Said is a petty thief newly released from prison into an unrecognizable Cairo. Driven by a desire for revenge, he seeks out the individuals who wronged him during his incarceration. He struggles to find his footing in a society that has seemingly moved on without him, managing his lack of money, education, and social standing.

Ilish is a former criminal pupil of Said who has established a comfortable life during his mentor's imprisonment. He claims to have acted honorably by taking responsibility for his friend's family, though his actions suggest opportunistic greed. He actively avoids confrontation while maintaining a respectable facade.

Rauf is a formerly impoverished revolutionary writer who has reinvented himself as a wealthy newspaper columnist. He once taught his followers that stealing from the rich elite was politically justified. He now enjoys a luxurious lifestyle with servants, preferring to maintain the societal status quo.

Nur, whose real name is Shalabiyya, is a sex worker who frequents Tarzan's cafe. She has maintained unrequited feelings for Said since before his prison sentence. She provides a practical hideout and financial assistance, hoping to build a secure future away from her current profession.

Nabawiyya is Said's ex-wife who once assisted him by scouting wealthy homes as a maid before his burglaries. She filed for divorce during his four-year prison sentence and quickly remarried. She lives in constant fear of retaliation following her former husband's release.

Sana is a young girl who has spent almost her entire life away from her biological father. She is legally in the custody of her mother and stepfather. She is frightened by the sudden appearance of a stranger who demands her affection.

The Sheikh is a Sufi mystic and religious scholar living in the Darrasa quarter. He leads a group of dedicated followers and lives an ascetic lifestyle, denying material comforts. He speaks almost exclusively in cryptic parables and Quranic references, offering spiritual guidance rather than material help.

Tarzan is the owner of a local cafe that serves as a hub for the criminal underworld. He facilitates illegal transactions, including providing weapons, and treats his regulars with camaraderie. He offers a rare space of unconditional acceptance for individuals avoiding the police.

Mr. Bayaza is an old acquaintance from the neighborhood who stays informed about local gossip. He publicly encourages reconciliation between community members but is easily intimidated by violence.

Hasaballah is a local police detective who monitors the neighborhood's activities. He is deeply suspicious of newly released convicts and relies on the court system to settle domestic disputes.

Shaban Husayn is a man who recently moves into a new residence in Cairo. He unwittingly steps into a dangerous feud by occupying a home targeted by violence.

Said's father is a deceased, hardworking, and pious man who worked at a student hostel. He was a devout follower of Sufi mysticism and attempted to instill traditional moral directives in his son before his passing.

Said's mother is a deceased woman who worked alongside her husband at a student hostel. Her prolonged illness and eventual death deeply impacted her son, pushing him toward his first act of theft as a child.