Amir is a 40-year-old corporate lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Born in the United States to Pakistani immigrant parents, he changed his last name to Kapoor to hide his Muslim upbringing. He actively rejects his religious heritage, viewing it with deep skepticism. He focuses intensely on his career and anticipates making partner at his law firm.

Emily is a White woman in her early thirties and an emerging artist. She draws heavy inspiration from Islamic artistic techniques, believing them to be the foundational source of western art. She views Islamic culture idealistically, which frequently contrasts with her husband's cynical lived experiences. She advocates for the defense of an accused Muslim religious leader, urging Amir to get involved.

Abe is Amir's 22-year-old nephew, originally named Hussein. He changed his name to make life in the United States easier and presents a fully Americanized style. Despite his assimilated appearance, he maintains a strong connection to his religious community. He passionately believes in the innocence of Imam Fareed and seeks his uncle's legal intervention.

Isaac is a 40-year-old White, Jewish art curator at the Whitney Museum. He holds significant influence over Emily's emerging career and takes a strong interest in her use of Islamic artistic traditions. He approaches Islam from an academic perspective, romanticizing its cultural contributions. He is a charismatic intellectual who eagerly engages in debates about religion and art.

Jory is an assertive African American attorney in her late thirties who works at the same corporate law firm as Amir. She is a pragmatic professional who values the stability she has established at her current workplace, turning down lucrative offers from competing firms. She operates within the high-pressure legal environment with confidence.

Mort is a senior partner at the law firm where Amir and Jory work. He hands much of his legal responsibility to his subordinates, preferring to spend his time meditating to lower his cholesterol. He buys his employees gifts, including a statue of Siva for Amir, under the mistaken impression that his employee is Hindu.

Imam Fareed is a local Muslim cleric jailed under the Patriot Act on suspicion of raising funds for a fundamentalist organization. He insists he was only raising money for his mosque. His legal situation becomes a central point of contention among Amir's family members.