Lhamo
Lhamo is the novel's central character, and she is Tenkyi's older sister. Lhamo and her younger sister are victims of war. They find themselves in Nepal as refugees after their mother and other close relatives are killed in the colonial conflict. Lhamo is a selfless character who focuses on improving her younger sister's life.
After several years in the refugee camp, Lhamo encourages Tenkyi to go and study in India to better her life. Tenkyi follows her elder sister's advice, and she heads to India to study. Later, Tenkyi goes to Toronto to look for greener pastures after finishing her studies in India. Later, Lhamo sends her daughter, Dolma, to join her aunt, Tenkyi, in Toronto to study and better her future.
Tenkyi
Tenkyi is Lhamo's younger sister and looks up to her elder sister for guidance. Now that their parents are dead, Tenkyi relies on Lhamo's support. When Tenkyi is asked to leave the village and go to study in India, she gladly accepts and thanks her sister for the opportunity. Tenkyi leaves for India, where she finishes her studies and goes to live in Toronto, Canada. Later, Tenkyi hosts her niece, Dolma, when she comes to further her studies in Canada.
Samphel
Samphel is Lhamo's childhood boyfriend, and after a long separation, they meet in a refugee camp in Nepal. Samphel is also a refugee and finds himself in the camp after most of his relatives were killed in the conflict at home. Samphel brings a "Ku"' an ancient effigy given to him by his uncle, which is powerful enough to hold the family together.
Dolma
Dolma is Lhamo's daughter, and they are initially living together in the refugee camp in Nepal. When Dolma comes of age, her selfless mother sends her to join her aunt, Tenkyi, in Canada to study for a better future. While in Canada, Dolma finds a private collector with the "Ku," which reminds her that she should serve her community.
