It was not uncommon, in this city, to find persons of different races randomly thrown together.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: The diverse ethnicities and religions of the characters in the basement set the stage for a series of misunderstandings that the group must reconcile in order to pass the time in peace. By creating a group of people with little in common, the author sets the stage for the characters to find common ground through their stories. While their different skin colors and creeds create the appearance of discord, the group shares many similarities that are not as readily apparent. The telling of their stories reveals to them, and to the audience, that they are ultimately united by the basic human needs for love, familial closeness, mentorship, and the innate drive for freedom.

And most of all, she must not act out of fear.
-- Narrator (chapter 3)

Importance: Tariq is proud to be a Muslim. Though his mother...