Sissie is a young Ghanaian woman in her early twenties traveling through Europe for her education. Often referred to as "Mary" during her school days, she possesses a highly critical eye regarding post-colonial relations and the African diaspora. Sissie resists the widespread assumption that Europe is a perfect society and closely observes the racial categorizations she encounters. She feels a deep loyalty to her home country and continually questions why her fellow African students choose not to return home.

Marija is a young German housewife and mother living in a Bavarian village where Sissie volunteers. She fits the traditional mold of a 1960s homemaker but feels isolated from her busy husband. She quickly attaches herself to Sissie, frequently offering her bags of food and demonstrating an intense desire for connection.

Kunle is a West African man who has lived in London for seven years. He places great faith in European scientific advancements and institutions, believing that assimilation and medical breakthroughs will eventually solve issues like racism. His eagerness to adopt European perspectives conflicts heavily with Sissie's skepticism.

This group consists of several African men studying or working in Europe, including the unnamed man who briefly dates Sissie. They represent a variety of diasporic perspectives and offer different justifications for refusing to return to Africa. Their reasons range from the desire to earn better salaries to the belief that they can best support their families by sending money from abroad.

Sammy is a Ghanaian man who has spent significant time in Europe and attends the farewell dinner for Sissie. He demonstrates extreme eagerness to please his European hosts, constantly praising European culture and food in a way that makes Sissie uncomfortable.

Little Adolf is Marija's infant son. His name carries historical weight in Germany, and he represents the domestic role Marija is expected to fulfill.

Big Adolf is Marija's husband. He works long hours and is almost entirely absent from the home, which heavily contributes to Marija's intense loneliness.

This unnamed man is a friend of Sissie who lives in London. When Sissie tries to discuss the political reality of the Biafran War, he and Kunle prefer to focus on news of global medical advancements.

Kunle's mother lives in West Africa and corresponds with her son overseas. She relies on him for financial support and hopes he will return home to help manage the family's hardships.

Sissie's mother lives in Ghana and raises a large family. She receives letters from Sissie, though Sissie carefully filters out the negative aspects of her travels to avoid worrying her.