Ada is a Nigerian girl born with ogbanje, or spirits, residing within her. Growing up, she tries to find normalcy and often prays to Christ for comfort, but the entities inside her assert their own hungers. Raised initially by her parents before her mother moves away, she experiences profound isolation and trauma. These events cause her to rely heavily on the distinct identities within her mind to survive.

Asughara is a cruel and fiercely protective spirit born out of Ada's deepest pain. She takes control of Ada's body to shield her from experiencing trauma firsthand. Operating with a disregard for human consequences, Asughara seeks out physical pleasure and control over others, viewing humanity as weak and easily manipulated.

Saachi is Ada's mother, originally from Malaysia. She is a resilient woman who tries to care for her uniquely challenging daughter while dealing with an indifferent husband. Faced with severe family hardships, she eventually takes a job in Saudi Arabia, maintaining contact from afar to support her children.

Saint Vincent is a gentle, unplaceable ogbanje who explores masculinity and gender expression within Ada. Unlike the violent Asughara, he possesses a soft, comforting nature and acts as a mediator within the marble room of Ada's mind. He encourages Ada to experiment with her physical presentation.

Yshwa is a spiritual figure representing Christ, to whom Ada prays for comfort and protection. Having experienced human suffering himself, he offers an unconditional, non-judgmental love that frustrates the darker spirits within Ada's mind.

Smoke and Shadow are the original ogbanje spirits inhabiting Ada since before she was born. Operating as a collective plural identity, they view the human world with detachment. They maintain a distinct presence from Ada while feeling a complicated loyalty to her, often communicating her life events with casual indifference and hunger.

Saul is Ada's Nigerian father. He is described by the spirits as ignorant and prideful, displaying an obstinate and indifferent attitude toward his family's struggles. His violent reaction to a python in their home leaves a lasting spiritual mark on the family.

Ewan is an Irish man who forms a volatile, on-and-off relationship with Ada. He struggles with his own vices, including drinking and smoking, but genuinely seeks a deep connection with her. His desire for Ada to give herself to him entirely creates intense friction with the spirits protecting her.

Soren is an Eritrean boy who previously lived in Denmark. Shaped by a loveless childhood, he harbors deep anger and trauma, which he inflicts upon Ada through a continuous pattern of abuse. His actions directly trigger the emergence of Asughara to handle the pain.

Ala is the earth goddess, the ultimate judge, and the mother of all freshwater. She claims Ada as her own child, actively working to keep her alive while the ogbanje pull her toward death. Her physical manifestation is met with human violence early on.

Leshi is a priest in Nigeria who intuitively understands the spiritual entities residing within Ada. He possesses a deep knowledge of her condition and pushes her to confront her true nature without fear, stripping away her usual defenses.

Chima is Ada's older brother. He represents a more typical childhood experience for Saachi, contrasting sharply with the spiritual challenges that arise after Ada's birth. Later in life, he is the one to deliver tragic family news to Ada.

Añuli is Ada's younger sister. She suffers a severe injury when she is hit by a truck as a child, an event the spirits claim credit for in their attempt to break Ada's ties to the human world and isolate her emotionally.

Malena is a Dominican student who, like Ada, is inhabited by gods. She recognizes the spirits within Ada and uses her own spiritual connections to protect her friend from harm during dark moments.

Itohan is a close friend of Ada during college. Her family, particularly her strict mother and younger brother, becomes entangled in the reckless behaviors of the spirit controlling Ada's body during the visit.

Uche is Ada's uncle. He is described as the only family member who intuitively understands and accepts Ada when she begins exploring her sexuality and dating women, making his eventual death a heavy blow to her.

Lisa is a childhood friend of Ada. She takes Ada to a local celebration where dancing and music inadvertently awaken the dormant spirits within Ada for the first time.