Yamaye
Yamaye is the central character in the novel. Namaye is a 24-year-old Jamaican woman living with her father on the outskirts of London. The author depicts Namaye as a young woman struggling with sorrow. Besides her misfortunes, Yamaye is an adventurous woman who loves music and dance. For Namaye, music is an escape route from her current challenges. Whenever Yamaye feels bored, she sneaks out to nightclubs and dance halls to have fun with her friends.
During her adventures, Yamaye meets Moose, a carpenter, and falls in love with him. Unfortunately, a few months later, the police kill Moose. The police accuse Moose of a crime he never committed. Yamaye grieves her loss but later is engaged to Monassa. Unfortunately, Yamaye discovers that Monassa is a controlling man who forces her to participate in criminal activities.
Yamaye’s father
Yamaye's father is an irresponsible man who is not concerned about his daughter's welfare. Yamaye says her father is always absent and rarely provides for their household's basic needs.
Moose
Moose is Yamaye's fiancé and a carpenter by profession. When Moose meets Yamaye for the first time, he falls in love with her. Yamaye and Moose share much in common, including music and Jamaican roots. Unfortunately, Moose is shot dead by the police accusing him of murder. According to the police, Moose killed a police officer. However, Namaye and the community know that Moose is innocent because the police kill Black people carelessly in London. In most cases, Black people are charged with crimes they never committed.
Asase
Asase is a self-assured Jamaican artist and a close friend of Yamaye. Asase accompanies Yamaye to nightclubs and dance halls to have fun. The author describes Asase as an outgoing young woman whose purpose in life is to sing, dance and explore the world. However, Asase is not lucky because men take advantage of her beauty to abuse her sexually. For instance, one day, Asase is assaulted by a man and in self-defense, she stubs him to death. Asase is arrested and imprisoned.
Rumer
Rumer is an Irish woman and a close friend of Yamaye and Asase. Rumer is also an outgoing character who loves fun, entertainment, and music. After the death of Moose, Rumer tries to help Yamaye follow up on the case, but she later gives up and returns to Ireland.
Monassa
Monassa is a chauvinistic man who is controlling and abusive. Monassa is a thief and a gang leader of a group of burglars in the small town of Bristol. When Yamaye relocates to Bristol, she meets Monassa, who promises to help her. However, Monassa takes advantage of Yamaye and physically abuses her while they are living together. Monassa also forces Yamaye to join him in crime.
Granny Itiba
Granny Itiba is Moose's grandmother living in Jamaica. When Yamaye travels to Jamaica, she meets with Grand Itiba and listens to her stories about her ancestors. After listening to Granny Itiba's stories, Yamaye connects with her past and gets the energy to face life with courage.
