Haled
Haled is really the most important character in the musical, primarily because it is due to his terribly mis-understandable accent that the band ends up on the wrong bus in the first place. Haled is vibrant, always on the move, bold and adventurous, which is why he is frequently the leader of the group by default. He is always a positive influence on the group and his pep-talk is the main reason for Papi's boost in confidence that enables him to finally talk to the girl of his dreams. Haled is an influence for good on others.
Tewfiq
Tewfiq is the leader of the band, but his quiet authority and mellow demeanor mean that he is not always the chief motivator. He recognizes leadership qualities in others and this is why he gives Haled plenty of tasks and jobs to do. Tewfiq is sensitive and seems to avoid talking about his emotions, because the only way he can deal with them is by bottling them up. Tewfiq has had a difficult life and sadness has found him too much. Tewfiq does not date, per se, and is reluctant to go to dinner with Dina, but is surprised to find that the two have a lot in common. The one constant in his life has been music, and this is something he is able to share with Dina.
Another reason that Tewfiq doesn't talk much is his speech impediment; when he speaks, he has a stutter, but when he sings, it disappears. He is more able to express himself in song than in conversation. His singing voice is beautiful and hypnotic.
Tewfiq's family life is filled with tragedy. He and his son never got along and he feels a great deal of guilt about this, primarily because he believes his son committed suicide due to their horrible relationship. Shortly after his son's suicide, his wife killed herself out of grief. He does not feel comfortable talking to Dina about his family, perhaps feeling disloyal to them in some way, and he is therefore relieved when Haled arrives to ease his discomfort and give him an excuse to politely leave.
Dina
Dina is the smartest and most cosmopolitan woman in the town. Yes, it's remote, but she is aware of this, and has taken the trouble to educate herself about the wider world, and also to experience it the best way she can, which in her case is primarily on the radio. She has a love of music, and this is something that she and Tewfiq bond over. She has not had much luck in love and decides that fate has thrown her and Tewfiq together. She is a no-nonsense woman in her daily life, presiding over the cafe, the central point in town, but is also dreamy and romantic.
Simon
Simon is not a particularly well-developed character in terms of the audience getting to know him, but he acts as a conduit to the introduction of Itzik because he accepts Itzik's invitation to join him and his family for dinner. Simon is a gifted clarinet player. His music acts as a lullaby both to Itzik's baby son, and also to his wife, who is calmed enough by it to make up with her husband after their disagreement.
Itzik
Itzik is a devoted family man with endless patience. He is not an ambitious or goal-driven man and this irritates his wife because she wants him to be driven by a greater sense of purpose than he has. He is father to a new baby and he seems to be a hands-on father, soothing his son with songs. He knows his wife well enough to realize that it is better to let her yell and scream and stomp out of the house, knowing she will calm down and return later, rather than arguing with her or begging her to come back before she is ready.
Avrum
Avrum is Itzik's father-in-law. He is a widow who grieves for his wife, and who is also a character whose life has been positively touched by music. He and his wife first met in a music club so for him music forever after is a source of love and positive associations.
Papi
Papi spends his night at the roller rink ignoring the girl that he would give anything to date. He is a romantic lightweight and too scared to talk to her, but after a pep talk from Haled, manages to overcome his anxiety and approach her.
