Sam is a Black man in his mid-forties who works as a waiter at the St. George's Park Tea Room in Port Elizabeth. He is highly intelligent and possesses an excellent memory, often engaging in educational debates with his employer's teenage son, Hally. Having served as a surrogate father figure to the boy for years, Sam attempts to gently guide him toward becoming a compassionate adult. He finds joy and a sense of personal pride in practicing for an upcoming ballroom dance competition.

Willie is a Black waiter working alongside Sam at the St. George's Park Tea Room. He is intensely focused on an upcoming ballroom dance competition but struggles with the steps and his own temper. He adopts a deferential, unquestioningly respectful demeanor toward the white teenager Hally, always referring to him as "Master Harold." Willie wrestles with frustration over his absent dance partner, Hilda.

Hally is a 17-year-old white student whose mother owns the St. George's Park Tea Room. He performs poorly in school but enjoys acting as a teacher to Sam, passing along lessons from his textbooks. Hally experiences deep anxiety regarding his disabled, alcoholic father and relies heavily on the companionship of Sam and Willie. Despite their bond, Hally occasionally uses his racial privilege and formal education to assert control over the two men.

Hally's mother is the Afrikaner owner of the St. George's Park Tea Room. She manages the business while dealing with a difficult marriage to a disabled, alcoholic husband. She frequently calls the tea room to issue instructions and enforce boundaries, warning Hally not to become overly familiar with the Black staff.

Hally's father is a disabled war veteran who struggles with severe alcohol addiction. His physical condition requires amputation care and makes him entirely dependent on his wife and son. His impending return from the hospital creates immense stress for Hally, as the man is known to steal family money for alcohol and act abusively.

Hilda is Willie's girlfriend and designated partner for the upcoming ballroom dance competition. She recently stopped attending their practice sessions because Willie physically strikes her whenever she makes a mistake in the waltz.