Tambudzai is an ambitious young girl living on a rural homestead in colonial Rhodesia. She harbors a deep belief that education is the key to escaping poverty and gaining freedom. Although she faces resistance from her parents regarding her schooling, she persistently works to raise her own tuition by growing a maize crop.

Nyasha is Babamukuru and Maiguru's teenage daughter, who spent five formative years living and studying in England. She struggles to repatriate and fit into the Rhodesian and Shona cultures upon her return. Exposed to different social norms abroad, she frequently clashes with her father's authoritarian rules and expectations.

Ma'Shingayi is a hardworking mother raising her children in poverty on a rural homestead. She views womanhood as a heavy burden and expects her daughters to submit to their limited societal roles to avoid disappointment. She frequently experiences feelings of hopelessness stemming from her harsh living conditions and her husband's irresponsibility.

Maiguru is Babamukuru's highly educated wife, holding a master's degree from her studies in England. She manages a wealthy, modern household and provides financially for the family, though her salary goes directly to her husband. She dotes on her family while striving to keep the peace by appeasing her husband's hot temper.

Babamukuru is the patriarch of the extended family and the headmaster of the local mission school. Having earned a master's degree in England, he carries the financial burden of supporting his relatives. He is a proud, strict man who expects total obedience from his dependents and uses an authoritarian parenting style.

Lucia is Ma'Shingayi's sister, known for her strong personality and independent spirit. She ignores traditional expectations of female propriety and openly manipulates the male characters in the family. Despite her controversial reputation, her primary motivation is securing a safe and permanent place near her sister to offer help.

Jeremiah is Tambudzai's father, living in poverty on the family homestead. He lacks a strong work ethic and relies entirely on his older brother, Babamukuru, for financial support. He frequently exhibits selfish behavior, such as attempting to claim his daughter's hard-earned tuition money for himself.

Nhamo is the oldest child of Jeremiah and Ma'Shingayi. Selected to attend the mission school, he grows increasingly arrogant and resents his family's rural lifestyle. He mocks his younger sister Tambudzai for her educational ambitions and steals the maize she grows for her own tuition.

Chido is Babamukuru and Maiguru's teenage son. Like his sister Nyasha, he struggles to reconnect with his extended family after spending his formative years in England. He attends a multiracial secondary school and often attempts to defend his sister against their father's anger.

Netsai is one of Tambudzai's younger sisters living on the homestead. She routinely endures bullying from Nhamo, who physically forces her to do his chores.

Rambanai is one of Tambudzai's younger sisters. She lives on the rural homestead with her parents and helps with daily chores.

Mr. Matimba is a local teacher who listens sympathetically to Tambudzai's struggles to earn tuition money. He drives her into the city to help her sell her maize and secures her earnings in a school account to prevent her father from taking them.

Doris is a wealthy, older white woman who encounters Tambudzai selling maize. After hearing about the young girl's goal to attend school, she donates ten pounds, fully covering the educational fees.

Takesure is a distant relative of Babamukuru hired as a laborer. He engages in a relationship with Lucia while drinking heavily with Jeremiah in town.

Anna is the housekeeper working in Babamukuru and Maiguru's affluent home. She prepares meals, serves tea, and maintains the household routines.

Dambudzo is the youngest child of Jeremiah and Ma'Shingayi, born during a time of intense family stress.

Andy is an African boy who attends a multiracial school. He escorts Nyasha home after a party, inadvertently sparking a massive conflict between her and Babamukuru.

Nyaradzo is an African student at the mission school who befriends Tambudzai and Nyasha. She is the sister of Andy and Brian.

Brian is Nyaradzo and Andy's brother. He attends a multiracial school away from the mission.

Thomas is Babamukuru and Jeremiah's brother. He travels to the homestead with his family to celebrate the holidays, adding to the overcrowded conditions.

Gladys is the sister of Babamukuru, Jeremiah, and Thomas. She joins the extended family at the homestead for their massive holiday gathering.