Binti is a sixteen-year-old Himba girl and a master harmonizer from Earth who possesses mathematical sight. She defies her traditional, insular community by accepting a scholarship to an intergalactic academic institution. Deeply curious and carrying an ancient artifact called an edan, she attempts to balance her Himba heritage with her pursuit of knowledge across the galaxy.

Okwu is a young, hotheaded Meduse who initially views humans with hostility due to the ongoing Khoush-Meduse conflict. It is fiercely loyal to its people and worships water. Through its prolonged interaction with Binti, it slowly learns to understand humanity and eventually enrolls as a student at Oomza University.

Mwinyi is a young Enyi Zinariya man with a thick, matted braid who acts as a protector for his people. Like Binti, he is a master harmonizer, though he connects with animals rather than mathematical currents. He serves as a vital companion, challenging Binti's prejudices about his people while developing deep affection for her.

Binti's Father is Osemba's master harmonizer and a prominent astrolabe maker. He holds traditional Himba expectations for his daughter, struggling to accept her non-traditional ambitions. He harbors complex feelings regarding his Enyi Zinariya heritage, preferring to conceal it to align with Himba norms.

Binti's Mother possesses the gift of mathematical sight, which she uses to protect her family rather than create current. She adheres to Himba culture and initially fears Oomza University will take advantage of her daughter. Despite her reservations, she maintains deep affection for Binti.

The Meduse Chief is the leader of the jellyfish-like alien race. Its translucent body is missing its stinger, which was forcibly removed by Khoush researchers. This severe violation drives its aggression toward Oomza University, though it shows a willingness to listen when presented with an opportunity for restitution.

Professor Okpala is the head of the mathematics department at Oomza University. She shows immense patience with Binti's academic adjustments and emotional hurdles. She guides her research into the mysterious properties of the edan artifact.

Haifa is a bubbly, athletic student at Oomza University who befriends Binti. Having transitioned to female at age thirteen, she relates to Binti's sudden physical changes. She provides a sense of community and acceptance during Binti's difficult transition to academic life.

The Bear is an adult, human-sized alien resembling a giant ball of rough brown hair. It studies at Oomza University and spends quiet, comfortable time sitting in silence with Binti. It acts as a steadfast, nonjudgmental presence in Binti's social circle.

Heru is a Khoush boy bound for Oomza University who develops a brief connection with Binti. His early interactions with her represent a bridge between their contrasting cultures. The sudden violence he suffers profoundly impacts Binti's mental health.

Dema is a Khoush professor at Oomza University specializing in weaponry. She holds intense prejudice against the Meduse, maintaining a combative, adversarial dynamic with Okwu. Despite this, she shows a begrudging professional respect regarding weapon construction.

Doctor Saidia Nwanyi is a Khoush therapist working at Oomza University. She helps Binti cope with insomnia and panic attacks following the incident on the transport ship. She earns Binti's trust by humming a traditional Himba song during their sessions.

Dele is Binti's childhood friend and an apprentice to the Himba council of elders in Osemba. He is fiercely traditional and views Binti's departure for Oomza as a betrayal of their people. He struggles to reconcile the girl he grew up with against the changed person she becomes upon returning.

Vera is Binti's older sister, a beautiful Himba woman who perfectly aligns with her community's expectations. She acts as Binti's harshest critic, loudly blaming her sister's unconventional ambitions for their family's misfortune. She prioritizes marriage prospects and social standing.

Kapika is the chief of the insular Himba community. He enforces strict cultural boundaries and discourages his people from interacting with outsiders. He looks down upon Binti for abandoning their traditions, viewing her as tainted by her experiences abroad.

Ariya is the priestess and head matriarch of the Enyi Zinariya, also known as the Desert People. She recognizes the significance of the artifacts buried in the sand. She patiently guides Binti through understanding the latent abilities hidden in her blood.

Auntie Titi is Binti's paternal grandmother and an Enyi Zinariya botanist. Unlike her son, she embraces her heritage and openly communicates using her people's traditional hand gestures. She welcomes Binti into their community and encourages her to explore her roots.

Kande is a historical Enyi Zinariya figure viewed through Binti's visions. She represents the very first human contact with the golden Zinariya aliens. Her willingness to engage with the extraterrestrial visitors alters the trajectory of her people forever.

Arewhana is the matriarchal head of a tribe of wild elephants. Initially violent toward humans, she befriends a young Mwinyi after he bravely asks why she wishes to attack. She teaches him how to communicate with creatures of the earth.

Kuw is a general in the Khoush army holding intense prejudice against both the Himba and the Meduse. He commands violent military responses to perceived threats and dismisses Binti's attempts at peaceful mediation.

Goldie is the ruler of the Khoush people. He looks down on Binti and the Himba, initially dismissing them as foolish. However, he shows a willingness to listen when confronted with genuine power and deep cultural harmony.

Third Fish is a massive living ship resembling a shrimp, utilized by the Khoush for interstellar travel. She serves as the site of Binti's initial trauma during the Meduse attack but later grows fond of the young harmonizer.

New Fish is the newborn daughter of Third Fish. She possesses a unique biology that allows her to develop a profound physical and spiritual connection with Binti. She enjoys space travel and eagerly pairs with the young harmonizer.

Doctor Tuka is a human medical professional at Oomza University who evaluates Binti's altered biology. She offers kind, grounding perspective to Binti, helping the teenager understand her unique genetic makeup without judgment.