Melati is a sixteen-year-old Malay Muslim girl living in Kuala Lumpur while privately fighting severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which she conceptualizes as a malicious Djinn. The recent loss of her father has intensified her mental health struggles, forcing her into exhausting counting and tapping rituals to ward off visions of her loved ones dying. Though she initially avoids politics and conflict, the sudden eruption of the 1969 race riots forces her to bravely cross the dangerous city to find her mother.

Vincent is an idealistic Chinese college student who returns home to Kuala Lumpur right before the riots begin. Unwilling to succumb to the racial hostility dividing the city, he volunteers with the Red Cross to deliver supplies and aid to anyone in need, regardless of their background. He is generous and observant, noticing Melati's counting habits and attempting to offer her comfort rather than judgment.

Frankie is Vincent's older brother, a young Chinese man who harbors deep-seated resentment toward the Malay majority. Having endured casual racism and extortion throughout his childhood, he views the riots as an opportunity to fight back and join the armed Chinese groups in the streets. His hostility introduces immediate danger into his own home, creating a tense environment for his family's guests.

Auntie Bee is a courageous and kind Chinese woman who risks her own safety to protect a stranger during the outbreak of the riots. She brings Melati into her home and provides her with clean clothes, food, and emotional shelter. Despite having faced discrimination in the past, she firmly rejects the violent hatred sweeping through her community.

Uncle Chong is Auntie Bee's husband and the steady patriarch of his family. While he clearly understands the political frustrations of the Chinese minority, he completely rejects the brutal violence occurring in the streets. He opens his home to displaced neighbors and works diligently to keep his household secure while urging his sons to maintain their humanity.

Salmah is Melati's hardworking mother, a nurse at a local hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Following the death of her husband, she bears the heavy burden of supporting her family while trying to seek traditional, religious cures for Melati's worsening mental health. Her dedication to her patients keeps her at the hospital when the riots break out, setting off Melati's desperate search for her.

Safiyah is Melati's energetic and outgoing best friend. Unaware of the true severity of Melati's internal struggles, she encourages her to be a normal teenager by sneaking out to the cinema and flirting with boys. Her insistence on visiting the Rex theater places them both at the epicenter of the violence when the riots begin.

The Djinn is a conceptual manifestation of Melati's Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Drawing on traditional Islamic mythology, Melati perceives her uncontrollable intrusive thoughts and compulsions as the malicious actions of a possessing spirit. The Djinn constantly threatens her with visions of violence, demanding that she perform specific rituals to appease it.

Melati's late father was a police officer who died in the 1967 Penang race riots, an event that triggered Melati's severe mental health struggles. He was a devout Muslim who also loved Western pop culture, often comparing himself and his wife to members of The Beatles.

May is an abandoned seven-year-old Chinese girl whom Melati discovers while searching for her mother. Frightened and vulnerable, she relies entirely on Melati to navigate the dangerous streets and find a safe haven.

Jagdev, often called Jay, is a young man volunteering alongside Vincent for the Red Cross. He actively risks his life to transport essential supplies across the divided city, facing military roadblocks and witnessing the grim realities of the riots firsthand.

Pakcik Adnan is Safiyah's father. Distraught and terrified by the ongoing violence, he desperately seeks information about his daughter's whereabouts, lashing out defensively when he learns how the girls were separated at the theater.

Mak Su is Melati's aunt. While she attempts to offer guidance regarding Melati's deteriorating mental state, her suggestions range from seeking controversial psychiatric help to pursuing traditional spiritual remedies.

Ethan is a young Chinese boy who suffered a gunshot wound from a ricocheting bullet during the riots. He is sheltered at a local school where he awaits proper medical transport to a hospital.

Mrs. Low is a teacher at a local Chinese school who converts her classroom into a makeshift triage center and sanctuary for those injured or displaced by the riots.

Azizah is a heavily pregnant Indian woman trapped in an alleyway during the chaos. She is terrified to leave her hiding spot but desperately requires medical assistance to safely reach a hospital.

Mat is the leader of a group of soldiers patrolling the city. Though initially suspicious of the civilians approaching his post, his empathy is triggered when he learns of a pregnant woman needing immediate transport.

Alang is a local gang leader who operates in the Malay village of Kampung Baru. He previously extorted Auntie Bee and Uncle Chong for protection money when they lived in the area, fueling the resentment of their son, Frankie.

Mak Sati is Melati's neighbor. She discovers Melati returning to her destroyed home and scolds her for not returning directly after school, completely unaware of the harrowing journey the teenager just survived.

Auntie Fatimah is a nurse and friend of Salmah. She provides crucial information to Melati regarding her mother's sudden departure from the hospital into the rioting streets.

Auntie Tipah is a coworker of Salmah who ventured out into the streets with her. After twisting her ankle, she was hidden in an outhouse by Salmah, who distracted an approaching Chinese gang to save her life.

Pakcik Hassan is a police officer who assists Melati in searching for her mother. He tries to keep her safe within the station walls until a distraught civilian breaches the building.

Jason is a young boy whom Safiyah has a crush on. He sells sugarcane drinks near the cinema, providing a brief moment of normal teenage life before the riots violently interrupt the evening.