The speaker is a young woman processing the painful aftermath of a toxic romantic relationship and childhood trauma. She draws deeply on her identity as a daughter of South Asian immigrants, seeking to understand her lineage and honor the sacrifices of her ancestors. Over the course of her emotional growth, she learns to embrace her physical body and discovers an empowering inner strength.

The mother is a South Asian immigrant to Canada who endured significant hardship adjusting to a strange country and language. She misses her home country and maintains a connection to it through foreign films and international food aisles. She provides vital lessons about survival and gratitude, teaching her daughter the natural life cycle of flowers in her garden.

The ex-lover is a former romantic partner who inflicted severe emotional and physical pain on the speaker. He maintained a harmful dynamic where he sought to dominate the relationship, treating women poorly and leaving deep emotional scars. His departure initially causes the speaker immense grief before she recognizes the necessity of moving forward.

The new lover is a sensitive man who treats the speaker as an equal partner. He represents a healthy departure from the speaker's past trauma, sparking intense physical and emotional connection. He is capable of crying and shows genuine vulnerability, helping the speaker learn to accept a healthy relationship.

The father is an immigrant who worked tirelessly to bring his family out of poverty. Breaking from the traditional expectations of his culture, he actively prioritized the education of his three daughters over arranging their marriages. His sacrifices and progressive parenting choices provide the speaker with a vital sense of freedom.

Amrik is the mother's brother who died in 1990. His death occurred just one year before the mother's wedding, leaving her in a deep state of mourning during what was supposed to be a joyous occasion.