Roya is a thoughtful, literature-loving young woman whose progressive parents envision a career in science for her. Coming of age in a rapidly modernizing Tehran, she seeks refuge from political protests and familial expectations in Mr. Fakhri's stationery shop. There, she experiences a profound, life-altering romance that shapes the trajectory of her life over the next sixty years. She maintains a deep connection to her Iranian heritage through traditional cookery.

Bahman is a fearless young idealist in 1950s Tehran who fervently supports the democratically-elected Prime Minister, Mossadegh. Convinced he is destined to change the world, he actively distributes political pamphlets and participates in protests. Despite his intense political focus, he is completely devoted to his burgeoning romance with Roya and encourages her to pursue her own passions rather than her parents' ambitions.

Walter is Roya's American husband, whom she meets after moving to the United States. Originating from Boston, he is exceptionally kind, empathetic, and genuinely curious about Persian culture, even eager to learn traditional cookery alongside his wife. He provides a stabilizing, sensible presence that contrasts with the passionate, politically fraught atmosphere of Roya's youth.

Mrs. Aslan is Bahman's bitter and fiercely ambitious mother. Having fought hard to escape poverty and secure her place in a higher social class, she is acutely protective of her family's standing. She strongly disapproves of her son's engagement to Roya, actively preferring a match with a girl from a family with stronger political ties to the Shah.

Mr. Fakhri is the gentle, intellectual proprietor of Tehran's most beloved stationery shop. His store serves as a quiet refuge for young people, stocking both Persian classics and translated international literature. Beneath his polite bookseller exterior, he actively nurtures the city's youth by passing secret messages for lovers and quietly supporting pro-democracy political activism.

Jahangir is Bahman's loyal, fashionable friend who embraces Tehran's modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle. He hosts vibrant social gatherings and takes pride in his extensive collection of international gramophone records. Beyond his carefree exterior, he harbors a deep, unspoken devotion to Bahman and keeps careful watch over his well-being.

Zari is Roya's younger sister, characterized by her pragmatism and adaptability. She often serves as a grounded counterweight to Roya's literary romanticism and Bahman's political fervor, pointing out the practical risks of their idealism. When the sisters relocate to the United States, Zari eagerly embraces new cultural experiences and assimilates quickly.

Roya and Zari's progressive patriarch is a firm believer in the power of modern education. He dreams of his daughters becoming famous scientists and fervently supports Prime Minister Mossadegh's democratic movement, hoping for a fully independent Iran free from foreign influence.

Roya and Zari's mother is a deeply practical woman who anchors the family's domestic life. She is highly skilled in traditional Persian cookery and maintains a healthy skepticism regarding foreign political interference, often clashing mildly with her husband's unbridled optimism about the future.

Jack is an American college student who becomes involved with Zari. He considers himself a revolutionary and is passionate about poetry, though he lacks an understanding of the genuine political danger the Iranian characters have faced in their homeland. He shows little interest in Persian cultural traditions.

Patricia is Walter's traditional Bostonian sister. She initially presents a frosty demeanor toward her new sister-in-law, openly refusing to eat Persian cuisine and speaking bluntly about her expectations regarding her brother's family life and timeline for children.

Claire is the assistant administrator at the New England senior center where Bahman resides. Having lost her mother and abandoned her academic dreams, she lives a somewhat isolated life, conducting much of her social interaction online. She forms genuine, caring attachments to the elderly residents under her supervision.

Shahla is a young Iranian woman whose father works for the Shah's police force. She is the socially advantageous match that Mrs. Aslan desperately wants for Bahman, a situation that causes obvious friction when she encounters the young couple together in public.

Atieh is Mr. Fakhri's dutiful and conventional wife. She is entirely devoted to her husband and family, raising their four children and supporting his decision to run a humble bookshop rather than pursue a more prestigious religious scholarship.

Bahman's father is a patient, accommodating man who routinely performs household tasks to soothe his highly strung wife. He supports his son's engagement and attempts to keep the peace within his volatile household despite the emotional toll.