Father’s brother, headmaster of the mission school, occasional visitor to the homestead. Babamukuru returns as Academic Director, enforces education plan, consoles grieving family.

Father who admires Babamukuru and envies his education. Father is identified by name Jeremiah and speaks in the education meeting.

Hard‑working mother who tends the vegetable garden and prepares meals.

Unnamed first‑person narrator, 13 in 1968, recounts family life and her feelings toward her brother. Narrator reflects on jealousy, cooks, and later decides to attend the mission despite mother’s illness.

Older sister who plays nhodo with the toddler and fetches Nhamo’s luggage.

Brother of the narrator; mission student who dies in 1968; rarely returns home and imposes chores on sisters. Nhamo returns from the mission changed, later falls ill with mumps and dies.

Youngest sibling, toddler who plays with Netsai and is carried by the narrator.

Uncle Thomas, a paternal uncle, rides at the rear of the convoy and later takes part in discussions.

Aunt Gladys (Tete Gladys) arrives in an old Austin car and participates in the reception.

Mother of Nyasha and Chido, returns with Babamukuru, later comforts the narrator’s mother.

A young child, cousin of the narrator, present at Babamukuru's welcome.

A younger cousin considered for schooling after Nhamo’s death.

Anna is the housegirl who greets and comforts the narrator upon arrival at Babamukuru's house.

Older brother of Nyaradzo, three years older, attends secondary school in Salisbury.

Young man who teaches Nyasha a new dance after the Christmas party.

Older brother of Nyaradzo, a year older, attends secondary school in Salisbury.

Narrator’s cousin who receives a scholarship and adapts to private‑school life; later involved in the Christmas party and the confrontation with Babamukuru.

Father of Nyaradzo, Brian and Andrew; arranged scholarship for Chido.

Introduced as a white missionary’s daughter, same age as narrator and Nyasha, friend of Nyasha.

Jeremiah, the narrator’s father, is discussed in relation to his departure with Takesure and his involvement in the family’s labor and marital arrangements.

Aunt Lucia, the narrator’s mother’s younger sister, arrives at the homestead, revealing her pregnancy and discussing her relationship with Takesure and the narrator’s father.

Nyasha initially refuses to return home for Christmas but ultimately joins the trip, engaging in conflict with Maiguru and showing independence. Nyasha suffers severe weight loss, mental breakdown and hospitalization

Takesure, a distant cousin of Bababukuru, is mentioned as having left the homestead with the narrator’s father and later as Lucia’s partner.

Introduced as a servant who quietly helps Tambu with chores during her punishment period.

Mother Superior and Principal of Sacred Heart who receives payment for Tambu's uniform

White male psychiatrist who treats Nyasha with Largactil