Mariam
Mariam was born illegitimately to Nana and Jalil. She lives with her mother in a small mud hut outside Herat. She loves her dad, even though he limits her in his own life by only visting her once a week. After a tragic event, Mariam is forced to live with her dad, but his wives force him to let Mariam marry Rasheed. After she miscarries Rasheed's son, he begins to abuse her.
Laila
Laila grows up down the street from Mariam. Laila has two older brothers that have joined the war, but soon after, they are both killed. Laila finds comfort in her childhood friend, Tariq. Soon after her brothers' death, a rocket hits their house and her parents are killed and Laila is wounded. After Mariam and Rasheed nurse her back to health, she gets word that Tariq died and she is pregnant with his child. She marries Rasheed and her and Mariam are bitter towards each other. After Laila gives birth to a daughter, Rasheed also begins to abuse her. After this, Laila and Mariam gradually form a bond throughout this novel that cannot be broken.