Mama Nadi is a strong, fiercely independent woman in her early forties who runs a bar and brothel in a mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She operates her business with a cool, sometimes cruel focus on reason and self-sufficiency, offering shelter and safety to women in exchange for their sex work. Despite her tough exterior and cynical attitude toward love, she displays moments of genuine generosity and vulnerability.

Sophie is an eighteen-year-old girl brought to the brothel by her uncle Christian after surviving a horrific assault by soldiers. Though her physical injuries make her unable to perform the primary work of the brothel, Mama Nadi keeps her on due to her intelligence and beautiful singing voice. She retains a remarkable resilience, quietly determined to find a way to repair her damaged body.

Salima is a nineteen-year-old peasant woman who comes to Mama Nadi's establishment after being held captive by rebel soldiers for five months. Her time in captivity has left her deeply traumatized and pregnant. She struggles with the physical and emotional toll of her experiences and faces continuous stress while trying to adapt to life in the brothel.

Christian is a charismatic traveling salesman and amateur poet in his early forties. A recovering alcoholic, he frequents the bar to supply goods and pursue his optimistic, steadfast affection for Mama Nadi. He navigates the perilous war zone to maintain his livelihood and tries to offer care to the women displaced by the violence.

Jerome Kisembe is an erratic and dangerous rebel leader fighting in the region. He exhibits a brutal, unpredictable nature and allows his men to act aggressively toward the civilians and women they encounter. His presence in the area poses a constant, looming threat to the safety of Mama Nadi's establishment.

Commander Osembenga is an imposing military leader for the government forces tasked with hunting down Kisembe's rebels. Arrogant and authoritative, he initially flirts with Mama Nadi and respects her strict house rules. His volatile temper and unchecked power make him incredibly dangerous to anyone who crosses him or lies to him.

Josephine is one of the young women working at Mama Nadi's bar in her early twenties. As the daughter of a village chief, she carries a lingering sense of pride and entitlement that clashes with her current reality. She is intensely aware of her seductive power and frequently uses dancing to express her deep-seated anger over what she has lost.

Mr. Harari is a married Lebanese diamond merchant in his early forties who regularly frequents Mama Nadi's establishment. Wealthy and practical-minded, he treats Mama Nadi with respect and speaks to her as a business equal. He seeks comfort in the bar's atmosphere and brings gifts to Josephine with promises of a fresh start.

Fortune is a government soldier who was formerly a farmer. He arrives at Mama Nadi's bar searching for his wife, Salima, after rejecting her upon her initial return from rebel captivity. Stubborn and driven by a mix of wounded pride and lingering attachment, he stands vigil outside the brothel in hopes of reclaiming his family.

Simon is a government soldier who attempts to reason with his cousin, Fortune. He tries to remind Fortune of his military duties and the harsh realities of their situation, serving as a pragmatic voice against Fortune's stubborn vigil.

Laurent is a government soldier who serves as an assistant to Commander Osembenga. He is present to receive and execute the commander's orders regarding troop movements and dealing with the rebel forces.

The fighting force loyal to Jerome Kisembe. As frequent patrons of the brothel, they exhibit rough, aggressive behavior and frequently use their physical strength and weapons to intimidate the women and other customers.

The military force serving under Commander Osembenga. Like their rebel counterparts, they patronize Mama Nadi's establishment, drinking heavily and displaying threatening, disruptive behavior toward the vulnerable civilians around them.

An external worker in the conflict zone who possesses a reliable vehicle. Driven by panic as the local violence escalates, he offers transportation over the border to Uganda.