The White Balloon

A seven-year-old girl whose curiosity and persistence push the day forward. She haggles for the goldfish and navigates a maze of obstacles with a mix of naiveté and resolve. Her daring resolve to see the New Year celebration include small, clever gambits to get what she wants.

Razieh’s mother embodies protective pragmatism, carrying the family’s last money and balancing desire with necessity. She shields her daughter from danger while making tough choices to survive the holiday. Her patience is tested by the daily grind and the pressure to secure a small happiness for their family.

Razieh’s older brother who is practical yet compassionate. He bristles at paying for the goldfish but ultimately helps Razieh in her quest, demonstrating loyalty and resourcefulness. His pragmatic approach often clashes with the girls’ impulsiveness, yet he remains a steady ally.

A young vendor who carries a wooden stick stacked with balloons. He becomes a pivotal helper, returning when needed and sharing his simple resources to aid Razieh and Ali. His presence highlights urban street life and moments of spontaneous generosity.

A kind, observant figure at the fish shop who strengthens the sense of community. She embodies the benevolent, small-scale generosity that can alter a child’s trajectory on a single day. Her brief interaction underscores how strangers become incidental guardians during Nowruz.

An Iranian soldier they encounter in their network of daily travel. His presence adds a moment of authority and human connection within the city’s bustle. The encounter contributes to the day’s realism and emotional texture.

One of the figures drawing crowds in the courtyard, whose performance marks a boundary Razieh hesitates to cross. The mother’s warning and Razieh’s curiosity frame themes of tradition and restraint within the city’s festive chaos.