartiya is a perpetual protester with radical views against capitalism and corruption, known for his unique hunger strike and memorable presence at Jantar Mantar.

Kulsoom Bi is the elder matron of the Hijra community Anjum joins, respected for her leadership and commitment to preserving Hijra culture and identity.

Ziauddin is a blind imam who forms a deep friendship with Anjum, aiding her in creating a community at Jannat Guest House.

Hameed Khan, also known as Ustad Hameed, is Anjum's former music teacher and a supportive presence during her difficult times.

Nimmo is a Hijra with a flair for fashion who befriends Anjum early in her life, later becoming a frequent visitor at Jannat Guest House.

Zainab is Anjum's beloved adoptive daughter, whose life evolves alongside Anjum's journey and personal growth.

Saeeda is a younger Hijra with Western influences who initially causes tension with Anjum but eventually becomes her friend.

Jahanara Begum is Anjum’s mother, who struggles with Anjum’s intersex identity but remains a loving and supportive presence.

Mulaqat Ali is Anjum’s father, a man proud of his heritage, who faces a strained relationship with Anjum due to cultural expectations.

Gupta is a former client of Anjum's who helps her with practical support and friendship after she begins living in the cemetery.

Ishrat is a beautifully described Hijra who resides at Jannat Guest House and supports the community's activities.

Jalib Qadri is a renowned lawyer and civil rights activist whose murder contributes to Major Amrik Singh's reputation.

ACP Pinky is a brutal interrogator who targets Tilo during her arrest, driven by personal insecurities.

Aggarwal is a bureaucrat with political ambitions involved in a protest where an abandoned baby becomes a point of contention.