Rahima's great-great-grandmother and co-protagonist of the novel, Shekiba grows up facing severe challenges due to a disfiguring accident, yet demonstrates strength and adaptability as she navigates a life marked by masculine and feminine roles.

Rahima's supportive aunt, known for her use of Afghan proverbs, who plays a crucial role in encouraging Rahima to become a bacha posh and serves as emotional support, maintaining family connections.

A powerful Afghan warlord and Rahima's older husband, whose traditional views and violent tendencies create a challenging and restrictive environment for Rahima as his fourth wife.

The mature and reasonable older sister of Rahima, who marries into Abdul Khaliq's family and appears to have a caring husband, living a relatively stable life with her two children.

Abdul Khaliq's domineering mother and Rahima's critical mother-in-law, who perpetuates harsh treatment having experienced similar from her own mother-in-law.

Shekiba's husband and a friend of Prince Amanullah, whose desire for a son affects his relationships, particularly influencing events in Shekiba's life.

Rahima's artistically gifted but socially awkward older sister, who faces physical challenges and marital abuse leading to a tragic end.

Rahima’s mother, burdened by an abusive husband and societal limitations, struggles with the responsibilities of raising her daughters and later succumbs to addiction.

Rahima's father, an opium-addicted soldier whose traditional views and frustration over not having a son lead to his daughters' marriages, including Rahima’s to Abdul Khaliq.

A beautiful former guard in King Habibullah's harem turned concubine, whose secretive affair and tragic fate even impact Shekiba's life.

Shekiba's tyrannical grandmother, who manipulates family ties to settle debts, showing little compassion towards Shekiba.

A businessman who, seeing Shekiba as a burden, accepts her into his household to settle a debt with her family, later giving her to the king.

Azizullah's wife, who becomes cautious of Shekiba due to family influences and ultimately advocates for her removal from their household.

Azizullah's brother with connections to royalty, who aims to leverage his position to advance politically.

The leader of King Habibullah's harem guards, whose betrayal of Shekiba points to palace intrigue and personal survival instincts.

Abdul Khaliq's first wife who holds a prominent role in the family and is involved in parliamentary affairs under her husband's influence.

Rahima's kind and supportive co-wife in Abdul Khaliq's household, who helps Rahima adjust to her new life and mothers her child.

The envious third wife of Abdul Khaliq, who often undermines Rahima for personal gain.

A progressive Afghan ruler committed to modernization and women's rights, whose reforms symbolize hope for characters like Shekiba.