Camagu is an educated umXhosa man in his mid-40s who returns to South Africa after spending almost thirty years in the United States. Working in development communication, he finds his skills unappreciated in Johannesburg. A search for a mysterious woman leads him to the village of Qolorha-by-Sea, where he becomes caught between local factions arguing over modern development and traditional conservation.

Bhonco is the direct descendant of Twin-Twin and the leader of the Unbelievers in modern Qolorha-by-Sea. He bears the physical scars on his back that his ancestor suffered during a historic beating. He strongly advocates for modern development, including a gambling resort, to rid the village of its traditional past.

Xoliswa is the highly educated daughter of Bhonco and NoPetticoat. She works as the headmistress of Qolorha-by-Sea Secondary School. She strongly rejects traditional Xhosa customs, viewing them as backward superstitions, and aspires to move to a modern city or the United States.

Zim is the direct descendant of Twin and the leader of the Believers in modern Qolorha-by-Sea. He strongly values conservation, tradition, and the prophesies of his ancestors. He spends much of his time communing with his late wife under a tree planted by his forefather.

Qukezwa is the vibrant, strong-willed daughter of Zim. She works at the Vulindlela Trading Store and maintains a deep spiritual connection to the land and Xhosa history. She embraces her traditional culture and the natural environment, contrasting sharply with Xoliswa Ximiya.

John Dalton is a white South African store owner in Qolorha-by-Sea whose family has lived in the village for five generations. He speaks fluent isiXhosa and considers himself deeply connected to the local culture. He actively opposes the new casino development, though his approach often causes friction with the local elders.

Twin-Twin is a pragmatic thinker during the Middle Generations. When the prophetesses demand the destruction of crops and cattle, he refuses to comply. To protect his family, he forms uneasy alliances with British colonizers, eventually founding the cult of the Unbelievers.

Twin is the second-born of the twins, making him the elder by custom. During the Middle Generations, he becomes a fervent follower of the cattle-killing prophesies. His absolute faith drives a permanent wedge between him and his brother.

Sir George Grey is the British governor of the Cape Colony during the Middle Generations. He aggressively pursues colonial expansion by seizing land, undermining local chiefs by putting them on his payroll, and working to dismantle Xhosa culture.

NomaRussia is a woman from Qolorha-by-Sea whose singing captivates Camagu in Johannesburg. Her brief presence in the city initiates Camagu's journey back to the village. She possesses a hauntingly beautiful voice that leaves a lasting impression on those who hear it.

Xikixa is an aristocrat in the Middle Generations and the father of Twin and Twin-Twin. He fights alongside his sons against the British forces during the Great War of Mlanjeni. His death leaves an unhealed wound on his descendants.

Qukezwa is a Khoikhoi woman during the Middle Generations who marries Twin. She initially supports the resistance against the British through dangerous means. She serves as a pragmatic counterpart to Twin's unyielding religious fervor when survival becomes paramount.

Known as the Man of the River, Mlanjeni is an influential spiritual figure in the Middle Generations. He blames witchcraft for local sufferings and promises that British bullets will turn to hot water. His failed prophesies precede the later cattle-killing movement.

Mhlakaza is a religious man of the Middle Generations who acts as the mouthpiece for the young prophetesses. Formerly a baptized Christian named Wilhelm Goliath, he returns to his ancestral roots and spreads the command for the amaXhosa to destroy their cattle and crops.

Nongqawuse is a 15-year-old girl in the Middle Generations whose visions alter the course of Xhosa history. She claims to speak with ancestors who promise that destroying their livelihoods will sweep the white invaders into the sea.

Mjuza is the son of a prominent prophet in the Middle Generations who converts to Christianity and works alongside the British. He represents the indigenous people who compromise with the colonizers during times of crisis.

NoPetticoat is the wife of Bhonco and mother of Xoliswa Ximiya. Initially aligning with her family's modern aspirations, she eventually joins Camagu's cooperative society to sew traditional garments, causing friction within her household.

NoEngland is the late wife of Zim and mother of the modern Qukezwa. Though deceased, her presence is strongly felt through Zim's intense devotion to her memory.

Vathiswa is a teacher at the secondary school and a friend of Xoliswa Ximiya. She acts as an intermediary, occasionally sharing local gossip and history with Camagu while trying to avoid the appearance of disloyalty to her friend.

King Sarhili is a traditional ruler of the amaXhosa during the Middle Generations. He struggles to lead his people through the devastating crisis of the cattle-killing movement, ultimately facing deep despair when the prophesies fail.

Missis Dalton is the wife of John Dalton and co-manager of the Vulindlela Trading Store. She is a Free State Afrikaner who never bothered to learn isiXhosa. She views Qukezwa critically, preferring the polished demeanor of Xoliswa Ximiya.