Dawn

Nikanj is an ooloi, the third Oankali sex that binds males and females together in family units. Nikanj is a juvenile when Lilith first meets it and they form a strong bond. Nikanj alters Lilith genetically so that she has enhanced memory, strength, and healing abilities, while Lilith helps Nikanj through its metamorphosis into adulthood. Nikanj seeks to protect Lilith from the dangers of the human group and, together with Joseph, they become a mated trio. Nikanj impregnates Lilith at the end of the story, creating the first human/Oankali hybrid, a new blended species.

Joseph is one of the humans Awakened by Lilith in the nursery. Lilith appreciates his rationality and intelligence and he becomes her strongest ally among the human group. Joseph and Lilith become romantically involved and Nikanj binds the three of them together in a mated trio. Joseph rejects the sexual experience, horrified by coupling with an alien, even though he feels immense pleasure. Later he is able to “choose” to engage in sexual connection with Nikanj and Lilith, though he is still coerced and has his autonomy violated, raising the question of whether free will exists for humans in this world. He wants to escape the Oankali and resents them for what they are doing to humanity. Nikanj gives Joseph special healing abilities, but these abilities cause him to be brutally murdered because he is no longer seen as human.

Jdahya is the first Oankali that Lilith encounters. Jdahya is a male who helps Lilith grow accustomed to the appearance of the Oankali and teaches her about their way of life. He speaks English and is very understanding and patient, so Lilith quickly becomes attached to him. Jdahya takes Lilith into his family so that she will learn to live among the Oankali.

Kahguyaht is Jdahya’s ooloi mate and one of the three parents of Nikanj. Lilith takes an instant disliking to Kahguyaht, whom she sees as condescending and annoying. Kahguyaht doubts Lilith’s ability to train the first group of Awakened humans. Over time, they both come to appreciate each other and see that the other is actually very good at the duties they need to perform.

Tate Marah is the first human to be Awakened by Lilith in the nursery. Tate is extremely strong-willed, intelligent, and manipulative. Although Tate is skeptical of the stories that Lilith tells her about the Oankali, Tate chooses to support Lilith. During the initial Awakenings, Lilith can count on Tate to remain calm, a steadying force among the newcomers. The two become friends, though this becomes tested when Tate’s human mate, Gabriel, clashes with Lilith. When they do not get a chance to say goodbye, Tate asks Nikanj to tell Lilith that she is sorry for the way she behaved toward her.

Curt was a New York City policeman back on Earth and is naturally inclined toward protecting those who are weaker than himself. Curt also has negative qualities, such as his need to be in control of situations and groups. Curt becomes the leader of the opposition against Lilith and the Oankali when they move to the training area. He attacks Lilith to separate her from the group, thinking she has sided with the Oankali against humanity, and he kills Joseph, thinking he is not human due to his healing abilities. Curt is returned to suspended animation and will not be allowed to join the others on Earth.