Nhamo

The title character, whose name means "disaster." Nhamo is just on the cusp of puberty, but restless with the ways of her village. She longs for something different, but she is not sure where or what it is.

Aunt Chipo

Aunt Chipo is Nhamo's guardian, her mother's sister. Since Nhamo's parents are both gone, Aunt Chipo is raising her. However, Aunt Chipo doesn't like Nhamo much.

Masvita

Aunt Chipo's daughter, Nhamo's cousin. The two girls are like sisters, even though Nhamo is acutely aware that everyone seems to think Masvita is so perfect and Nhamo is somewhat of an outcast.

Uncle Kufa

Aunt Chipo's husband, Nhamo's uncle. It is he who takes the muvuki's advice to marry Nhamo to the brother of the dead man.

Grandmother or Ambuya

Grandmother is Nhamo's maternal grandmother. Grandmother adores Nhamo, partly because Nhamo's mother was Ambuya's favorite, but also because she understands...