| A | B |
|---|
| Shabanu | protagonist / main character, a girl of 11 |
| Phulan | Shabanu's older sister |
| Dalil Abassi | Dadi's proper name |
| Jindwadda Ali Abassi | Grandfather's proper name |
| Mama | Shabanu's mother |
| Hamir | promised to Phulan |
| Murad | promised to Shabanu |
| Bibi Lal | Murad and Hamir's mother |
| Sharma | a female cousin of Mama and Dadi |
| Nazir Mohammad | Hamir's family bought land from him |
| Rahim-Sahib | Nazir political older brother who helps the situation and marries Shabanu |
| Ramadan | time of fasting in Muslim calendar |
| rupee | form of money in Pakistan |
| shatoosh | shawl of fine wool |
| sahib | a respectful title |
| Mithoo | a baby camel whose name means "sweet" |
| chadr | cloth worn as headcover for women |
| Koran | Islamic holy text |
| Allah | name for God in Muslim religion |
| Sher Dil | a puppy whose name means "lion heart" |
| toba | a fresh water pond that serves as a water supply |
