Okenwa is a young man raised by university professors in Enugu, Nigeria. He struggles with the pressure to match his family's academic achievements, finding more joy in secretly practicing kung fu moves in the backyard. As he enters early adolescence, he develops strong, unexpressed feelings for his family's houseboy. He frequently feels burdened by his family's expectations and views caretaking as a transactional obligation.

Raphael is a hardworking boy from a nearby village employed as a houseboy for Okenwa's family. He sleeps in a bare room with a single metal box for his possessions. He acts as an authority figure to Okenwa in martial arts, instructing him on breathing and posture despite lacking formal training. He works carefully around the house to avoid angering Okenwa's mother.

Okenwa's Parents are university professors who play badminton and drink Mateus rosé. They demand intellectual excellence from their son, frequently questioning him about the books they place in his room. They run their household with severe discipline, causing their hired houseboys to walk on eggshells. In their retirement, they regress into a dependent state, watching Animal Planet and repeating fantastical rumors.

Josephine is a young girl who works as a domestic helper for one of the neighboring families. She visits the property and interacts comfortably with Raphael. Her presence drastically alters Okenwa's perception of his friendship with the houseboy.

Dr. Igbokwe is a local physician in Enugu. Okenwa's Parents telephone him for medical advice when illness strikes their household.

Hyginus is a former houseboy for Okenwa's family. He represents the precarious nature of domestic work in the strict household, having been dismissed for allegedly insulting the lady of the house.

John is a former houseboy who worked for Okenwa's family prior to Raphael's employment. He accidentally broke a dish and fled the property to avoid facing his employers' temper.