Sunny is a twelve-year-old girl with albinism who was born in New York but currently lives in Nigeria. She struggles to fit in at her local school, where her appearance and American accent draw unwanted attention. After discovering she is a free agent Leopard Person, she begins learning the rules of a secret magical society. She is a talented soccer player whose sensitive skin previously kept her off the field.

Orlu is an older classmate of Sunny who comes from an established Leopard family. He possesses a strong moral compass and prefers to follow rules, often acting as the voice of reason among his friends. His natural magical ability allows him to undo bad things, a power directly connected to his dyslexia.

Chichi is Orlu's brash, outspoken neighbor who lives in a mud hut filled with books. She does not attend regular school but possesses a photographic memory that helps her master complex magic. Highly confident in her own abilities, she frequently ignores safety warnings and performs advanced spells without permission.

Sasha is a Black American boy whose parents sent him to West Africa as punishment for using magic against non-magical people in his hometown. He is highly energetic, impatient with authority figures, and eager to test his magical boundaries. He proudly identifies as American and defends his home country when older scholars criticize it.

Black Hat Otokoto is a notorious serial killer operating in the area. He specifically targets children, creating widespread panic among local parents. His ongoing crimes form a tense backdrop to the daily lives of the residents.

Anatov is a tall Leopard scholar who speaks with an American accent. He acts as the primary teacher for the young magical students, organizing their lessons and sending them on challenging assignments. He believes in teaching through practical, sometimes hazardous experiences.

Sugar Cream is the respected Head Librarian at the Obi Library, a powerful magical institution. She is an elderly woman with severe scoliosis who strictly enforces the rules of her society. Known for her harsh punishments, she expects total discipline from young practitioners.

Sunny's mother is a devout Catholic who worries constantly about her children's safety, particularly with a serial killer on the loose. She avoids discussing her own family history and maintains a careful distance from topics she considers unnatural or strange.

Sunny's father is a strict disciplinarian who shows clear favoritism toward his sons. He resents Sunny and treats her coldly, leading her to feel alienated in her own home. He values conventional success and expects unquestioning obedience.

Ozoemena is Sunny's deceased maternal grandmother. Her surviving daughter remembers her as a strange woman with hidden habits. She leaves behind a legacy that significantly impacts Sunny's understanding of her own heritage.

Jibaku is a popular girl at Sunny's school who acts as the primary instigator of the bullying against her. She uses Sunny's physical differences as an excuse to physically and verbally harass her on the playground.

Kehinde is an advanced scholar who lives in a dangerous, enchanted forest. He believes that individuals must sometimes face extreme danger for the benefit of their community, maintaining a detached view of the young students' safety.

Taiwo is an advanced scholar who resides hundreds of feet in the air. She instructs the young group on their specific roles and responsibilities, emphasizing that they are part of a much larger plan.

The Junk Man is a merchant who sells specialized tools and magical items. He recognizes Sunny's dual nationality immediately and facilitates her acquisition of a crucial ceremonial knife.

Miknikstic is a tall, kind wrestler from Mali who takes the time to listen to Sunny when she is distressed. He possesses an ability that allows him to see into the near future during combat.

Yao is a competitive student attending the festival in Abuja. He attempts to impress onlookers with his magical abilities but quickly finds himself outmatched when he challenges Chichi.

Godwin is the captain of the green football team at the Zuma Cup. Although he initially refuses to let Sunny play because of her gender, he quickly changes his mind after witnessing her skills on the field.

Della is a magical blue wasp artist who builds intricate sculptures out of biscuit crumbs. She requires regular praise for her artwork, creating a unique bond with Sunny.

Auntie Chinwe is Sunny's freethinking aunt who married an American and moved away. She provides Sunny with her first real clue about the family's hidden history by directing her to a secret box.

Chichi's mother is a priestess who lives an unconventional life in a mud hut entirely filled with books. She prioritizes reading and knowledge over material comfort and briefly shares tea with Sunny during her first visit.

Nyanga Toloto is a famous musician and Chichi's father. He left his family behind and provides no financial support, leaving them to live in their humble mud hut.