When We Were Twins

Taher – A young Egyptian man who, abandoning plans to study medicine in Europe, joins the mujahideen in Afghanistan as a medic during the Soviet invasion. Studies and delivers medicine during the conflict. He is against killing himself and his enemies. 

Omar – Husband to both Laila and Fatima. Father to both Taher and Aisha. He cares for his family, but really wants more children. He died in a plane crash when the twins were between 9 and 16. 

Laila – Mother to both Taher and Aisha. She dies when the twins are 9. 

Aisha – Taher's twin sister. She loves the arts and pursues a Western education. She becomes increasingly concerned about her brother's choices and safety as he becomes involved in the conflict. She is against her brother's actions and wants the best for him. 

Rumaisa – Grandmother to Aisha and Taher 

Fatima – Omar’s first wife Ahmed – Cousin to Taher and Aisha. Gifted Taher a blood-stained Quran in prison. Also went to Afghanistan to supposedly become a doctor. He istrying to radicalize Taher. 

Khaled – Was in jail and tells Taher about the meaning of the photo Taher has in his Quran. 

Marek – Calls himself Abdullah and joins the fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan as his mother was killed by who he thinks were Soviets dressed in Polish uniforms. Has a family with a daughter named Julie. 

Little Omar – Met by Taher and Ahmed when he was praying but he later dies. 

Irene – A Polish journalist who plays a pivotal role in challenging Taher’s beliefs. Wife of Marek 

Naim – The person who talks to Taher about killing himself and the enemy. Taher on the other hand says that nothing comes of such acts. Even though in the end he becomes a hijacker. 

Grandfather Muhammad – He gives Taher an early understanding of faith and morality. 

Yussef – He wants to be a martyr and thus will probably be a part of the hijackings. 

Hassan – A Jihadist who seems to be planning or knows about the 9/11 hijackings.