Sami
Sami is the story's protagonist, aged 13. Sami is depicted as a playful boy who loves playing video games and football with his friends. The author takes readers through a traumatic journey showing how Sami's life worsens. When the Syrian war intensifies, Sami's parents decide to flee Damascus to England to seek asylum.
Throughout the journey to England, Sami witnesses things he never imagined. For instance, Sami and his family suffer at the hands of the smugglers, and they lack the essentials that he is used to. The journey is also dangerous because crossing the Mediterranean Sea using an old boat is scary. When the family arrives in England, Sami is bullied and discriminated against. Later, Sami decides to return to Syria despite the looming war.
Sami’s father
Sami's father is a surgeon. The author describes Sami's father as a caring and understanding father. When the father discovers that the Syrian war has worsened, he quickly arranges to flee his family to safety. Despite the many challenges, the father is optimistic that he will reach England to secure his family's safety.
Sami’s mother
Sami's mother is a school principal. The mother is portrayed as a caring mom. When Sami requests his mother to buy him new soccer shoes, the mother quickly agrees and goes to the mall to do the purchase. Unfortunately, the mall is bombed while the mother is inside, but she survives.
Sara
Sara is Sami’s little sister. Sara is a calm girl who prefers to be alone most of the time. Sara accompanies her mother to the mall to buy Sami new soccer shoes. After the mall bombing, Sara is traumatized for the rest of her life. While in England, Sara is bullied but prefers not to talk about it.
Tete
Tete is Sami's grandmother. When the war in Syria worsens, Sami's family leaves Tete behind, and she wishes them journey mercies. Afterlife becomes unbearable in England; Sami decides to return to Syria to care for Tete.
Aadam
Aadam is a young boy fleeing Syria. Sami befriends Aadam and discovers he is alone, and his entire family was killed in the war. Sami feels sorry for Aadam and promises to help him secure a seat in the boat.
