Ahmed
The protagonist of the novel. She was born a female but was raised as a male by her parents, due to favorable attitudes towards sons in Moroccan society. She is the eighth child of the family, who were all daughters, and therefore her parents decided to raise her as a boy due to inheritance issues and attitudes in society.
The Narrator
The narrator of this story is a professional storyteller and is telling Ahmed's story to an audience. The narrator is reading from Ahmed's journal.
Ahmed's father
Ahmed's father is the father of seven daughters. He is also the father to Ahmed and made the decision to raise her as a son, due to issues of inheritance. He is cruel and controlling towards his wife.
Ahmed's mother
She is the mother of seven daughters, and an eighth daughter who is being raised as a son. She is subservient to her husband and does what he says.
Fatima
Ahmed's cousin, who has a limp and epilepsy. For these reasons, she is looked down upon by her family, which reveals the judgmental attitudes of society. She marries Ahmed, helping him to hide the fact he is actually a female.
Maika
Housekeeper in the house, who is a kind and gentle character.
