Mina is a passionate Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban ten years ago. She earns a scholarship to Victoria College, prompting her family to relocate to Sydney's affluent lower North Shore. She protects her loved ones and studies relentlessly to honor her family's sacrifices.

Michael is a privileged high school student whose parents run an anti-immigrant organization called Aussie Values. He initially repeats his parents' ideology without question. He secretly dreams of becoming a graphic designer rather than the architect his father expects. His growing attraction to Mina motivates him to research global conflicts and challenge his inherited beliefs.

Alan works as an architect and leads the anti-immigrant organization Aussie Values as its charismatic founder. He presents his xenophobic ideology under the guise of rational conservatism by arguing that immigrants must assimilate to Australian culture. At home, he acts as an encouraging father, which complicates his son's perception of him.

Paula is a bright, lonely student at Victoria College who frequently quotes Oscar Wilde. With two busy lawyer parents and an older sister abroad, she spends much of her time alone in a large house. She becomes a fiercely loyal friend to Mina.

Terrence is a wealthy student at Victoria College and Michael's longtime friend. He regularly bullies his classmates and openly voices bigoted opinions. He uses Aussie Values' ideology to justify his aggressive behavior toward marginalized students.

Mina's mother is an Afghan refugee who survived the Taliban and a traumatic boat journey to Australia. She struggles to find work in her new affluent neighborhood due to discrimination. She places immense academic expectations on Mina while hiding her own loneliness and the physical toll of her recent pregnancy.

Mina's stepfather is a 39-year-old chef who suffers from chronic pain due to torture he endured under the Taliban. He successfully ran a restaurant in Auburn before moving the family to Sydney to open Kabul Kitchen. He longs for peace in Afghanistan while working diligently to provide for his family in Australia.

Mary is a university lecturer and the wife of Alan Blainey. As a vocal founding member of Aussie Values, she firmly believes that immigrants must assimilate. She cites her own British parents as an example of proper integration. She holds rigid expectations for Michael's future and dismisses his creative aspirations.

Nathan is Michael's ten-year-old younger brother. He looks up to Michael and frequently tags along on drives and errands around the city.

Jane is a student at Victoria College and Paula's cousin. She harbors a deep crush on Terrence, making her vulnerable to his manipulative behavior.

Andrew operates as a highly aggressive member of Aussie Values. He runs a blog dedicated to the organization's ideology and aggressively targets businesses like Kabul Kitchen with conspiracy theories.

Tim works at a pizza shop neighboring Kabul Kitchen. He welcomes the new Afghan restaurant to the area and acts as an ally to Mina's family when they face harassment.

Mason is Terrence's older brother. He gets involved in a physical altercation with an Aboriginal man outside a nightclub. Video footage of this fight goes viral online and attracts the attention of racist groups.

Mr. Morello is a teacher at Victoria College who assigns the class project that forces Mina and Michael to work together. He attempts to manage the disruptive behavior of students like Terrence.

Principal Robinson is the head of Victoria College. He is eager to showcase Mina to promote the school's commitment to multiculturalism.

Adnan is an employee at Kabul Kitchen who is currently on a bridging visa. His status leaves him vulnerable to the aggressive tactics of anti-immigrant groups.

Hasan is Mina's infant brother who died of illness and malnutrition in a refugee camp in Pakistan. His death is a profound source of grief for Mina and her mother.

K4 is Paula's beloved dog. The pet offers Paula much-needed companionship in her large, empty house.

Jeremy is a member of the anti-immigrant organization Aussie Values. He actively participates in the group's campaigns to harass immigrant-owned businesses in Sydney.

Margaret belongs to Aussie Values alongside her husband Jeremy. She targets Kabul Kitchen to protest the restaurant's halal meat practices.

Irfan works closely with Mina's stepfather in the food service industry. He helps build and launch Kabul Kitchen.

Joe is the former owner of a traditional fish and chips shop. His retirement and the closure of his business create the vacancy filled by Kabul Kitchen, which Aussie Values falsely blames on immigrants rather than gentrification.

Maha is a student from Auburn Grove Girls High. She maintains her connection with Mina after Mina transfers to Victoria College, offering a link to her old neighborhood.

Tammy is a friend of Mina's from Auburn. She attends social events with Mina's new Victoria College classmates, bridging the gap between Mina's old and new social circles.

Sienna is a student at Victoria College. Her social events serve as gathering points for the school's divided student body.