Sunjata Keita - Son of Sogolon and founder of the Mali Empire. He led the army that defeated Sumaworo and the army of Soso. Essentially, he grows up in exile, serves another king, then begins quarreling with the Soso. THe people plead for Sunjata to go back and take his rightful throne from Sumaworo, who sends Sumanguru to kill Sunjata.

Sumaworo Kante - Son of Bali Kante, ruler of Soso. He is associated with the stringed instruments and the bala, which he acquired from the genies. He is the ruler of the Mande peoples while Sunjata is in exile.

Sogolon - Sunjata's mother, sister to the Buffalo Woman and Do Kamissa.