Sade is a 12-year-old Nigerian girl forced to flee to London with her younger brother after her mother's assassination. She constantly strives to live up to her parents' high moral standards, especially their commitment to honesty. In England, she faces the heavy burden of making difficult ethical choices to protect her family while keeping her true identity hidden. She possesses a deep sense of responsibility and grows in confidence as she is forced to confront school bullies and the British immigration system.

Sade's younger brother, who is severely traumatized by his mother's murder and their sudden exile. Upon arriving in England, he withdraws into himself and refuses to speak about their situation, leaving his sister to shoulder the burden of managing their daily lives. Despite his quiet demeanor and tendency to hide from the world, he is capable of stepping forward and showing bravery when his family requires his help.

An outspoken Nigerian journalist famous in his home country for exposing political corruption within the military regime. He values truth above almost all else, a conviction that puts his life and his family's safety at extreme risk. While he remains fiercely dedicated to speaking out against injustice, his journey to find his missing children forces him to compromise his strict adherence to honesty.

A Jamaican couple living in London who become Sade and Femi's long-term foster parents. Auntie Gracie and Uncle Roy trace their own ancestry back to West Africa and take a genuine interest in the children's heritage. They provide a vital source of stability, warmth, and respect for the siblings as they adjust to their strange new environment.

Two bullies at Avon School in London who relentlessly target Sade and Mariam. They hold deep-seated prejudices against Africans and use intimidation tactics to force the other girls into compromising situations. They represent the dehumanizing power of discrimination that the refugee children face in their daily lives.

A Somalian refugee who befriends Sade at their London school. She and her family fled violence and political corruption in Somalia, spending years in a refugee camp in Kenya before reaching England. Mariam understands the trauma of exile and offers Sade an alternative perspective on how to handle the school bullies.

Folarin's wife and the mother of Sade and Femi. She is a loving, protective presence in her children's memories, often associated with the warmth and vibrant environment of Nigeria. Her tragic death sets the events of the novel in motion.

A close friend of the Solaja family who is normally cautious but springs into rapid action during their crisis. He bravely secures fake passports for Sade and Femi and smuggles them through police checkpoints to get them to the airport safely.

Folarin's brother who lives in London and works at a college. He is involved in pro-democracy activism against the Nigerian military government, forcing him into hiding following high-profile political executions.

A stranger paid to smuggle Sade and Femi into England by pretending they are her own children. She strictly orders them to use fake names and abandons them shortly after they successfully pass through immigration at Victoria Station.

A kind emergency foster mother whose London flat provides the children with their first safe place to sleep. While her home is clean and she is accommodating, her son creates a tense environment for the refugees.

Mrs. Graham's son, who is initially hostile and unkind to Sade and Femi during their emergency stay. He attends Avon School and associates with the bullies, though his attitude shifts slightly as time goes on.

A worker from the Refugee Council originally from Ghana. She understands West African cultural norms, allowing the children to call her "Mama," and plays a crucial role in helping them move through the British asylum system.

A calm and capable refugee lawyer who assists the Solaja family in their asylum claims. He guides Sade and Femi through the daunting Immigration and Nationality Department and aggressively advocates for Folarin.

Sade's aunt in Nigeria who helps the children pack their bags before they flee. She represents the warmth of the extended family network they are forced to leave behind.

A local news reporter whom Sade and Femi seek out in a desperate bid to publicize their father's unjust detention. He listens to their story and ultimately broadcasts a segment that generates crucial public support.

A teacher at Avon School who helps integrate Sade into the classroom. She is generally unaware of the severe bullying Sade faces but shows genuine concern for her well-being when she collapses from stress.

Sade's teacher at Avon School. He assigns writing tasks that trigger conflicts with the bullies and tries to maintain order in a classroom where the students frequently test boundaries.