Shabanu

Shabanu is an eleven-year-old girl who is the main character of the story. She lives in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan with her nomadic family and is reaching an age when she will have to be married. Phulan is still young physically and emotionally. She prefers the company of her camels. Shabanu is the rebellious, headstrong daughter.

Phulan

Phulan is Shabanu's older sister who is going to be married soon. Phulan is distracted from daily practical matters by dreamy thoughts of her wedding. Phulan is compliant and accepts her role in life happily.

Dadi

Dadi is their father. He is a strong man, but kind. He dotes on Shabanu until she gets older. As she reaches adulthood, he has less patience with her rebelliousness, but he never stops loving her, and, even in the end when he beats her for running away, he sobs over it.

Mama

Mama...