A writer and bike courier navigating complex family relationships, notably her efforts to post bail for her brother Jamal, with friendships that oscillate between closeness and distance.

A young Black poet and literature graduate student, grappling with his place in multiple worlds and harboring unrequited feelings for Jackie.

A young Black woman who owns a fashion store, engaged in a relationship with Reiner while maintaining a mysterious connection with Oku.

Tuyen's long-lost brother whose first-person narrative adds mystery to his journey from Vietnam to Toronto, raising questions about his trustworthiness and true identity.

Tuyen's brother, a businessman connected to both legitimate and illicit ventures, who shares a complicated relationship with Tuyen marked by contrast and kinship.

Tuyen and Binh's Vietnamese refugee parents, who strive to reconcile their past losses with their lives in Canada while managing a restaurant business.

The older daughters of Cam and Tuan, who reflect the tightly controlled upbringing influenced by the loss of their sibling Quy.

Carla's brother, who frequently finds himself in legal trouble and relies on Carla's help to navigate his challenges.

Carla and Jamal's father and stepmother, who raise the children after their mother's death, with Derek initially rejecting their presence but Nadine growing to care deeply for them.

Oku's parents, with Fitz being a stern figure advocating traditional values and Claire providing a more understanding and protective presence.

The monk who takes in Quy under complex circumstances that intertwine spirituality with criminal undertakings.