Chiamaka is a Nigerian American travel writer experiencing profound isolation during the global pandemic. A romantic at heart, she spends her lockdown intensely reflecting on her past relationships, desperately seeking meaning and an all-encompassing love. She comes from a wealthy background and balances her independent lifestyle with her family's traditional expectations for marriage and motherhood.

Zikora is a successful lawyer in her late thirties who has long desired a stable marriage and family. After an abrupt separation from her partner Kwame, she faces the painful and isolating experience of childbirth and new motherhood. She struggles to reconcile her professional success with her sudden, unplanned status as a single mother.

Kadiatou is a resilient, reserved woman who originally grew up in a small Nigerian village. Having endured significant trauma and the loss of multiple family members, she immigrated to the United States in pursuit of safety and happiness. She works hard to support her daughter while managing the fallout of a harrowing assault at her workplace.

Omelogor is Chiamaka's fiercely independent and outspoken cousin. A former finance professional who returned to Nigeria from the United States, she runs an advice blog called "For Men Only" and secretly uses a private fund to support women's small businesses. She actively resists her family's pressure to conform to traditional roles of marriage and motherhood.

Kwame is a Ghanaian man who initially brings immense happiness and a sense of stability to Zikora's life. His sudden disappearance and refusal to answer calls cast a shadow over Zikora's entry into motherhood, leaving her to question what went wrong in their seemingly perfect dynamic.

Amadou is Kadiatou's childhood love. He eventually moves to the United States and rekindles his relationship with Kadiatou, securing their relocation to America. However, his behavior and priorities shift drastically once they settle in a new country, leading to legal troubles and emotional distance.

Binta is Kadiatou's daughter, named in honor of Kadiatou's late sister. She represents Kadiatou's hope for the future and is the primary reason Kadiatou works tirelessly in the United States to provide a better life.

Binta is Kadiatou's older sister. Unlike Kadiatou, she is adventurous, fearless, and eager to pursue an education and a life beyond their small village. Her life profoundly impacts Kadiatou's development.

Darnell is an African American intellectual and one of Chiamaka's former romantic partners. He is often distant, critical of Chiamaka's wealthy background, and emotionally withholding, leaving Chiamaka feeling inadequate during their time together.

Chuka is a responsible, caring Nigerian man who wants to build a traditional life and marriage. While he is a good partner and gains the approval of Chiamaka's social circle, his straightforward approach to commitment eventually clashes with Chiamaka's deeper romantic yearnings.

Aunty Jane is a traditional relative of Chiamaka and Omelogor. She frequently pressures both women to conform to societal expectations regarding marriage, IVF, and adoption, often causing them to question their personal happiness.

Atasi is a young woman whom Omelogor houses and financially supports. Omelogor became her benefactor after accidentally injuring Atasi in a car accident during her childhood, creating a complex bond between them.

Jide is a close childhood friend of Omelogor. He is a gay man who playfully suggests marrying Omelogor to deter his family's nagging, though he seriously contemplates leaving Nigeria to escape societal prejudice.

Hauwa is a friend Omelogor meets after returning to Nigeria. Their relationship is occasionally strained by different values, particularly regarding lifestyle choices and the true meaning of friendship.

Luuk is a Dutch businessman and one of Chiamaka's past romantic partners. He is charming and complimentary, but carries complex family history tied to World War II and maintains unresolved connections to his ex-wife.

Zikora's mother is a traditional Nigerian woman who travels to America to support her daughter during childbirth. While she initially expects stoicism from Zikora, she eventually opens up and reveals deeply guarded secrets about her own marital history.

Zikora's father lives in Nigeria. He took a second wife when Zikora's mother could no longer have children, leading to a separation between Zikora's parents.

Chidera is Zikora's newborn son. His arrival forces Zikora to navigate the challenges of single motherhood and find hope in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past.

Bappa Moussa is Kadiatou's domineering uncle in Nigeria. He strictly enforces traditional gender roles and arranges marriages for his nieces, heavily influencing Kadiatou's early life path.

Shaquana is Kadiatou's coworker at the hotel in Washington, D.C. She quickly recognizes Kadiatou's severe distress and physically guides her to seek managerial and medical help.

Afam is Chiamaka's brother living in Lagos. He stays connected with his family abroad and occasionally checks in on his cousin Omelogor.

Bunachi is one of Chiamaka's brothers living in Nigeria, keeping up with his sister across distance during the pandemic.