Richard is a recently retired professor of German philology living alone in Berlin. As a widower with an abundance of free time, he follows a quiet routine of household chores and reading. His academic curiosity is sparked when he notices a group of African refugees holding a hunger strike at Alexanderplatz. He decides to interview them to learn about their transitions into refugee status.

Rashid is a refugee who often acts as a spokesman for the group of displaced men. Before violence forced him to flee across the Mediterranean, he worked in a metal shop designing ornate gates. He practices Islam and shares his religious traditions with Richard. He harbors a strong desire to find employment and establish a stable life.

Osarobo is an 18-year-old refugee from Ghana who resides in the provisional housing facility. He has endured significant trauma and expresses confusion over the hostility he faces in Europe. Despite his hardships, he maintains a curiosity about music and eagerly accepts Richard's offer to teach him basic piano chords.

Awad is a young refugee who grew up in Ghana and Libya before soldiers forced him onto a boat. He believes that full transparency is the only way to secure a permanent home in Germany. His experiences have fractured his sense of identity, leaving him feeling entirely disconnected from his childhood.

Christel is Richard's deceased wife. As a child, she survived being shot during the end of World War II. She shared a long marriage marked by rigid habits with Richard and remains a significant presence in his memory.

Detlef is one of Richard's lifelong friends in Berlin. He lives a prosperous life and frequently socializes with other educated, affluent individuals. His conversations typically center on comfortable, everyday inconveniences, which begin to bore Richard.

Sylvia is Detlef's wife and a regular member of Richard's social group. She enjoys a stable life but occasionally expresses fear over what might happen if she were ever forced to flee her home like the men Richard interviews.

Karon is a refugee from Ghana who formerly operated a small business selling shoes. He struggles with the demands of the immigration bureaucracy while constantly worrying about his family's financial desperation back home.

Apollo is a young Tuareg refugee who grew up traveling with desert caravans. He possesses a strong sense of direction and survival, maintaining strict habits to ensure he is never softened by temporary comforts. Richard uses the classical name Apollo to describe him due to his striking physical appearance.

Zair is a refugee who shares a room with Rashid. He expresses open pity for Richard upon learning that the former professor has no children to accompany him in his old age.

Rufu is a quiet refugee who struggles with isolation and medical issues. He insists on paying for Richard's groceries when the older man forgets his wallet, demonstrating a strong sense of pride and generosity.

Ithemba is an accommodating refugee who frequently prepares large portions of food for his peers and visitors. He attempts to maintain a positive environment despite facing severe psychological stress over his pending asylum status.

Abdusalam is a Nigerian refugee living in the provisional housing facility. He participates in the group's efforts to learn German and relies on his peers to manage the emotional toll of their displacement.

Peter is an archaeologist and longtime friend of Richard. He travels frequently and provides historical trivia that helps Richard contextualize the modern events happening in the city's public squares.

Jörg is a psychiatrist and part of Richard's affluent social circle. He holds dismissive and prejudiced views regarding the displaced Africans, which causes friction with Richard.

Monika is a friend of Richard's who travels frequently. She complains openly about the presence of African women on Italian roadsides, displaying an ignorance that alienates Richard.

Thomas is a former economics professor. He acts as a practical sounding board for Richard's ideas and provides logistical assistance when Richard attempts to interact with local financial institutions.

Yussuf is a refugee who actively works on his language skills with the goal of becoming an engineer. He tries to participate constructively in the local system but is pushed to his limits by the constant threat of relocation.

Marie is a 21-year-old woman romantically involved with Peter. She connects Richard's older social circle to younger acquaintances by throwing parties.

Ahmed is Rashid's young son. He used to visit his father's metal shop after school before the family was displaced by violence in Libya.

Amina is Rashid's young daughter. She spent her afternoons playing at her father's workplace before her family was forced into military barracks and onto a boat.

Anne is a photographer and an acquaintance of Richard. She provides him with advice when he faces unexpected personal dilemmas regarding his home.