Monica

Monica is the sister of Mrs. Zafra. While Mrs. Zafra describes Monica as her older sister, Alipio believes she appears younger. Monica is slender and extremely reserved. She has never married. In the Philippines, she works as a teacher. Currently, she is in the United States on a tourist visa, eager to find a way to stay permanently. She and her sister approach Alipio, hoping to persuade him to marry Monica. Since Alipio is an American citizen, marrying him would grant Monica permanent residency in the U.S. Initially, Monica is too timid to speak to Alipio, but eventually, she opens up and assures him of her admiration and willingness to be helpful.

Alipio Palma

Alipio Palma is an elderly Filipino man who has spent most of his life in California. He has been a U.S. citizen since the end of World War II. Following the passing of his wife, Seniang, he has felt lonely. He is still dealing with the lingering effects of a car accident that occurred shortly after his wife's death. This incident left him bedridden for an extended period, and now he struggles to walk. With few friends left to visit him, he often lacks activities to occupy his time. He watches television and sits on the porch, observing people as they pass by. Alipio often reminisces about his youthful friends, wondering where they are now. His marriage to Seniang was fulfilling, despite being initiated to help her remain in the country. Although he has no real desire to remarry, he seems willing to consider Monica and her sister's proposal.

Seniang Palma

Seniang, Alipio's late wife, is remembered fondly by him. He considers her his good fortune. When they first met, Seniang approached Alipio with marriage in mind, as she needed to marry an American citizen to stay in the country.

Mrs. Antonieta Zafra

Mrs. Antonieta Zafra is the Filipino wife of Carlito and Monica's sister. She and Monica visit Alipio, whom they have never met, to arrange Monica's marriage to him. The plan is Mrs. Zafra's idea, and she encourages Monica to go through with it. Mrs. Zafra is a large woman who dominates the conversation. Before meeting Carlito, she was a nun in a California convent. However, about six years prior to the story's events, she left the convent as the religious life no longer suited her. This change meant she lost the right to remain in the U.S. Facing deportation, she convinced Carlito to marry her just in time.

Carlito Zafra

Carlito is married to Mrs. Zafra. Although he doesn't appear directly in the narrative, his character is depicted through his wife's descriptions and memories shared by his old friend, Alipio. Both Alipio and Carlito immigrated to America together as young men. Carlito was never particularly interested in women and was more focused on breeding his fighting roosters. However, when Mrs. Zafra proposed marriage to facilitate her residency in the United States, Carlito agreed, leading to a fairly content marriage. Now retired, they reside in Fresno, California, where they raise chickens and pigs.