Philip is the youngest son of the wealthy Hutton family, born to a British father and a Chinese mother. Growing up in Penang, he feels like an outsider in both cultures, struggling to find his place in society. When a Japanese diplomat moves to a nearby island, Philip quickly forms a bond with him. He learns aikijutsu and Japanese culture, finding a sense of belonging he previously lacked. Decades later, an elderly Philip recounts these early days to a guest, breaking years of silence.

Hayato Endo is a Japanese diplomat who leases a small island off the coast of Philip's family estate. He comes from a samurai family and is highly skilled in aikido. Endo agrees to take Philip as his student, teaching him martial arts, calligraphy, and meditation. He is a calm, philosophical man who holds a deep sense of duty, carrying a quiet sorrow regarding his past in Japan.

Michiko Murakami is an elderly Japanese woman who seeks out Philip fifty years after the end of World War II. She carries a letter from Endo and wishes to learn everything Philip knows about the man. As a young woman, she fell in love with Endo, but her father's disapproval separated them. She serves as a patient, non-judgmental listener as Philip recounts his life story.

Yeap Chee Kon is a local boy and the son of a prominent triad leader. He quickly bonds with Philip over their shared lack of a mother and their mutual dedication to martial arts. Kon is energetic and outgoing, contrasting with Philip's quieter nature. Known by the nickname "White Tiger" for his fondness for white clothing, he maintains a strong interest in Japanese culture and combat.

Goro is a staff member at the Japanese consulate in Penang. He is a large, physically imposing man with a cruel demeanor. Philip encounters him while training at the consulate and quickly learns to avoid him, recognizing his capacity for violence and lack of restraint.

Saotome Akasaki is the Japanese ambassador to Malaya. He is a powerful and intimidating figure who takes a predatory interest in the local population. During a meeting, he displays a cruel nature that makes Philip deeply uncomfortable and suspicious of his motives.

Noel Hutton is Philip's British father and the head of the prosperous trading company Hutton & Sons. He caused a scandal in Penang society by marrying a Chinese woman after the death of his first wife. Noel is often occupied with his business and struggles to connect emotionally with Philip, though he is fiercely protective of his family and their legacy.

Khoo Wu An is Philip's estranged Chinese grandfather. He is a formidable, wealthy man living in Ipoh. He originally disowned his daughter for marrying a British man, cutting off all contact with the Hutton family. When he finally meets Philip, he reveals a pensive and insightful nature, sharing stories of his past serving a forgotten emperor in the Forbidden Palace.

Isabel is Philip's older half-sister from Noel's first marriage. She is fiercely protective of her family and holds strong opinions about the shifting political climate in Penang. While she and Philip are not initially close, they begin to connect as they prepare for a family social event.

Towkay Yeap is Kon's father and the head of the Red Banner Society, a prominent branch of the Chinese Triads in Penang. He has a frail appearance but commands immense respect and fear within the local community. Despite his criminal ties, he maintains polite relations with the Hutton family.

Uncle Lim is the Hutton family's chauffeur. He harbors strong anti-Japanese sentiments due to the conflict in China, where his daughter resides. He is fiercely loyal to Philip's grandfather, Khoo Wu An, and occasionally acts as his informant regarding the Hutton household's activities.

Hideki Tanaka is a Japanese martial arts master living in Penang. He is Kon's sensei and shares a complex history with Endo. He left Japan after refusing to teach aikijutsu to army recruits, preferring a peaceful life away from growing militarism.

Aunt Yu Mei is Philip's aunt on his mother's side. She serves as a bridge between Philip and his Chinese heritage, accompanying him to cultural festivals and facilitating his first meeting with his grandfather in Ipoh.