Saleem Sinai: The narrator and protagonist, born at the exact moment of India’s independence. He possesses telepathic powers and an acute sense of smell. His life story mirrors the history of postcolonial India, and he can be an unreliable and self-centered narrator.

The Brass Monkey (Jamila Singer): Saleem’s younger sister, who becomes the most celebrated singer in Pakistan, adored throughout the country.

Aadam Aziz: Saleem’s grandfather and the patriarch of the family. Aadam is a doctor and skeptic who falls in love with his wife, Naseem, after seeing her through a hole in a perforated sheet.

Ahmed Sinai: Saleem’s father, a shrewd businessman destined for failure. He struggles with his marriage, fighting his wife, Mumtaz, and battling alcohol addiction.

Mumtaz (Amina Sinai): Saleem’s mother, daughter of Aadam Aziz. Despite being a loving and devoted mother, she inherits her father’s skepticism and her mother’s determination. She can never forget her first husband, Nadir Khan.

Mary Pereira: Saleem’s ayah (nurse) and surrogate mother. She switches Saleem and Shiva at birth out of a misguided sense of social justice, dedicating her life to raising Saleem.

Shiva: Saleem’s archrival, born at the same moment as Saleem. Raised in poverty by a single father, Shiva is known for his preternaturally strong knees and prowess in war.

The Widow (Indira Gandhi): The corrupt prime minister of India responsible for the destruction of the midnight’s children.

Parvati-the-witch: A real witch born at the moment of India’s independence. Saleem’s closest ally as a child, she later becomes his wife. Despite her fantastic powers, she cannot make Saleem fall in love with her.

Padma: Saleem’s devoted caretaker and future wife. Strong and down-to-earth, Padma provides Saleem with a skeptical yet patient audience.

Naseem Ghani: Saleem’s grandmother, Aadam Aziz’s wife. After marriage, Naseem becomes known as Reverend Mother, growing increasingly large and powerful as her husband ages.

William Methwold: Saleem’s biological father, an Englishman who seduces women with his perfectly parted hair. He owns Methwold’s Estate, a portion of which he sells to Ahmed Sinai.

Alia: Saleem’s aunt, rejected by Ahmed Sinai for her sister. She harbors bitterness and a determination to destroy her sister’s family.

Hanif: Saleem’s uncle, once a promising film director in India. His dream to create art free from melodrama fails, leading to his suicide.

Nadir Khan: Amina’s first husband, forced to divorce her due to his impotence. He later changes his name to Qasim Khan and becomes a communist.

Mustapha: Saleem’s uncle, an ideal, obedient civil servant. He is so passive that he takes out his frustrations on his children through constant beatings.

Emerald: Saleem’s aunt, who marries Major Zulfikar and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. Selfish and self-absorbed, she reluctantly aids her sister in times of need.

General Zulfikar: Emerald’s husband, an important figure in the Pakistani army. He orchestrates a coup against the Pakistani government and meets a tragic end.

Zafar: The son of General Zulfikar and Emerald, who faces ridicule and abuse from his father.

Aadam Sinai: The biological son of Shiva and Parvati-the-witch, raised by Saleem as his own child.