Samad is Alsana's husband, father of Millat and Magid, and a Bangladeshi immigrant who befriends Archie during World War II. He is proud and passionate, often struggling with cultural identity and tradition as he navigates life in England.

Irie is the intelligent and curious biracial daughter of Archie and Clara Jones. She grapples with her identity and family history while seeking belonging and understanding outside her family.

Millat is the rebellious younger twin of Samad and Alsana, drawn to Western culture and later joins a fundamentalist group. He struggles with his cultural identity and familial expectations throughout the story.

Magid is the older and more intellectual of the Iqbal twins, who is sent to Bangladesh and eventually becomes very Westernized. He is deeply engaged with rationalism and science.

Clara is Archie's practical, level-headed Jamaican wife and Irie's mother. She rebels against her deeply religious upbringing and navigates her immigrant experience in England with a mix of realism and adaptability.

Alsana is Samad’s pragmatic and opinionated wife who works from home as a seamstress. She often challenges her husband’s traditional views and is quick to adapt to life in England.

Marcus is a scientist whose work focuses on genetic engineering, married to Joyce and father of Joshua. He believes in the power of science to perfect both society and the human body.

Josh is the oldest son of Marcus and Joyce, and a classmate of Irie and Millat who has his own identity struggles. He initially embraces his parents' values but later seeks distinction from his family legacy.

Joyce is Marcus's wife and the nurturing mother of Joshua, often expressing her care through writing and gardening. She supports her husband's work and sees her role as a maternal figure.

Hortense is Clara’s strict and religious Jamaican mother who is a devoted Jehovah’s Witness. She is opinionated and energetic but holds a grudge against Clara for leaving their church.

Ryan is a redheaded, awkward teenage boy who dates Clara before converting to Jehovah’s Witness. He remains involved with the church and lives with Hortense later in the story.

Neena is Alsana's Westernized niece who eventually becomes a shoe designer and speaks openly about her identity and relationships. She serves as a voice of reason within the family.

Poppy is a red-haired music teacher at Millat’s school, who becomes involved with Samad. She has an enthusiastic yet naive approach to race and culture.

Dr. Perret is a French scientist accused of collaborating with Nazis during World War II, later becoming a mentor to Marcus Chalfen. He has a chronic illness causing his eyes to bleed.

Mickey is the owner of O’Connell’s Poolroom, where he serves British pub food to customers. He has a Westernized name and suffers from disfiguring acne.

Ambrosia is the mother of Hortense who had a relationship with the English captain Charlie Durham in Jamaica. Their story is connected with themes of English colonialism and cultural exchange.

Mangal Pande is the historical ancestor of Samad Iqbal, known for his role in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He is used symbolically in the narrative to explore themes of identity and legacy.

Horst Ibelgaufts is a Swedish gynecologist who tied with Archie in cycling at the Olympics. He maintains contact with Archie through letters that Archie uses for decision-making.

FATE is a radical animal rights group founded by Joely and Crispin. Joshua joins them as a form of rebellion against his family's beliefs.

KEVIN is a Muslim fundamentalist group that Millat joins, representing a blend of various ideologies. Its members include young immigrants seeking identity and community within the group.