Zou Lei is a young Chinese-Muslim (Uighur) undocumented immigrant from a region near the Afghan border. She travels to New York City seeking opportunity but finds herself facing constant exploitation, poverty, and fear of deportation. Despite the harsh realities of her situation, she relies on strict fitness routines and an indomitable work ethic to survive on the streets.

Skinner is an Iraq War veteran who has returned to the United States after three tours of duty. He suffers from severe, untreated post-traumatic stress disorder and lingering physical wounds from a combat explosion. Disillusioned with the government and struggling to adapt to civilian life, he moves into a basement room in New York, where he heavily self-medicates to cope with his intrusive memories.

Jimmy is Mrs. Murphy’s son, recently released after spending over ten years incarcerated. Influenced by his time in prison and an abusive upbringing, he harbors white supremacist beliefs and lacks the maturity to transition back to civilian life. He resents doing unpaid labor for his family and quickly falls into old, destructive habits while living in his mother's house.

Mrs. Murphy is the owner of the house where Skinner rents a basement room. She has endured a history of domestic violence and presides over a highly dysfunctional household. Though she is initially welcoming to Skinner, her primary focus remains on managing the volatile dynamics of her own family, especially upon her son Jimmy's return.

Erin is Mrs. Murphy’s daughter and Jimmy’s half-sister. She is a practicing Wiccan who dreams of attending art school to escape the turbulent environment of her home. The domestic violence between her mother and father takes a heavy toll on her mental health, though she remains fiercely loyal to her older brother.

Patrick is Mrs. Murphy’s husband and the biological father of Erin. He is a physically abusive man who creates a toxic and unsafe atmosphere in the home. He works in construction and eventually takes Jimmy on to work alongside him, though their relationship is fraught with silent power struggles.

Sassoon is Zou Lei’s supervisor at the basement food court. She is a hard-working immigrant who uses her marginally higher status in the restaurant's hierarchy to belittle and threaten Zou Lei. Despite sharing an interest in fitness with Zou Lei, Sassoon remains a harsh and unsympathetic boss.

Monroe is a 17-year-old employee at the food court who quickly becomes a source of frustration for Zou Lei. Despite his poor attitude and lack of respect for the work, he receives preferential treatment and takes away Zou Lei's much-needed hours.

Jake is a fellow soldier and one of Skinner’s closest friends from his deployment. He was severely injured in the same explosive attack that wounded Skinner, losing his legs. His memory haunts Skinner's nightmares and represents the profound losses Skinner endured during the war.

Tesha Noor is an immigrant from Afghanistan who owns a small grocery store in New York. He shares a profound cultural connection with Zou Lei, as he grew up near her homeland. He provides her with food and a moment of understanding, expressing his own complicated views on America and the war.

Polo is the manager or owner in charge of the food court where Zou Lei finds employment. He capitalizes on the vulnerability of undocumented workers, immediately reducing Zou Lei's promised wages the moment he discovers her legal status.

John is Mrs. Murphy’s stepson and a professional football player for the New York Jets. He briefly interacts with an intoxicated Skinner at a house party, growing increasingly uncomfortable with Skinner's intense questions about his athletic training regimen.

Mr. Jia is an herbal pharmacist whom Zou Lei consults to help treat Skinner's severe mental health symptoms. He recommends an expensive daily tea to treat the origin of Skinner's trauma, highlighting the couple's desperate search for alternative healthcare.

Ray is an old friend of Jimmy's from before his incarceration. He observes how much Jimmy has changed during his ten years in prison while socializing with him at a local bar.