Jamal is an optimistic 11-year-old boy living in a small village in Afghanistan. A devoted soccer fan, he dreams of becoming an international athletic star to elevate his marginalized ethnic group and earn safety for his family. He relies on a mixture of deep imagination and his father's pragmatic baker heritage to solve problems. He is resourceful and fiercely protective of his family, often acting as a stabilizing force against his younger sister's fiery temper.

Jamal's nine-year-old sister is a combative and highly talented soccer prodigy. Unable to tolerate the oppressive gender rules of her country, she frequently rebels by playing sports outdoors and aggressively confronting authority figures. Her explosive temper makes her a formidable spirit, though her impulsiveness consistently puts her family at physical and legal risk.

A gloomy, pessimistic boy of about Jamal's age who claims to be traveling with a large group of strangers. He is highly cynical and always expects the worst outcome, frequently demanding money or valuables for basic assistance. Despite his abrasive exterior and tendency to cause trouble, he possesses a pragmatic understanding of the world and strong survival instincts.

A courageous teenage refugee making the dangerous journey to Australia. Defying strict fundamentalist dress codes, she wears short pants, a T-shirt, and green lipstick, which puts her at severe risk from the boat's crew and pirates. She brings warmth, maternal care, and a spirit of resilience to the unaccompanied children on the vessel.

Jamal and Bibi's father is a pragmatic man who operates a taxi and bakes bread in a generations-old brick oven. Driven by a deep commitment to his family's safety, he bravely supports a secret school for girls run out of their home. He demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice everything, including his livelihood and personal treasures, to protect his loved ones from the oppressive government.

Jamal and Bibi's mother is a woman who traces her ancestry back to fierce desert warriors. She illegally teaches neighborhood girls in a secret school inside their home, an offense punishable by severe consequences under the current regime. She values her family's immediate safety far above her cherished ancestral heirlooms.

Jamal's close friend who lost a leg to a landmine. Despite his injury, he continues to play soccer as a goalie and helps Jamal survive the physical and emotional hazards of their home country.

A wise older man who provides a temporary safe haven for Jamal's family after their home is compromised. He maintains a sense of historical perspective, gently reminding Jamal of the long-standing discrimination against their ethnic group.

An officer in the Australian Navy who aids the refugees after they are found stranded in the ocean. Characterized by his large ears and gentle demeanor, he tries his best to comfort the traumatized children and provide them with familiar meals, though he struggles with the harsh political realities of his own government's immigration policies.

An angry neighbor in Jamal's village who has grown increasingly crotchety since the death of his wife. He is quick to threaten the children with the authorities, forcing Jamal's father to intervene and pay for broken windows.

A cruel and callous crew member on the boat smuggling the refugees across the ocean. He exhibits deep prejudice and a complete lack of empathy, readily using violence against passengers and eagerly participating in the extortion of the refugees.