Subhash is the reserved and obedient older brother of the Mitra family. Seeking to carve out his own path away from his family's expectations and his brother's political radicalism, he moves to Rhode Island to pursue a PhD in environmental science. He feels a strong sense of duty toward his family but struggles with cultural assimilation and loneliness in the United States.

Udayan is Subhash’s charismatic, impulsive, and rebellious younger brother. A physics student at Presidency College, he becomes deeply involved in the Naxalite movement, a radical Maoist group opposing the Indian government. He is intensely committed to social justice, but his willingness to break rules and defy authority creates heavy tension within his family.

Gauri is an independent, intellectually curious philosophy student who was raised by her grandparents after a family tragedy. She values her autonomy and academic pursuits above traditional cultural expectations. Her connection to the Mitra family alters the course of her life, forcing her to balance her intense desire for independence with the domestic expectations placed upon her.

Bela is Gauri's daughter, raised primarily in Providence, Rhode Island. She is a spirited and perceptive child who often senses the emotional distance and distraction of her mother. As she grows up, she develops a highly dependent and grounding bond with Subhash, who acts as her primary caretaker and source of stability.

Bijoli is the traditional mother of Subhash and Udayan. She quietly favors her younger, more rebellious son despite his constant defiance of her rules and expectations. Over time, she becomes increasingly consumed by grief and isolates herself within the family home, strictly observing daily rituals at the nearby lowland.

Richard is Subhash’s American roommate during his graduate studies. He is a vocal social justice advocate who frequently attends political rallies. Unlike the political figures from Subhash's past, Richard is an attentive listener who respects differing opinions and actively helps Subhash adjust to American life by teaching him how to drive.

Holly is an American woman who is separated from her husband. She meets Subhash during one of his solitary beach walks. Older than Subhash, she introduces him to a different way of living in the United States, offering him his first taste of independence away from his family's cultural expectations.

Manash is Gauri’s older brother. Following the death of their parents in an accident, he moved back to the city to live with his grandparents and sister. He serves as the primary link between the university's political circles and his household, frequently hosting his friends for debates.

Narasimhan is a university professor originally from Calcutta. He represents a model of total cultural assimilation, having married an American woman and fully integrated into the local academic community. He maintains a polite but professional distance from younger Indian students like Subhash.

Joshua is Holly's nine-year-old son. He spends his weekends with his father, which dictates when Holly is available to spend time with Subhash. His presence heavily influences the logistics and boundaries of his mother's social life.

Deepa is the dedicated maid for the Mitra household in Calcutta. As the family dynamic shifts and ages, she takes on an increasingly vital role in maintaining the home and looking after the physical well-being of the older family members.