The youngest child of Hasan and Dalia, Amal grows up in the Jenin refugee camp following her family's displacement. Intellectually curious and strong-willed, she develops a deep love for poetry through early morning readings with her father. Her early years are shaped by the realities of the occupation and her family's trauma, yet she represents a source of hope and continuity for her parents.

Hasan and Dalia's firstborn son, Yousef begins life as a happy and carefree child in his family's ancestral village. Following his grandfather's conflict with soldiers and the separation from his brother, he grows increasingly protective of his family. He develops into a devoted son and brother who carries his father's respect for education while harboring a growing urge to resist military rule.

The second son of Hasan and Dalia who is separated from his birth family during the chaos of the 1948 displacement. He is raised under the name David in a Jewish household by Moshe and Jolanta. He bears a distinctive facial scar from an early childhood accident in his crib. Living in a highly polarized society, he wrestles with his identity as he grows up, with his dual background positioning him between conflicting cultures.

The family patriarch and a deeply traditional man, Yehya spends his life cultivating his land and olive trees in the village of Ein Hod. He is a proud but affectionate father who plays the traditional nye flute and honors his forty generations of ancestors. His deep connection to the earth makes the forced relocation to a refugee camp particularly painful for his spirit.

Yehya's eldest son, Hasan overcomes childhood asthma to become a studious and thoughtful man. He possesses a deep love for literature and poetry, which he eventually passes down to his children during peaceful mornings. He is a steadfast friend and fiercely determined partner who advocates for education despite his father's initial resistance.

Dalia is the youngest of twelve sisters in a nomadic Bedouin family. Wild and famously defiant, she endures severe physical punishment without making a sound and overcomes the village's initial prejudice against her heritage. As a mother, she is practical and protective, teaching midwifery to her daughter while keeping her deepest emotions tightly guarded.

Yehya's wife and the matriarch of the Abulheja family. Initially skeptical of the Bedouin girl her son wishes to marry, Basima eventually recognizes Dalia's strength and welcomes her into the household. She provides a grounding, practical presence during their time in Ein Hod.

Hasan's brother, Darweesh is a hardworking and loyal son who shares in the labor of the family's olive groves. He harbors a quiet affection for Dalia early on but dutifully accepts her marriage to his brother. He eventually marries his cousin and faces severe physical consequences during the violence that displaces his community.

A Jewish refugee whose family fled to Jerusalem to escape persecution in Germany. Ari walks with a limp caused by a violent assault before his family relocated. He forms a close, enduring friendship with Hasan based on their shared love of philosophy and languages.

An older resident of Ein Hod who maintains a friendly rivalry with Yehya. He serves as a connection to the village's history and plays backgammon with his peers to pass the long hours in the refugee camp.

An Israeli soldier who participates in the military operations in Palestine. Witnessing the desperation of the conflict, he makes a drastic decision to take a displaced infant home to his wife. He wrestles with the moral weight of his actions over the years.

A Jewish immigrant from Poland who survived severe abuse during World War II. Unable to conceive, she warmly embraces the child Moshe brings to her. She raises him as her own while harboring the secret of his origins.

An Irishman working as the United Nations director of operations in Jenin. Known affectionately as Ammo Jack, he becomes a familiar and supportive presence for the displaced families. He frequently socializes and plays backgammon with the camp elders.

Amal's closest childhood friend in the Jenin refugee camp. Huda endures severe family trauma early in life but finds refuge with the Abulheja family. She provides constant companionship for Amal as they face the challenges of their restricted environment.

Yousef's childhood sweetheart from the refugee camp. She shares a deep, passionate bond with him and eagerly anticipates their future together. Her presence brings him comfort and joy during turbulent times.