Yasodhara is the primary narrator, born into a privileged Sinhala family in Sri Lanka as ethnic tensions begin to rise. She possesses a deep passion for literature and reading, often retreating behind a wall of studiousness to observe the world around her. Viewing herself as plain compared to her vibrant younger sister, she relies heavily on the comfort of familiarity as her family faces the challenges of immigration to America.

Saraswathi is the novel's second narrator, a young Tamil woman growing up in the heavily conflicted northern region of Sri Lanka. Originally a hopeful student who admires her teacher and dreams of leading a classroom herself, she endures severe trauma that shatters her peaceful ambitions. She represents the intense suffering and radicalization experienced by the island's minority population during the conflict.

Lanka, affectionately called La, is Yasodhara's younger sister. She is a naturally beautiful and vibrant young woman who discovers a profound talent for painting and art. Trusting and loyal, Lanka continuously seeks her older sister's companionship and maintains a deep connection to the colors and memories of her island home.

Shiva is a young Tamil boy who grows up in the apartment above Yasodhara and Lanka, forming an inseparable childhood trio with them. As ethnic tensions escalate, his minority status places him in increasing danger, forcing his family to survive in a hostile environment. He grows up to become a doctor, maintaining a profound and life-altering connection to both Rajasinghe sisters.

Visaka is Yasodhara and Lanka's mother, raised in a high-class Sinhala family that values colonial-era social order. Her youth is defined by a passionate, ill-fated romance that leaves her heartbroken and shapes her guarded demeanor. After fleeing the violence in Sri Lanka, she must manage the difficult transition from a life of privilege to working as a preschool teacher's aide in America.

Nishan is Yasodhara and Lanka's father, an intelligent man from a slightly lower-caste background who becomes a university-educated engineer. He is a diligent provider who struggles with the dislocating experience of immigrating to the United States. In America, he takes on modest jobs while fiercely desiring to conquer his new environment and regain his professional standing.

Mala is Nishan's twin sister, an independent and fiercely capable woman who faces constant prejudice from her mother due to her darker skin. Despite her mother's low expectations, she excels academically and commands attention. She eventually defies societal norms by choosing a partner who genuinely values her intellect and opinions.

Beatrice Muriel is Nishan and Mala's mother, a woman deeply concerned with class divisions and societal expectations. She harbors immense shame over her husband's humble fishing-village origins and projects these insecurities onto her children, heavily favoring her lighter-skinned son while dismissing her daughter.

Sylvia Sunethra is Visaka's mother, an upper-class Sinhala woman fiercely dedicated to maintaining colonial societal standards. Despite her prejudices and strict adherence to propriety, she demonstrates moments of profound courage when she actively protects the Tamil family living in her upstairs apartment from violent mobs.

Ravan is a Tamil man who spends his youth living in the apartment above the Rajasinghe family. Originally an earnest young man deeply in love with his downstairs neighbor, a bitter rejection based on their ethnic differences transforms him into a cold, resentful figure who harbors deep grudges.

Anuradha is an engineering student and Nishan's friend who falls deeply in love with Mala. Unlike other men, he is progressive and respectful, valuing Mala's intellect over societal expectations. His genuine affection offers Mala a partnership built on mutual respect.

Alice is a distant relative of Sylvia Sunethra who is taken in as a household servant after bearing an illegitimate child. She brings a grounding, earthy presence to the strict colonial household, sharing vivid stories of untamed village life that captivate the younger generation.

Dilshan is Alice's son, raised in the Wellawatte house alongside the privileged children. As the island's political climate destabilizes, he enlists in the Sinhala army, a decision that drastically alters his personality and hardens his worldview.

Ananda is Yasodhara's uncle who immigrated to the United States early to marry for love. He establishes a successful life in America and provides temporary refuge for his family when they flee Sri Lanka.

Ophelia is Ananda's wife, living a comfortable, affluent life in the United States. She represents the successful assimilation and financial stability that the newly arrived Rajasinghe family struggles to achieve.

Luxshmi is Saraswathi's sister, a young Tamil girl growing up during the heavy conflict of the northern region. Despite the constant danger surrounding her, she desperately hopes to return to school and maintain a sense of normalcy in a fractured world.

Siddharth is Yasodhara's arranged husband in the United States. He provides Yasodhara with a comforting connection to her Sri Lankan roots and shared memories of the island, though their relationship eventually faces significant emotional challenges.

Poornam is a young Tamil girl who initially works as a servant in Mala's household. During the chaos of the riots, she assists Mala through a deeply traumatic event, eventually becoming a permanent, beloved member of Mala's family through adoption.

Velupillai Prabhakaran is the revolutionary secessionist leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. He represents the overarching military power that shapes the lives of characters in the northern region, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the island's youth.