Karen
Karen is the central character in the memoir. Karen is married to Baron Bror Bixen. Karen is a Danish woman who has lived in Kenya for the best part of her life. Karen is in love with the African landscape, people, and culture. Karen runs a coffee plantation farm in Ngong, the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Since the plantation is in a high-altitude area, a small portion of Karen's farm is used for coffee growing, and the rest is a forest with indigenous vegetation. The local Maasais and Kikuyus occupy the rest of the plantation.
Karen loves African culture and respects the local people. Karen has built a school and hospital for the locals. Every morning, Karen teaches at the school and treats patients in the clinic. Karen’s relationship with her husband is not romantic because he spends most of his days on safari and dining with other women. However, Karen has fallen in love with the locals and the landscape. The Maasai and Kikuyus living on her farm are friendly and supportive. When Draught persists, Karen's farm becomes unproductive, and after many years of stay, she decides to return to Denmark. Karen leaves unwillingly the place she has called home for many years. However, she thanks everyone and gives part of her farm to the locals.
Baron Bror Blixen
Baron is Karen's husband. Baron is an adventurous man who loves traveling for fun. Every time Baron is away from home, leaving his wife to manage their expansive farm in Ngong. Baron is also an unfaithful man because he has several women he sleeps with whenever he is away from home.
Farah Aden
Farah Aden is Karen's right-hand man, who helps her to manage the expansive farm. Farah is a loyal and honest man who does his duties with dignity. Karen and Farah develop a close working relationship.
Kamante
Kamante is the young Kikuyu boy Karen rescues and takes to the hospital for medication after suffering from an injury. When Kamante returns, he lives with Karen, and she discovers he has an interest in cooking. Karen sponsors Kamante to attain a catering course, and he later becomes her best cook on the farm.
Lulu
Lulu is the antelope that runs into Karen's home, and she adopts him. Karen takes good care of Lulu, and she becomes part of the family. Lulu is friendly to everyone on the farm.
Denys Finch Hatton
Hatton is a British hunter and a close friend of Karen. Hatton and Karen share a lot in common, and their friendship forms part of the major topic in the memoir. The love between Karen and Hatton is mutual and eccentric because they adore the African landscape, culture, and nature.
