Peekay is a precocious, English-speaking, white South African boy surviving in a hostile Afrikaans environment. Subjected to intense bullying at a young age, he learns to use intelligence, strict observation, and emotional camouflage to protect himself. He develops a passion for boxing and adopts a philosophy called "The Power of One" to maintain his independence and inner strength against larger forces.

The Judge is a large, older student at the boarding school who terrorizes younger children. He harbors deep anti-British sentiments and aligns himself with pro-Nazi ideologies, evidenced by a swastika tattoo on his shoulder. He takes sadistic pleasure in intimidating Peekay and forcing him into subservience.

Doc, formally Professor von Vollenstein, is a tall, elderly German music professor and amateur botanist with a humorous manner of speaking. He becomes Peekay's primary tutor, teaching him piano, scientific observation, and logic. His status as an unregistered German immigrant brings him under suspicion during the war.

Geel Piet is a Cape Colored prisoner who acts as a crucial boxing mentor to Peekay. A master of survival, he runs a complex bootleg market inside the prison and teaches Peekay footwork and strategy rather than brute force fighting.

Morrie is a wealthy, business-savvy Jewish student at the Prince of Wales School. He quickly becomes Peekay's closest friend and boxing manager, helping establish lucrative gambling and banking schemes within the school.

Nanny is a Zulu woman who acts as Peekay's primary caretaker during his early childhood. She provides him with deep emotional security and introduces him to Zulu culture and traditions before being dismissed from her position.

Peekay's mother struggles with severe mental health issues early in his life. She later experiences a profound religious conversion, finding Jesus and enforcing strict spiritual rules in her household, which causes friction with those who do not share her beliefs.

Peekay's grandfather is a practical farmer who provides a home for Peekay and his mother. He eventually decides to sell his chicken farm and moves the family to the town of Barberton.

Mevrou is the harsh Afrikaner headmistress at Peekay's first boarding school. She shows no sympathy for Peekay's emotional struggles and frequently uses corporal punishment to enforce her strict rules.

Inkosi-Inkosikazi is a Zulu medicine man descended from the great King Dingaan. Though physically frail and dressed in a mismatched suit and leopard-skin cloak, he possesses immense traditional knowledge. He treats Peekay's trauma and introduces the boy to a mental refuge he calls the "night country."

Granpa Chook is an intelligent, slightly ragged black Orpington chicken. He becomes Peekay's first true friend and loyal companion at the hostile boarding school, offering him comfort in severe isolation.

Harry Crown is a friendly Jewish merchant in Barberton. Shocked by Peekay's derogatory boarding school nickname, he formally dubs the boy "PK" to give him dignity.

Hoppie is the welterweight boxing champion of the railways. He befriends Peekay during the train ride, introducing the boy to the sport of boxing and imparting the mental discipline of "The Power of One," which changes Peekay's outlook on his own abilities.

Jackhammer Smit is a large, physically imposing miner who fights Hoppie in a highly anticipated boxing match. He relies entirely on his brute strength in the ring.

Big Hettie is a large, kind-hearted Irish woman who keeps an eye on Peekay during the fights. She shares meals, stories, and life advice with the boy during his train journey.

Mrs. Boxall is the town librarian who helps Peekay and Doc with their ongoing studies. She is a compassionate, organized woman who creates the "Sandwich Fund" to secretly aid the struggling families of local prisoners.

The Commandant is the head of the Barberton prison. He grants Doc special privileges due to his status as a renowned musician, showing a complex mix of strict authority and genuine appreciation for the arts.

Lieutenant Smit is a prison official and the brother of Jackhammer Smit. He coaches the local boxing team, recognizing and developing Peekay's natural speed and talent in the ring, while slowly coming to respect Geel Piet's coaching abilities.

Klipkop is a warder at the prison who works alongside Lieutenant Smit. He demonstrates the casually brutal attitudes of the prison staff toward the Black inmates.

Gert is a warder and an older boxer on the Barberton team. He assists with the team's training and welcomes Peekay into the athletic environment.

Snotnose is a large, aggressive junior boxer at Barberton who spars with Peekay. He relies heavily on his physical size to intimidate others.

Killer Kroon is a much larger and heavier Afrikaner boxer who fights Peekay in the Eastern Transvaal championship match.

Borman is an exceptionally cruel prison warder with pro-Nazi leanings. He takes pleasure in tormenting the prisoners and specifically targets Geel Piet, representing the institutionalized violence within the prison system.

Miss Bornstein is a highly educated Jewish teacher who immediately recognizes Peekay's potential. She expands his education into chess and advanced literature, actively preparing him for prestigious academic scholarships.

Sergeant Bolter is a staff member from the Prince of Wales School who conducts his interactions with the boys using strict, military-style discipline.

Jannie is a larger boxer from the rival Helpmekaar school whom Peekay fights and defeats. He proves to be gracious after the match.

Singe 'n' Burn is the formidable headmaster of the Prince of Wales School. He values critical thinking and selects Peekay and Morrie for an elite academic group after they challenge historical curriculums.

Solly Goldman is recognized as South Africa's top boxing coach. He takes Peekay on as a student, teaching him highly advanced combinations and honing his already impressive speed into a professional-level skill set.

Gideon is a formidable Zulu boxer and the biological son of Peekay's beloved childhood Nanny. He fights Peekay in a massive, highly symbolic match attended by thousands of Black spectators who see the fight in terms of national spirit.

Rasputin is a massive, gentle Russian miner who befriends Peekay during his time working as a "grizzly man" in the highly dangerous mines. Despite a language barrier, he offers Peekay fierce loyalty, shared meals, and deep camaraderie in a rough environment.