Ana Juric
Ana is a ten-year-old when civil war begins in Yugoslavia. She lives in Croatia, so the chaos of the war quickly overturns her young world. After the murder of her parents, she is made to become a child soldier. Her past full of trauma and grief, Ana struggles to adapt to adult life. She moves to New York to attend university there, but her grades quickly fall. Although her friends know that Ana's depressed, they can's solve her problems for her. Continuing to be haunted by memories of the war, Ana decides to return to Croatia to seek closure. At her childhood home, she finally does find peace but in the form of self-acceptance. Since she cannot undo the terror of her past, she can come to accept it.
Luka
Luka is Ana's best friend growing up. Since she's a tomboy, she fits right in with his rough-housing and mischief. After the war begins, Luka's family starts to become suspicious of their neighbors, as does everyone around this time. He is not allowed to play with Ana anymore. Eventually his family disappears altogether, having moved somewhere suddenly to escape potential violence.
Rahela
Rahela is Ana's younger sister. Just a little one when the war begins, she is less traumatized by the experience. Her perspective on life reflects the world of her infancy, meaning she is somewhat cynical and overall tired of hearing about the war. She moves to New York first, finding a welcome respite in the glamorous social life of the city. Essentially she forms her adolescent identity around the individuality and materialism of the city.
Ana's Parents
Tragically, both of Ana's parents are killed by Serbian soldiers. They had been taking Rahela to Sarajevo for medical aid, but on their way home they encounter the army. Although they resist, they are ultimately powerful to resist armed men, even to protect their daughters.
