Ellie is a young Iranian woman who grows up in Tehran after the death of her father leaves her and her mother in reduced financial circumstances. She is observant and adaptable, avoiding conflict whenever possible to maintain comfort and social standing. Unsure of her own ambitions beyond a traditional marriage, she often finds herself following the stronger personalities in her life. She struggles with deep-seated insecurities, constantly comparing her own life to the warmth and certainty she sees in others.

Homa is a fiercely independent and passionate girl from a politically active family in Tehran. Named after a mythical bird of good fortune, she exudes joy, courage, and an unshakeable belief in justice. She aspires to become a judge to change Iran's laws and grant women more freedoms. Unlike her peers who prioritize social status, Homa remains steadfast in her ideals and loyalties, even when her political activities place her in danger.

Ellie's mother is a proud, status-conscious woman who claims descent from a former Qajar king. She is highly focused on appearances, wealth, and securing a comfortable future for herself and her daughter. She holds strong superstitious beliefs, particularly regarding the "evil eye," and frequently expresses disdain for those she views as lower class. Her decisions are driven by a mix of self-preservation and a pragmatic desire to protect Ellie from hardship.

Mehrdad is a handsome, intelligent young man studying chemistry. He represents the comfortable, traditional future Ellie desires. He is steady, patient, and deeply supportive, prioritizing his education and his relationship with Ellie. He acts as a grounding force, offering logic and compassion when others are guided by superstition or political fervor.

Bahar is Homa's daughter, a vibrant and sensitive young girl growing up amid the political turmoil of Iran. She shares her mother's physical traits, including a mole under her left eye, and possesses a unique, inquisitive spirit. As she matures, she represents the hopes and dreams of the next generation of Iranian women, caught between her mother's fierce protective love and the restrictions placed upon her by a shifting society.

Massoud is Ellie's wealthy uncle who steps in to assist his sister-in-law after her husband passes away from tuberculosis. He provides the financial means for Ellie and her mother to return to a prosperous, comfortable lifestyle in Tehran.

Monir is Homa's mother. She is a warm, nurturing woman who fills her downtown Tehran home with the inviting smells of cooking. She teaches the girls how to prepare food, providing Ellie with the maternal affection and sense of belonging she lacks at home.

Sousan is one of Ellie's close friends from her private high school. She lives a luxurious, westernized lifestyle but finds herself restricted by the legal and social expectations placed on women in Iran. Her marriage connects her to the dangerous political undercurrents of the shah's regime.

The colonel is Sousan's husband and a man of significant authority. He presents himself as an admirer of progressive, politically active young women, praising their courage. However, his pleasant demeanor masks his true allegiance to the secret police, making him a dangerous figure for anyone involved in political dissent.

Niloo is another of Ellie's high school friends, part of their secular, bourgeois social group. She is Jewish and shares in the girls' carefree adolescent discussions about boys and the future before the political climate in Iran darkens.

Afarin is the wealthy, pretty, and ruthless "queen" of Reza Shah Kabir High School. She represents the confident, secure status that Ellie desperately wishes to emulate. She also becomes involved in the student communist group alongside Homa.

Abdol is a friend of Mehrdad who falls deeply in love with Homa during their university years. He is a steady, kind-hearted man who works at a garage. He proves to be a dedicated, loving partner and father, providing stability in the wake of political turmoil.

Leily is Bahar's daughter, an eighteen-year-old girl growing up in the United States. She is fascinated by her Iranian heritage and the ongoing protests in Tehran. She represents the new generation inheriting the legacy of the "lion women."

Steve is Bahar's American husband and Leily's father. He supports his family's connection to their Iranian roots and follows the political events in Iran alongside them.