* Lawino: The protagonist and the titular character. She is a traditional Acholi woman, deeply rooted in her culture and customs.
* Ocol: Lawino's husband, a modern, educated man who has adopted Western ways.
* Cleopatra: Ocol's second wife, a modern and sophisticated woman who embodies Western values and ideals.
* Veronica: Ocol's first cousin and a "modern" woman who represents a rejection of traditional Acholi customs.
* The Speaker: An unnamed narrator who speaks in the voice of Lawino and shares her thoughts and feelings.
Other notable characters include:
* Lawino's children: They represent the future generation and their exposure to both traditional and modern influences.
* Lawino's friends and family: They provide support and perspective on Lawino's situation.
* The Elders: They embody traditional Acholi wisdom and values.
* The Westernized men: They represent the cultural changes and challenges faced by Acholi society.
These characters are not just individuals but also symbols of the broader cultural conflict between traditional Acholi values and Western influences. The poem explores this conflict through the lens of Lawino's personal struggles and experiences.