Ayaan is a young woman born into a Somali family who raises questions about the restrictive religious and cultural practices surrounding her. She grows up across Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, facing strict gender expectations and violence. Seeking physical autonomy and intellectual freedom, she begins to push back against her family's demands and the religious doctrines she is expected to follow.

Asha is Ayaan's mother, a woman whose early independence slowly gives way to bitterness. Raising her children across multiple countries with inconsistent support from her husband, she turns to strict religious rules to maintain order. She imposes severe physical discipline on her daughters, demanding absolute obedience to cultural norms.

Hirsi is Ayaan's father, a Columbia University-educated anthropologist and vocal opponent of the Somali dictator Siad Barre. He encourages his children to ask questions and participate in discussions, projecting a liberal public persona. However, he maintains traditional, patriarchal control over his household, expecting unquestioning obedience regarding family matters.

Haweya is Ayaan's younger sister, characterized by a fiery and rebellious spirit. She frequently resists their mother's strict rules and refuses to conform quietly to expectations. She is naturally intelligent but struggles deeply with the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon her during childhood.

Mahad is Ayaan's older brother and the only male child in the household. He enjoys privileges denied to his sisters, including better schooling and exemption from their mother's beatings. He frequently clashes with Ayaan during their childhood but also provides her with unexpected assistance during key moments of growing up.

Ayeeyo is Ayaan's maternal grandmother, a nomadic woman who survived a harsh life in the desert. She holds deeply ingrained traditional beliefs and views outsiders with intense suspicion. She enforces strict cultural practices on her granddaughters, believing these actions will protect their honor and ensure their survival in a dangerous world.

Boqol Sawm is a radical preacher and religious teacher who instructs Ayaan in Nairobi. He advocates for total female submission and strict adherence to conservative Islamic law, forcefully dismissing any questions from his students.

Sister Aziza is an Islamic studies teacher who exerts a strong influence on Ayaan during her teenage years. She wears full-body veils and preaches a strict code of morality, inspiring Ayaan to practice her faith more rigorously.

Theo is a Dutch filmmaker and writer known for his provocative artistic vision. He collaborates with Ayaan to produce a short film addressing religious doctrine and women's rights, an act that draws intense public anger.

Ellen is a Dutch college student and devout Christian whom Ayaan meets in the Netherlands. She freely discusses religion with Ayaan, modeling a relationship with faith based on dialogue rather than strict submission.

Osman is a traditional Somali-Canadian man selected by Hirsi to marry Ayaan. He holds conservative views about women's behavior and expects Ayaan to join him in Canada as his dutiful wife.

Mahmud is a handsome maternal cousin of Ayaan who holds communist political views. He expresses immediate interest in Ayaan and proposes a swift, secretive marriage before his departure for a fellowship in Russia.