Kabir is a nine-year-old boy born and raised inside an Indian women's prison. He is observant, determined, and deeply devoted to his mother. Having lived his entire life behind bars, he lacks basic knowledge of the outside world but possesses a strong moral compass and a desire for freedom. He speaks Tamil with most people and uses Kannada as a private language with his mother.

Kabir's loving and resilient mother. A Dalit woman accused of theft, she remains incarcerated because she cannot afford a lawyer for a trial. She fiercely protects Kabir's innocence, teaching him multiple languages, sharing traditional stories, and insisting he treat others kindly regardless of their behavior.

A resourceful and independent Roma girl who lives on her own outside the prison. She supports herself by telling fortunes and foraging. Having experienced her own hardships, she offers practical street-survival skills to those she chooses to help.

A standoffish man whom the authorities identify as Kabir's father's cousin. They release Kabir into his custody. He behaves suspiciously, speaking little to the boy, refusing to answer questions about their family, and strictly controlling Kabir's movements.

A tough, pragmatic older woman sharing Amma and Kabir's prison cell. She has a harsh exterior, catches mice with a rock, and is fiercely protective of her cellmates. She provides Kabir with practical, sometimes blunt advice about self-defense and survival.

The kind and dedicated teacher at the jail school. She does her best to educate the incarcerated children, providing them with treats, encouragement, and practical advice about the outside world. She uses metaphors, like the life cycle of a butterfly, to teach her students about hope and growth.

Kabir's paternal grandmother who lives in the city of Bengaluru. Because of religious differences, her son never informed her about his marriage to a Hindu woman or the birth of his son, leaving her entirely unaware of Kabir's existence initially.

Kabir's paternal grandfather. Like his wife Patti, he lives in Bengaluru and remains completely unaware that he has a grandson, due to his son keeping his marriage a secret from the family.

Kabir's father, a Muslim man who secretly married Amma, a Hindu woman, to avoid criticism from his family. He used to visit the prison when Kabir was a baby. He eventually moved to Dubai for a better-paying job, hoping to earn enough money to hire a lawyer for Amma, but later stopped writing letters entirely.

A quiet, gentle woman sharing the prison cell with Kabir and Amma. She receives weekly visits from her children, who bring her candies that she happily shares with her cellmates.

The newest arrival in Kabir's prison cell. She is flustered, often greedy, and lacks manners, though Amma constantly encourages Kabir to show her grace and treat her like family.

A five-year-old girl living in the prison. She is Kabir's playmate and becomes deeply upset when she learns he is leaving the facility.

Rani's pet parrot. He knows how to speak a few words and provides Rani with companionship and a sense of security.

A friendly boy who lives in the same apartment building as Kabir's grandparents. He is inquisitive, welcomes Kabir into his friend group, and supports Kabir's desire to find a lawyer.

The headmistress of an alternative residential school. She is empathetic toward children in need, allowing Rani to live in a tent so she feels comfortable while receiving an education.

Viji Aunty's sister-in-law. She works for a law firm dedicated to helping low-income individuals. Kabir reaches out to her hoping to secure legal assistance for his mother.

A prison guard who oversees the inmates in Amma and Kabir's block. She strictly enforces the prison's daily routines.

A shopkeeper in Bengaluru who faces prejudice due to his Tamil heritage. He proves to be a well-intentioned person when an angry mob approaches his store.

Appa's cousin who visits the family in Bengaluru. She brings her son Junaid along for the visit.

Kabir's cousin, roughly the same age as him. He holds judgmental views about people in the prison system, causing friction when he makes rude assumptions about Amma.

A retired police officer who stands up against caste-based discrimination to ensure Kabir and Rani can purchase train tickets safely.

A kind woman on the train who chats with the children during their journey. She shares her sweets with Kabir and offers her perspective on the water shortages causing tension among the passengers.