Makhaya is a highly educated, hot-tempered young man fleeing the systemic discrimination of apartheid-era South Africa. After serving a prison sentence for planned sabotage, he seeks a quiet existence free from racial oppression and colonial condescension. Upon arriving in the village of Golema Mmidi, he slowly integrates into a welcoming community, offering his practical skills to local agricultural reform projects while maintaining a heavily guarded exterior.

Gilbert is a massive, energetic British expatriate who has spent three years attempting to modernize agriculture in Golema Mmidi. Running away from a stifling upper-class upbringing and a neurotic mother in England, he channels his immense energy into organizing cattle management and cash crops. He operates with practical determination but faces constant pushback from traditional tribal leaders who resent his influence over the locals.

Paulina is an assertive young mother who relocated to Golema Mmidi following a disastrous marriage that ended in her husband's financial disgrace and suicide. She lives with her young daughter, Lorato, while her son, Isaac, tends to the family's cattle at a distant outpost. Known for her brightly colored skirts and expressive eyes, she actively participates in village initiatives and takes an immediate interest in the newly arrived Makhaya.

Matenge is the subordinate chief overseeing Golema Mmidi, placed in this minor village by his brother as a form of punishment. He is fiercely dedicated to preserving his traditional authority and views any modern progress as a direct attack on his social standing. Pompous and perpetually insecure, he actively attempts to undermine Gilbert's work and drive Makhaya out of the country.

Maria is a small, spirited young woman who assists her father, Dinorego, and maintains a close association with Gilbert Balfour. She possesses an intense and active personality, operating mostly on the periphery of the village's larger agricultural changes. Her relationship with Gilbert forms a central part of his connection to Botswana.

Dinorego is a poor but highly respected older man in Golema Mmidi. He acts as a primary bridge between the traditional villagers and the forward-thinking agricultural methods proposed by Gilbert. Recognizing the value of educated outsiders, he takes it upon himself to welcome Makhaya and integrate him into their community efforts.

Mma-Millipede is an older resident of Golema Mmidi whose life is heavily guided by her Christian faith. Having survived a deeply unhappy marriage to a philandering chief's son in her youth, she uses her resulting understanding of human nature to counsel the younger generations. She frequently reads the Bible to find parallels to everyday struggles.

Sekoto is the regional ruler who presides over Matenge and the surrounding villages. He is a hedonistic man who openly enjoys fast cars, heavy meals, and his separate mansion for concubines. Despite his indulgences, he is a highly effective and pragmatic leader who bases his legal judgments on evidence and basic fairness, often outmaneuvering his anxious younger brother.

Joas is a loud, malicious political agitator representing a faction opposed to the current tribal leadership. Despite his party's differences with traditional royalty, he aligns himself with Chief Matenge purely out of shared malice toward Gilbert and the new government. He operates with idealistic rhetoric masking a destructive nature.

George is a local police official and member of the colonial administration. Unlike many bureaucrats, he possesses a strong sense of justice and a willingness to take professional risks to assist those improving the country. He uses his administrative power to ensure Makhaya is not immediately deported as a political refugee.

Isaac is Paulina Sebeso's young son. Following local pastoral customs, he lives at an isolated cattle post away from Golema Mmidi to tend to the family's livestock. His remote location causes constant anxiety for his mother, especially during a severe drought that threatens the herds.

Lorato is Paulina Sebeso's young daughter who attends the local school in Golema Mmidi. She acts as an initial point of contact between her mother and Makhaya, occasionally joining the adults during their agricultural construction projects.

Mma-Baloi is an elderly woman from the village of Bodibeng. After several tragic illnesses occur in her community, frightened locals accuse her of causing the deaths through witchcraft. Sekoto uses medical evidence to clear her name and remove her from danger.

Rankoane is a cattleman whose grazing post is situated near the one managed by Paulina Sebeso's son. He possesses vital information about conditions out in the rural pastures during the severe drought.