Zayneb is an 18-year-old high school student from Indiana who travels to Doha to stay with her aunt following a school suspension. She possesses a fierce, activist spirit and actively documents her experiences in a "Marvels and Oddities" journal. She is quick to defend her Muslim identity against prejudice, though this outspokenness sometimes causes friction with authority figures and her family.

Adam is an 18-year-old college dropout who secretly manages a recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. He converted to Islam at age 11 following the death of his mother, drawn to the peace the faith provided his grieving father. He is a sensitive, artistic young man who processes his emotions through making physical objects and writing in his own "Marvels and Oddities" journal.

Zayneb's aunt who teaches at an international school in Doha. She offers Zayneb a safe place to stay during her school suspension and provides unwavering emotional support. Though she is not Muslim, she fiercely defends Zayneb's right to wear a burkini and encourages her niece to fight for justice. She also maintains a connection to Adam's family as his former teacher.

A social science teacher at Zayneb's high school in Indiana. He consistently makes discriminatory remarks about the Muslim faith during his lessons. His classroom microaggressions drive Zayneb to speak out, leading to conflicts that result in her suspension and prompt her friends to investigate his online presence.

Zayneb's loyal best friend who lives in Indiana. They bonded in eighth grade when Zayneb defended Kavi against a racial slur. Kavi stays in constant communication with Zayneb during her suspension, feeding her information about their social science class and attempting to expose their teacher's prejudiced behavior.

Adam's younger sister who lives in Doha with him and their father. She struggles with sleep issues following the death of her mother but finds comfort in visiting museums and hearing Adam's stories. She bonds easily with Zayneb when they meet.

The father of Adam and Hanna. He is a deeply spiritual man whose calm devotion to Islam inspired Adam to convert when he was eleven. He continues to mourn his late wife and provides a quiet, steady presence in his children's lives.

One of Adam's loyal friends in Doha. He acts as a primary sounding board when Adam needs to process difficult emotions and physical challenges, consistently showing up to provide quiet companionship.

A member of Adam's friend circle in Doha, referred to by the group as "Emma P." She harbors a visible crush on Adam, which briefly causes Zayneb to doubt her own chances with him.

A high school friend of Zayneb and Kavi in Indiana. She faces disciplinary action from the school administration for participating in an online campaign against racism, which briefly strains her friendship with Zayneb.

A white student at Zayneb's high school. She surprises Zayneb by showing genuine interest in combating Mr. Fencer's intolerance and assists Kavi in investigating the teacher's secret online accounts.

Zayneb's mother, who lives in Indiana. She worries about the trouble Zayneb's activism brings her and travels to Pakistan with her husband to gather information about her own mother's tragic passing.

Zayneb's late grandmother. The unresolved, violent circumstances of her death deeply affect Zayneb and drive her mother to seek answers overseas.

Adam and Hanna's late mother. Her death from multiple sclerosis seven years prior remains a central grief for the Chen family, influencing Adam's decisions regarding his own health.