Abu Muhammad, a pot‑bellied man, shows an expensive watch from Kuwait and recounts his family’s migration, his son Khalid’s torture, and concerns about customs duty. Abu Muhammad advises Us Usama on customs duties and comments on family exile, linking him to Khalid. Abu Muhammad offers Kent cigarettes, explains they were partially destroyed, smokes Israeli 'El Al' cigarettes, eats Israeli rice, tahina and sugar, notes double taxes on imported goods, references his son Khalid's resistance activities, and is described with heavy jowls.

The driver vocalizes obscenities, questions Arabic speakers, and honks warningly during the journey. Driver transports Usama’s suitcase in a black Mercedes after his release. The driver comments that a cigarette pack costs six qurush to make and the rest is a protective tariff, mentions rising fuel costs, laughs at a kid's chant joke, and reacts angrily by slapping the steering wheel.

Hadiyya is another sibling who stayed behind in Jenin.

Hafsa stays in Jenin alongside Zaynab and Hadiyya.

Khalid, Abu Muhammad’s youngest son, is a bail‑out prisoner, tortured, possibly sterile, and considered a drop‑out risking a house explosion. Khalid is referenced as the only person among six who has caused Usama trouble. Khalid is mentioned as smoking American cigarettes.

Muhammad, Abu Muhammad’s older son, works in Kuwait and has been there since the 1948 exodus.

Salih followed his brother Muhammad to Kuwait after the 1967 events. Salih is referenced as being in prison, causing Nuwar's distress. Salih comforts Basil, offers him an egg, inquires about family members, reads political economy texts, and supports Basil during the party. Salih attends the prison’s “people's school”, reading books constantly and working hard in the literacy and exam‑prep sessions. Briefly referenced in Basil’s monologue about revolutionaries. Salih is revealed as Nuwar's secret boyfriend, known to most of the family except the parents. Salih is referenced as Nuwar’s imprisoned lover.

Usama, a passenger, reflects on his past, the painted truck, romantic longing for his homeland, and his mother's cooking awaiting him across the bridge. Usama undergoes a forced strip‑search, is interrogated about his travel history, family, and employment; reveals father’s death, mother’s location, and that he was fired for being Palestinian. Usama reflects on the occupation, feels disillusioned about resistance, mentions his mother arranged his re‑entry making him a resident, hears a girl shouting 'swine', observes barren land that once had lemon groves, recalls a leader's quote about short‑sightedness, and internally questions the myth of collective strength. Usama returns to his hometown, reunites with cousin Adil, confronts the town’s material changes, questions the occupation, and learns about his family’s health and financial situation. Usama wakes, hears his mother's prayers, declines farm work but promises to visit, reflects on his militant destiny. Usama confronts Abu Shahada at an abandoned farm while searching for Adil and learns about labor migration to Israel. Usama tries to persuade Adil, reveals he visited a farm where only an old man and a dog were present, and engages in a tense dialogue about freedom and hunger. Usama feels alienated after the bread incident, reflects on Nuwar's illness, and notes Adil's deteriorating health while observing the impact of occupation on personal will. Usama reflects on his class defection, feels ashamed listening to Zuhdi, recalls childhood lamb sacrifice and poem, contemplates killing people Usama becomes increasingly frustrated with the discussion, leaves the gathering abruptly, and expresses uncertainty about the timing of war. Usama confronts his inability to carry out attacks, debates blowing up Egged buses, and experiences intense emotional conflict in the cafe and during the curfew. Usama evades patrol, enters a secret vault, emerges from the Great Mosque, walks a mountain path to a village and reflects on his past actions. Usama is referenced as being in Amman and possibly linked to the officer’s assassination; his clothing and interests are described. Participates in the ambush on workers' buses, wounds are inflicted on him and his stomach is split open, leading to his apparent death scene Usama is referenced as a fugitive whose status is disputed; Basil claims he is not a fugitive and is honourable.

Zaynab remains in Jenin while other family members relocated.

Baruch is the customs officer who demands payment, rejects the title ‘Effendi’, and handles detainees’ belongings.

Haj Abdullah Mubarak is the grocer whose shop address is written in Usama’s notebook. Haj Abdullah is described as a respectable grocer who sells to Israeli forces and shows concern for Usama. Haj Abdullah shares extensive personal and family details while serving Usama coffee, revealing his mother's legacy, his sons' roles, and the pressures of inflation. Haj Abdullah repeatedly urges prisoners to study and is labeled a “comprador” by Basil during a political rant. Haj Abdullah intervenes in the shop, ordering the boys to stop and go study.

A front‑seat passenger launches a long political speech quoting Arab unity, Vietnam, the Algerian war, China, the Opium War, and even house flies, criticizing others as lazy hangers‑on.

A woman in her forties with a plaster cast on her left forearm sits in the back seat, admonishes Usama to calm down, disappears when the taxi stops, and is later seen without the cast in the old part of town.

Abu Adil, the patriarch, suffers kidney failure, hosts foreign journalists, and vocalizes criticism of the occupation while worrying about family honour. Abu Adil dominates the dinner, expressing illness, threatening to join fugitives, and pressuring Nuwar to accept Dr Izzat's proposal. Abu Adil is mentioned as being in the hospital during the house demolition.

Adil, Usama’s cousin, is depicted as the family’s primary breadwinner, supporting nine people and a kidney machine, working long hours, and appearing physically weakened. Adil facilitated the mother’s relocation and Usama’s return, and is portrayed as a brotherly figure. Usama searches for Adil, whose current location remains unknown. Adil drives the van, treats Abu Sabir's injury, reflects on his family's farm and his father's illness Adil reflects on his family's financial burdens, his father's dependence on a kidney machine, and the broader political context. Adil appears heavily intoxicated, vomits, reflects on oppression, mentions his failing kidney, his cousin Nuwar waiting, and his anguish over Abu Sabir’s injury. Adil, the family's backbone, is portrayed as physically and emotionally broken. Adil reacts irritably, mentions Abu Sabir waiting, shows deep concern and furrowed face Adil remains the vocal advocate for compensation, interacts with the child, and shows nervous tension during the heated debate. Adil appears in the cafe, engages in confrontations with Shahada, reveals his health issues and conflicted loyalties while discussing his work in Israel. Basil reports that Adil is fine, while other family members face difficulties. Adil interrogates and later attempts to calm Zuhdi, offering a handshake and a book, revealing a softer side. Adil leads the informal government of cell 23, distributes food as “socialism,” calls himself the conscience of the Palestinian revolution, proposes a “clean‑up crew,” engages in political debates with Zuhdi, and criticizes bourgeois apathy Adil confronts Basil in the shop, visits Abu Sabir’s house, discusses compensation, expresses doubts about marriage and family burdens, and receives a copy of Les Misérables. Adil visits Mother after the soldier’s interrogation, shows affection, and offers her medicine. Continues to intervene in discussions about the Middle East conflict, referenced as "Adil al‑Karmi" Adil returns from Haifa with Abu Sabir, reports a recent workers' bus attack in Deir Sharaf, and interacts with his family amidst mounting tension. Adil remains aloof at dinner, later revealed to be working as a labourer in Israel. Adil is arrested, released after two days of interrogation, helps move furniture, wrestles with saving his father's kidney machine, confronts an Israeli officer, and resolves to seek revenge after the house demolition.

The lament of Farid al‑Atrash plays repeatedly from the radio/television shop throughout the town. His songs are recalled as still resonating in the town square

Usama’s mother welcomes him home, urges marriage, expresses faith that God will resolve the country’s problems, and discusses family members’ conditions. Mother greets Usama, shares stories of exile from Tulkarm, arranges logistics through Adil, advises visiting Haj Abdullah, and urges farm work and marriage to Nuwar. Usama’s mother is described as very ill, prompting his urgency to act. Basil thinks of his mother throughout his ordeal, expressing concern for her wellbeing. Mother is interrogated by Israeli soldiers, reveals details about her son Usama, recites prayers, and interacts with neighbor Um Sadiq and Adil. Urges Usama to take a job on his uncle’s farm and hints at a marriage to his cousin Nuwar Mother hurriedly tends to the house, prepares dinner, and complains about the condition of the home. Mother reacts emotionally to the family crisis, urging accountability. Adil’s mother shouts from a window to remember the kidney machine and urges Adil to take it.

Nuwar, a university student at al‑Najah College, is tall and slim, preparing for marriage, and asks Usama to investigate Adil’s health. Nuwar is mentioned as Usama’s cousin and potential future spouse who will inherit farm share. Nuwar is seen by the pool, introduces her friend Lina, and is crying while repeatedly mentioning Salih. Nuwar is mentioned as waiting for Adil at the door and later described smiling at the future. Nuwar is described as the family's pride but afflicted with myopia and an unspecified disease. Nuwar is described as constantly crying and is referenced by Salih. Mentioned as Basil’s sister whose comments are quoted about prison. Nuwar receives news of Lina's arrest, confronts the revelation of her secret relationship with Salih, and worries about a forced marriage and a potential suitor. Nuwar is pressured to marry Dr Izzat but confesses love for Salih and her intent to marry only him. Nuwar is arrested, released, and seen packing suitcases while under soldier surveillance.

Usama’s father, mentioned while Usama identifies his lineage. Abu Sabir accompanied Adil to Haifa and is linked to the recent workers' bus incident. Abu Sabir watches the house demolition, his hand is mutilated, and he shares grief with Adil.

Old peasant who runs the abandoned farm, unaware of his past connections, and whose son works in Israel. Former farmhand confronting the new reality of the farm Usama recalls a past angry meeting with Abu Shahada.

Landlord who officially owns the farm land according to Abu Shahada. Landlord of the abandoned farm referenced by Abu Shahada Effendi is identified as the landlord who now owns the abandoned farm lands. Effendi is identified as the landlord of the family’s farm.

Usama’s mother, referenced to clarify his family background.

Young man recalled by the dog, indicating a past bond with the farm’s dog.

Son of Abu Shahada who works in Israel rather than on the family farm. Shahada is recalled by Adil with childhood memories of playing under a fig tree, spraying cattle, and peeing in a trough; he is also said to have left Adil alone. Shahada boasts wealth in the cafe, orders coffee and water‑pipe for everyone, and engages in a hostile exchange with Usama. Shahada helps move furniture and assists with the evacuation process.

Older worker who loses fingers, diabetic, lacks a work permit and asks Adil for help Abu Sabir suffers severe hand injury, retaining only a thumb and half a little finger, and expresses a desire for heroic stories. Abu Sabir suffers severe hand injury with loss of fingers; his diabetes prevents clotting, highlighting his medical vulnerability. Abu Sabir is referenced as having lost his fingers before a saw blade and avoiding taxes Abu Sabir is bedridden with a severe hand injury, asks about the war, and repeatedly urges others to speak his mind. Abu Sabir suffers a severe hand injury, requires dialysis, and his family struggles with medical costs. Abu Sabir discusses a stalled compensation claim, financial hardships, and his son’s education, and later talks about Zuhdi’s new interest in books. Abu Sabir's compensation case is described: the lower court awarded him 84,000 Israeli pounds, but the company claims bankruptcy and has not paid, prompting legal action in Haifa. Mentioned as still pursuing legal compensation for his work‑related injury

Dark‑skinned young man with a moustache who comments on lentils and workplace exploitation Zuhdi tells a humorous story about Woman’s Hour and a bomb in a paper factory. Zuhdi shares an extensive monologue about exile, various jobs, exploitation, and desire to leave the country Zuhdi loudly demands a concrete answer about war, threatens to leave the country, and vents frustration over daily denigration of Arabs. Zuhdi participates in the cafe dialogue, shows contempt toward Adil and Shahada, and later follows Adil in the streets. Zuhdi is imprisoned, isolated, and interrogated about his work in Israel and the killing of Shlomo; he reacts violently to perceived indifference. Zuhdi suffers severe constipation, receives lettuce advice, threatens friends with iron fists, watches exercises, feels head pressure, discards Midaq Alley, worries about Saadiyya, children, Hamada, and reflects on gold bracelets as prison savings, clashes with Adil's leadership Zuhdi grapples with his promise to give cigarettes to Abu Nidal, briefly resists but steals a cigarette from Israeli guards, encounters a five‑year‑old boy who claims he is his father, and joins the courtyard chant for Palestine. Zuhdi is described as having become an intellectual who now wants serious books. Zuhdi is released from prison and returns to Nablus, where he is warmly welcomed by his wife Saadiyya, children Ammar and Hamada, and neighborhood vendors. He expresses joy, plans to seek work in the west, and reflects on his desire to forget past suffering while describing the lavish reception he receives. Wounded in the shoulder, kills a soldier with a screwdriver, declares himself a "shawka" and later seizes a machine‑gun to fire Zuhdi was involved in a bus accident that resulted in the vehicle overturning in a ditch.

Um Sabir, wife of Abu Sabir, is frantic over his injury, invoking the evil eye and performing rituals. Um Sabir deals with her husband’s injury, invoking folk remedies and religious verses. Um Sabir greets Adil at the doorway, mentions shopping, and later serves coffee. Um Sabir stands on a neighbour’s roof, beating her hands in distress while watching the house evacuation.

Basil, Nuwar's younger brother, invites Usama for coffee and hosts friends who discuss education and emigration. Basil appears briefly, drinking cola and greeting Usama. Basil appears chanting revolutionary slogans and is later seized by soldiers. Basil is beaten, given a sack, fed tea, awarded the nickname Abu al-Izz, participates in a prison celebration, delivers a speech repeating his revolutionary chant, rejects future guerrilla action, and promises not to answer to the name Abu al-Izz again. Basil, now called Abu al-Izz, works folding plastic bags in the prison workshop and earns eight Umar cigarettes as wage; participates in the prison’s “people's school” and expresses religious gratitude during Antun’s song. Basil boasts about violent actions, defends his prison experience, and espouses a militant view of revolution. Basil opens a secret vault, guides Usama, mentions a password, Hani, Lina, and warns him about decisions. Basil learns of Lina's arrest, discusses Salih and family secrets, and devises a roof‑to‑roof escape plan while fearing capture by the Jews. Basil agitates the family, reveals secret facts about Nuwar’s love, Adil’s work, and Usama’s status, and contemplates joining fugitives.

Lina, a short slim girl, is introduced as Salih's sister and Nuwar's friend. Lina is introduced as Nuwar’s friend, providing information about Adil’s whereabouts. Lina, Basil’s sister, is said to visit frequently. Lina is highlighted as a solid, experienced girl whose advice Basil urges Usama to follow. Lina has been arrested by the authorities after a nighttime raid following a street barricade. Lina is arrested, prompting Basil to reveal Nuwar’s hidden relationship.

Aref, another son of Haj Abdullah, is roughly the same age as Usama.

Bakr, son of Haj Abdullah, supervises the coffee‑roasting operation.

Sells Hebrew‑stamped bread, engages in a heated argument over its origin and quality. The bread seller argues with a worker about wages and patriotism.

Passes the bread stall, dismisses the loaf as leftovers, and shows disdain toward the seller. An elderly man with a red fez appears in the cafe, offering commentary on the situation.

Haj Abdullah mentions Hani as his youngest son, described as a rascal and firebrand. Hani takes part in the heated debate inside Haj Abdullah’s grocery. Hani appears in the shop scene and asserts that he is studying for upcoming exams. Hani is mentioned as a collaborator with Basil to distribute necessary items.

Radwan works at Haj Abdullah's shop, handling coffee service and clearing cups. Radwan is present in the grocery debate, adding to the conversation about politics and economics.

Rushdi, the third son of Haj Abdullah, is a medical student set to graduate next year. Rushdi appears briefly in the cafe, joining the backgammon crowd.

Aggressively questions the bread seller about the bread's origin and freshness. A well‑dressed young man is noted in the cafe crowd, observing the scene.

Abu Nawwaf informs Zuhdi about a driver job opportunity Abu Nawwaf loudly celebrates a backgammon win in the cafe. Abu Nawwaf assists Adil in moving furniture and gives instructions about the gas stove.

A forties‑aged, overweight woman with a discoloured face greets the visitors and cares for her injured husband. She is present during Abu Sabir’s injury, expressing distress and concern. She is referenced regarding selling bracelets and focusing only on cooking and children.

Elias, also known as Abu Ahmad, is a mutilated prisoner with a torn lip, missing eye, and a black‑leather‑covered hand; he recounts a failed bomb attack and shares his injuries. Elias is referenced when an officer’s eye is torn out, making the officer look like Elias. Briefly referenced alongside Salih in Basil’s speech.

Hamza leads the prison party, delivering revolutionary speeches, announces Basil as a hero, and energizes the group with chants and slogans. Hamza is insulted by the narrator as a lazy devil and urged to leave his filthy mat. Briefly referenced alongside Salih and Elias in Basil’s speech.

The poem of Palestinian poet Kamal Nasser is recited during the party.

A female prisoner addressed as "Um Adil" shouts a curse at Basil after he is beaten. Grandmother raises the issue of Usama and Zakiyya’s earlier engagement plan for Nuwar.

Mahmoud, also called Abu Salim, is an older villager who reads a letter about his family and farm to Zuhdi. Mahmoud shares news about the death of Masouda’s white calf and his wife’s promise of chicken and onions, and later discusses shaving before visiting day

Munira is mentioned as Zuhdi’s daughter‑in‑law who recently gave birth to a son.

Saadiyya is referenced as Zuhdi’s wife and mother of his children, motivating his anxiety about their welfare. Saadiyya’s gold bracelets are described as a prison savings bank; her cooking of vegetables is praised, and Zuhdi vows to buy her more bracelets Saadiyya is taking a weekly bath when Zuhdi returns, opens the bathroom door, weeps, and initially fears that he might not have escaped. She embraces him, cries, and shares her emotions about his release. Referenced in a prayer asking for protection

Shlomo is the victim whose head was split open by Zuhdi, recalled in Zuhdi’s memories. Shlomo’s head is described as split open and his face discolored; he is portrayed as both an ass and a human being His head is split open during the fighting, confirming his death

Abu Salim assists in making tea for Zuhdi, provides two buckets for the improvised cooker, and is addressed politely by fellow inmates

The guerrilla regales Mahmoud with news about Masouda, checks on Zuhdi’s health, offers tea, and tries to cheer him up

Abu Nidal is a trembling, depressed prisoner with poor eyesight who cannot sew, has a five‑year‑old son whose birthday is upcoming, and accepts cigarettes from Zuhdi before later embracing Zuhdi when a child mistakes him for his father. Zuhdi promises Abu Nidal eight cigarettes during his conversation with Adil al-Karmi.

Adil al‑Karmi is referenced as a voice praising love over sorrow, whose speech is remembered fondly by the prisoners. Adil al-Karmi discusses the stalled compensation for Abu Sabir, revealing that a bankruptcy affidavit has blocked payment and that they will travel to Haifa to consult a lawyer.

Izdihar appears briefly behind the child in the courtyard, wiping her eyes during the emotional scene.

Saafan is mentioned as a possible person who may have recognized Usama, causing concern.

Neighbor who assists Mother during the soldier’s raid, opening the window and later bringing medicine. Enters after the soldiers leave, bringing medicine and praying

Ammar, the small son of Zuhdi, is playing on the floor with saucepan lids and greets his father excitedly upon his return.

Hamada, another of Zuhdi's children, is addressed by his father after the family reunion, engaging in conversation about school, history, and future plans.

Rebel leader who plans and commands the bus ambush, draws a map and delivers incendiary speeches about land and resistance

Father is shown as ill, constantly shouting about household issues and searching for his glasses and a kidney machine. Father owns a kidney machine that is at risk of being left behind during the evacuation.

Zakiyya is mentioned as having previously planned to arrange Nuwar’s engagement to Usama. Abu Badawi is asked by Adil to help with the gas stove during the evacuation.

Dr Izzat is a cultivated, financially well‑off young doctor, recently graduated, scheduled to meet Nuwar tomorrow. An Israeli officer questions Adil about the demolition timing and engages in a brief exchange about the house’s destruction.

Subhi is asked by Adil to give a hand with boxes during the house evacuation.