Niru - The protagonist, a Nigerian-American high school senior living in Washington D.C. He is gay, which is unacceptable to his conservative Nigerian parents. He struggles with reconciling his sexuality with his family's expectations and cultural values.

Meredith - Niru's best friend, a white girl from a prominent Washington family. She is initially unaware of Niru's sexuality but becomes his confidante. Their friendship is strained as Niru grapples with coming out.

Niru's Father - A strict, authoritarian figure who adheres to traditional Nigerian Christian values. When he discovers Niru is gay, he responds with violence and attempts to "cure" him through spiritual means.

Niru's Mother - While initially more tolerant than Niru's father, she eventually also rejects Niru's sexuality due to her cultural beliefs.

Damien - A romantic interest Niru meets later in the novel, representing a potential acceptance of his true self.

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