Little Bee (also known as Udo): A teenage Nigerian refugee who flees violence in her home country and stows away on a ship to England. She tries on different names to leave her past behind.

Sarah O'Rourke: A middle-class English woman whose life intersects with Little Bee's on a beach in Nigeria. She allows Little Bee to stay with her in England, intent on helping her become a legal citizen.

Andrew O'Rourke: Sarah's husband, who is haunted by guilt from their encounter with Little Bee in Nigeria. He later commits suicide.

Charlie O'Rourke: Sarah and Andrew's young son, who copes with his father's death by only answering to "Batman" and wearing Batman costumes. He forms an emotional bond with Little Bee.

Lawrence Osborn: Sarah's lover, who works at the Home Office. He disapproves of Sarah helping Little Bee and contemplates turning her in to the police.

The story begins with Little Bee being released from a British immigration detention center after two years of horrific conditions. She makes her way to the home of Sarah, whom she had met years earlier during a traumatic incident on a Nigerian beach.
In flashbacks, we learn that Sarah and her husband Andrew had been vacationing in Nigeria when they encountered Little Bee and her sister Nkiruka, who were fleeing soldiers during an oil conflict in the Niger Delta. A tragic confrontation ensued, forever altering the lives of all involved.
As the novel progresses, Little Bee and Sarah's lives intertwine once more in England. Little Bee stays with Sarah and her young son Charlie, as Sarah grapples with Andrew's recent suicide. The two women work through their shared trauma and grief by telling each other their stories

Immigration and Asylum Seekers
The novel sheds light on the difficult journeys and experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers. It highlights the challenges they face in leaving their home countries, the dangers they encounter during their journey, and the discrimination they often face upon arrival in a new land. The book encourages readers to empathize with the struggles faced by immigrants and to question the treatment they receive.

Resilience and Strength of the Human Spirit
Little Bee showcases the incredible resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether it's Little Bee's resilience in surviving the horrors she's witnessed, or Sarah's determination to overcome her grief and guilt, the novel highlights how people can find strength even in the darkest of circumstances.

Impact of Colonialism and Global Politics
Another prominent theme in Little Bee is the impact of colonialism and global politics on individuals and societies. The book explores the repercussions of colonial history, greed for resources, and political unrest in Nigeria, and how it affects the lives of ordinary people like Little Bee. It prompts readers to reflect on their own role in larger global issues.

Power of Connection and Compassion
The novel emphasizes the power of connection and compassion in overcoming barriers and making a difference. It underscores the importance of reaching out to those who are different from us, listening to their stories, and extending a helping hand. The novel shows that small acts of kindness and understanding can have a significant impact on the lives of others and create a more compassionate world.

Identity and Belonging
The novel is not simply a story of survival, but also a poignant exploration of the complexities of identity and belonging. Cleave sheds light on the systemic injustices faced by refugees and the inhumane policies that often hinder their chances of finding safety and stability. However, amidst the darkness, the novel also celebrates the power of human connection, empathy, and the potential for change.