Salama is an 18-year-old pharmacy student who volunteers as a doctor at a local hospital in Homs, Syria. Following the loss of her parents and the arrest of her brother, she lives with her pregnant sister-in-law, Layla. The daily trauma of treating war victims leaves her exhausted and physically ill. She constantly weighs her patriotic duty to help injured Syrians against her promise to protect Layla by fleeing the country.

Khawf is a physical manifestation of fear, appearing to Salama as a man in a dark suit with blood-like spots on his shoulders. Born from Salama's post-traumatic stress and a head injury, only she can see and hear him. He visits her frequently to show her horrific visions of what will happen if she does not secure a boat out of Syria. He uses terror as a blunt instrument to ensure she prioritizes her own physical survival.

Kenan is a young Syrian rebel who dropped his computer science studies to care for his younger siblings after their parents died. He records videos of protests and hospital conditions, uploading them to YouTube to show the outside world the reality of the Syrian Revolution. He harbors a deep love for his country and refuses to leave, believing firmly in the fight for a free, democratic Syria.

Layla is Salama's best friend and sister-in-law, currently seven months pregnant. She stays indoors to avoid the constant threat of snipers in Homs. Before the war, she dreamed of moving to Norway to become a painter. She serves as a gentle, comforting presence in Salama's life, urging her to find happiness and to secure a smuggler's boat so they can escape the violence.

Dr. Ziad is the lead physician at the hospital in Homs. Formerly an endocrinologist, the severe shortage of medical professionals forces him to perform life-saving surgeries and amputations. Having already sent his own family out of the country for their safety, he stays behind to treat the wounded. He acts as a surrogate father to Salama, frequently reminding her to eat, sleep, and value her own life as much as her patients'.

Am is a local man who organizes transportation and boats for Syrians looking to flee across the Mediterranean to Europe. He charges exorbitant prices for safe passage, profiting off the desperation of people trying to escape the war. He frequently visits the hospital to scout for individuals desperate enough to pay his steep fees.

Hamza is Salama's older brother and Layla's husband. Before the conflict escalated, he was a medical student. Six months prior to the events of the story, government forces arrested him and his father for participating in a political protest. His absence leaves a massive void in his family, and his fate in the military prison remains a constant source of anxiety.

Lama is Kenan and Yusuf's younger sister. She suffers a severe stomach injury from shrapnel and requires Salama's direct medical intervention to survive. Like many children in Homs, she is malnourished and traumatized by the constant violence around her, relying entirely on her older brother for safety.

Yusuf is Kenan and Lama's younger brother. Following the death of his parents and the ongoing trauma of the war, he has developed post-traumatic stress and become completely mute. He observes the world quietly, relying on Kenan to keep him safe as their city crumbles around them.

Samar is Am's young daughter. She becomes an unexpected patient at the hospital when a sniper's bullet nicks her neck. Her severe injury changes the power dynamic between her father and Salama, forcing the normally ruthless smuggler into a deeply vulnerable position.

Baba is Salama and Hamza's father. He actively protested against the government and was taken away to a military prison alongside his son six months before the story begins. His absence leaves Salama without parental guidance during the most dangerous period of her life.

Mama is Salama and Hamza's late mother. She died when a bomb destroyed their family home six months earlier, an event that left Salama with a skull fracture and severe trauma. Salama frequently feels nostalgic for her mother's presence and the peaceful life they shared before the revolution.

Ahmad is a six-year-old boy who arrives at the hospital with unsurvivable internal injuries. As he passes away, Salama stays by his side, holding his hands and promising that he will see his mother soon. His death heavily impacts Salama, solidifying her initial decision to seek a way out of Syria.