A young, university-educated teacher who values his autonomy over the prestige of civil service. He holds strict ethical ideals regarding his newly independent nation's government and looks down on corrupt politicians. Despite his cynicism, he is susceptible to charm and harbors his own political and romantic ambitions.

The charismatic Minister of Culture who is beloved by the public despite his unethical methods and misuse of funds. He is a pragmatic, wealthy politician who easily connects with common citizens by speaking pidgin and wearing national robes. He demands absolute loyalty from those around him.

A young, beautiful woman whom Chief Nanga intends to take as his second wife to serve as a modern hostess for his political events. She feels trapped by her family's poverty and her father's eagerness to accept Nanga's financial bribes.

Odili's friend from school and a practicing lawyer in Bori. He is a founding member of the Common People's Convention (C.P.C.), a new political party aimed at establishing a non-corrupt government. He is politically pragmatic, willing to accept illicit funds to bankroll their idealistic movement.

Chief Nanga's first wife, a provincial woman who spends much of her time in her home village raising their children. She provides a welcoming environment for Odili at the minister's home and represents her husband's traditional roots before he acquired massive political wealth.

A young woman whom Odili knew during their university days. She works as a nurse at a hospital in the capital city and is engaged to a man in Scotland. She maintains a casual dynamic with Odili, eager to accept his invitations.

Odili's father and a retired District Interpreter. A man who holds significant local power, he has thirty-five children and five wives. He strongly disapproves of Odili's career as a teacher, preferring his son work in a lucrative government position where he can acquire a car and status.

Odili's friend and fellow intellectual. Having recently returned from a post-graduate program in London, he shares Odili's perspective on education and class status.

Odili's fifteen-year-old houseboy. He is fond of using large vocabulary words and maintains a close, eager relationship with his own parents in Urua.

The Minister of Overseas Training. He is a powerful politician who relies heavily on his bodyguards and reacts with extreme suspicion, panicking when his cook serves him the wrong brand of coffee.

An American woman living in Bori. She is confident, highly flirtatious, and eagerly hosts dinner parties to insert herself into the social circles of the nation's political elite.

An American man who proudly discusses America's foreign policy and domestic improvements with Odili during a visit to the minister's home.

The proprietor and principal of Anata Grammar School. He is eager to impress visiting dignitaries and becomes frustrated when Odili's preexisting connection to Chief Nanga supersedes his own formal introductions.

Edna's father. He eagerly supports Chief Nanga's intention to marry his daughter due to the substantial financial benefits and educational bribes the minister provides his family.

A local merchant and bar owner in Anata who ruins his own reputation by attempting to steal a blind beggar's walking stick to use for making medicines.

Max's fiancé, who lives with him in Bori and shares his deep political involvement with the Common People's Convention.

The head of Odili's newly formed team of bodyguards. He is a tough enforcer who believes in using aggressive, destructive tactics against political rivals.

An author who attends a literary exhibition in Bori. He receives a scolding from Chief Nanga for wearing self-designed clothes rather than a formal suit or national costume.

A barrister who travels eighty miles to visit Chief Nanga, prompting the minister to cancel his prior dinner plans.

The Minister of Public Construction. He prefers to consult local experts before paving roads, which frustrates Chief Nanga's desire to fast-track construction before upcoming elections.