Vänna Hermes is a 15-year-old Greek girl who helps Amir evade Colonel Kethros. Resourceful and independent, Vänna defies her mother's xenophobia and forms a close bond with Amir, becoming his ally and protector on the island of Kos.

Colonel Kethros serves as the main antagonist in *What Strange Paradise*. He leads a military unit on Kos tasked with capturing migrants, driven by his obsession to catch Amir. Kethros shares a xenophobic view with Marianne Hermes and struggles with the cultural changes on his island due to tourism and migration.

Younis Utu is Amir's shrewd and somewhat cowardly uncle who marries Amir's mother after the loss of Amir's father. Despite appearing weak, he takes on a caring role for his family. Younis struggles in Alexandria as a refugee and ultimately decides to board the Calypso in hopes of a better future, inadvertently involving Amir.

Mohamed is an Egyptian human trafficker operating on the Calypso. Although cynical and hardened, he occasionally shows compassion to the migrants and Amir. His authority aboard the ship is challenged as conditions worsen, and he confronts the harsh realities migrants will face in the West.

Marianne Hermes is Vänna's mother, marked by her bitter and xenophobic views. Estranged from her daughter, Marianne supports Colonel Kethros's actions and shares his disdain for migrants, influenced by her family's failed business expectations and personal disappointments.

Nicholas is a soldier under Colonel Kethros. Unlike his peers, Nicholas questions their mission, showing a compassionate and humanitarian viewpoint. His conflicted conscience leads him to assist Amir and Vänna, but it costs him his position.

Walid is a minor antagonist aboard the Calypso, known for his selfishness and resentment towards Amir. His covetous nature causes conflict among the passengers, and his desperate actions during the ship's crisis further illustrate his antagonistic role.

Kamal is an Egyptian refugee on the Calypso, previously jailed as a political dissident. He becomes part of Amir's circle during the journey, contributing to the story of survival amidst the perilous voyage.

Maher is a Palestinian refugee who left his home with the simple desire to read in peace. An English literature student, he attempts to aid the group with his language skills as they face crises aboard the Calypso.

Umm Ibrahim, pregnant and seeking a better future, boards the Calypso with hope. She serves as a maternal figure to Amir, defending him and sharing her scarce resources, while anticipating a safe delivery for her child.

Teddy is an Eritrean mathematician on the Calypso, fleeing from forced military service. He brings kindness and intelligence onboard, helping steer the ship and mediate conflicts, and provides Amir with some protection during the journey.