Meena, typically called Minni, is a 12-year-old student living in a Mumbai slum. She excels academically and harbors dreams of securing a high-paying job to lift her family out of poverty. She is hardworking and shoulders a heavy burden of domestic chores when her mother falls ill. Despite systemic disadvantages, her determination and thirst for a better life drive her to seek opportunities like a community computer class.

Faiza is Minni's Muslim neighbor and closest friend. She dreams of becoming a Bollywood dancer. She is a loyal and caring companion who brings joy to Minni's life. She occasionally feels forgotten as her friend takes on heavy domestic burdens.

Sanjay is Minni's older brother. He is a bold and sometimes reckless teenager with aspirations in the culinary arts. His youthful bravado leads to a dangerous encounter that forces him to temporarily leave Mumbai for his own safety. While away at a family farm, he continues to provide emotional support to his sister over the phone.

Rohini is Minni and Sanjay's mother. She provides for her family by working as a domestic servant for a wealthy household. Her endless devotion to her family takes a toll on her physical health, making her vulnerable to water-borne illnesses that severely disrupt the family's stability.

The Water Mafia Boss is a ruthless organized crime leader. He illegally siphons municipal water into tanker trucks to sell for profit, directly contributing to the severe resource deprivation in Mumbai's poorest neighborhoods. He chases away local children who witness his operations.

Pinky is the daughter of Rohini's wealthy employers. She lives in a luxurious high-rise apartment surrounded by material comforts but experiences deep emotional isolation due to her strict upbringing. She tries to befriend Minni, though her lack of awareness regarding class struggles creates a barrier between them.

Shanti is an older woman in the neighborhood known for her captivating storytelling. After suffering a tragic personal loss years prior, she became a teacher at the community center. She serves as an observant, maternal figure and confidant to many local children.

Minni's father is a cautious, hardworking man who runs a local tea cafe. He prefers to avoid trouble, adhering strictly to the proverb "see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil." He hopes to keep his family safe from the neighborhood's criminal elements by turning a blind eye to conflict.

Amit is Sanjay's friend. He inadvertently gets caught up in a dangerous situation while exploring near the railroad tracks. His uncle Ram works as a professional chauffeur.

Uncle Ram is Amit's uncle who works as a chauffeur driving a luxury Mercedes. He is protective but stern, reprimanding the local boys when their curiosity puts them in danger.

Ravi is a neighborhood resident who becomes involved with a local organized crime syndicate. He demonstrates the dangerous paths available to young men in the slums and poses a threat when he spots his neighbors spying on an illegal operation.

Anita is Pinky's mother and a wealthy resident of a Mumbai high-rise. She employs Rohini as a domestic servant and pays for Minni's education. She enjoys a luxurious lifestyle but shows little patience for mistakes from her domestic staff.

Pinky's grandmother is an elderly resident of the wealthy household. She strictly enforces traditional class and caste hierarchies. She is deeply prejudiced and verbally cruel toward domestic workers, making her home a hostile environment for visitors from lower castes.

Pinky's father is Anita's husband. He provides the immense wealth that sustains his family's luxurious lifestyle but is rarely present in the home. His frequent work commitments leave his daughter feeling isolated.

Priya is an Indian American computer science teacher at the community center. She is eager to help her students learn programming and views technology as a tool for community empowerment. In exchange for computer lessons, she lets her students teach her Hindi.

Miss Shah is Minni's sympathetic schoolteacher. She advocates for her student when attendance falters, offering extra help, tutoring, and understanding regarding the harsh realities outside the classroom.

Latika is an older neighbor who sells magazines on the street. She dropped out of school due to an unsupported learning disability. She steps up to help Minni with her domestic chores to ensure the younger girl can stay in school and pursue an education.

Moti is the beloved neighborhood dog. He provides comfort to Minni and inadvertently serves as a distraction during a crucial moment in the community.