A refugee from South Sudan who survives a harrowing journey as one of the Lost Boys. After settling in Atlanta, Georgia, he struggles to adapt to American life and faces immediate adversity when his apartment is robbed. He works at a gym while attending community college and frequently serves as an unofficial advisor to other Sudanese refugees in his community.

Valentino's roommate in Atlanta and a fellow Lost Boy. He is highly intelligent, which helps him adapt to life in the United States and find stable footing. He acts as a grounding presence for Valentino, checking on his well-being and helping him manage the culture shock of their new environment.

An African-American woman who orchestrates a robbery in Valentino's home. She is commanding and ruthless, showing little empathy for his background or situation while coordinating the theft of his donated valuables.

Tonya's male accomplice in the robbery of Valentino's apartment. He is physically imposing and violent, beating Valentino and ironically referring to him as a brother while stealing his possessions.

Valentino's father, a successful businessman in Marial Bai. He has multiple wives and children, maintaining a prosperous shop where he trades with both Dinka and Arab populations until the civil war destroys his livelihood and scatters his family.

One of Valentino's childhood friends from Marial Bai. He endures extreme trauma during the war and eventually trains as a soldier, adopting a harsh physical and mental demeanor to survive the brutalities of the rebel camps.

Another of Valentino's best friends from Marial Bai. He is an energetic boy who enjoys telling exaggerated stories, accompanying Valentino on the brutal march across the desert as they flee the violence.

A Sudanese woman whom Valentino meets in a refugee camp and later dates in the United States. Unlike many traditional Sudanese women, she pursues an education and desires the freedom to make her own choices, resisting the restrictive gender roles pushed upon her.

Tonya's young son, who is tasked with guarding the bound and gagged Valentino during the robbery. He is frightened and avoids communicating directly, preferring to watch television or drop household objects on Valentino to keep him quiet.

A natural leader who guides a massive group of the Lost Boys, including Valentino, toward safety. He acts as a protector and father figure, providing emotional support and trying to shield the boys from the harsh realities of the conflict.

An American woman who establishes a foundation to assist the Sudanese refugees. She works to provide resources and celebrity connections, though she struggles with the immense pressure and the internal jealousies among the refugee community.

An African-American receptionist at the Atlanta hospital where Valentino seeks treatment. An Iraq War veteran, he is sympathetic but misinterprets the nature of Valentino's experiences as a civilian target in the Sudanese war.

Tabitha's ex-boyfriend in the United States. A former SPLA soldier, he possesses a regressive view of gender roles and becomes dangerously obsessive when Tabitha asserts her independence.

A financially comfortable American sponsor who takes a personal interest in Valentino's story. He provides practical assistance, teaching Valentino life skills and helping him enroll in college.

Valentino's sister in the village of Marial Bai. She playfully bosses him around during their early years, representing the normal family dynamics lost to the conflict.

A young girl in Marial Bai who serves as Valentino's first childhood crush. He eagerly fetches water for her and imagines her at future weddings.

A Japanese co-director of a camp program who befriends and encourages Valentino while they wait for resettlement opportunities. He helps Valentino build administrative skills in the camp.