Kiki is a confident second-year student at Whitewell College who hosts the campus radio show Brown Sugar. She takes pride in her Nigerian heritage and considers herself an expert in identifying men who waste women's time. Following a painful betrayal during her high school years, she fiercely protects her independence by keeping most people at a distance. She prefers to observe and dispense advice from afar rather than involve herself directly in the campus social scene.

Malakai is a new transfer student and aspiring filmmaker at Whitewell College. With a charming demeanor and easy confidence, he quickly attracts the attention of several women on campus, earning Kiki's suspicion. He is actually sincere in his interactions and uses his art to process a difficult family background. He seeks genuine connection but struggles with the lingering effects of his father's actions.

Zack is the popular president of the African-Caribbean Society, also known as Blackwell. He possesses a strong desire for admiration and views relationships as opportunities to elevate his own social standing. His vanity and sense of entitlement drive him to pursue Kiki aggressively after she ends their secret arrangement, ignoring her clear boundaries.

Aminah is a second-year marketing student whose parents run a successful Nigerian snack food business. She embraces a lively social life and refuses to conform to expectations about her privileged background. As Kiki's producer and closest confidante, she provides grounded advice and constantly pushes Kiki to participate in the broader campus community.

Simi is an older student and the former president of the African-Caribbean Society. She operates The TeaHouse, a campus gossip channel that thrives on romantic drama. Her confrontational style and focus on exposure put her at direct odds with Kiki's preference for conflict resolution and privacy.

Dr. Miller is Kiki's academic tutor and one of the only Black lecturers at Whitewell College. She recognizes Kiki's potential and actively pushes her to expand her radio show's reach. She provides essential professional guidance and serves as a supportive figure for Kiki in an often isolating academic environment.

Shanti is a prominent member of the Blackwell community and runs a popular beauty blog. She is known for her glamorous style and acts as the leader of a social clique known as the London Gyaldem. She initially pursues Malakai but eventually forms an unexpected connection with Kiki.

Chioma is the head of a social subgroup Kiki refers to as the Vegan Cupcakes. Recognizable by her faux dreads and nose piercing, she is an active participant in Blackwell's social scene. Like Shanti, her initial interest in Malakai eventually gives way to a deeper involvement in Kiki's social circle.

Kofi is a student and campus DJ of Ghanaian descent. He strikes up a fast friendship with Malakai upon his arrival at Whitewell. He is openly interested in Aminah and patiently pursues her attention while actively contributing to the campus music scene.

Adwoa is a politically active student and a member of the African-Caribbean Society cabinet. She holds strong convictions about social justice and expects community leaders to take definitive stands against discrimination. She actively organizes protests when she feels the community's values are threatened.

Rianne is Kiki's former best friend from secondary school. Their close bond dissolved after a conflict involving Rianne's ex-boyfriend. Her reappearance in Kiki's life forces Kiki to reexamine the painful events that led to her current social isolation.

Nile is Rianne's former boyfriend. His inappropriate behavior toward Kiki at a party, combined with his subsequent lies to Rianne about the incident, served as the catalyst for the destruction of Kiki's high school friend group.

Mr. Korede is Malakai's father, a Nigerian businessman who travels frequently. He views Malakai's passion for filmmaking as a frivolous pursuit and regularly expresses his disapproval. His past infidelities have severely damaged his relationship with his son.

Meji is the owner of Sweetest Ting, a popular diner that serves as a community hub. He stepped in to protect Malakai from police harassment when Malakai first moved to town, establishing himself as a reliable mentor and friend.

Ama is Malakai's former girlfriend. During a period when Malakai was struggling with depression due to his family issues, she was unsupportive and critical of his behavior, contributing to his wariness regarding committed relationships.