Ben
Ben is the fourth of six Nigerian brothers in a small town in rural Nigeria. He is the protagonist of the novel and narrates his experiences and adventures with his three older brothers. He is thirty-nine years old as he recounts his childhood story, which happened to him when he was nine years old.
Ikenna
Ikenna is one of Ben's three older brothers, and is the one who becomes suspicious of Abulu's words and prophecies. He becomes increasingly hostile towards his brothers, especially Boja, following the prophecy of Abulu.
Boja
Boja is another one of Ben's three older brothers, with whom he goes fishing in the Omi-Ala river and playing soccer.
Obembe
Obembe is the third of Ben's older brothers.
Abulu
Abulu is self-proclaimed prophet who tells the boys a prophecy which causes great tragedy in their family. He is also presumed to be partially mentally unstable and often visits the river.
Mr Bode
Mr Bode is a neighbor of the boys, and the boys enlist his help when Ikenna becomes increasingly belligerent towards them.
