An elderly, proper Southern matriarch traveling with her family. She heavily values appearance and propriety, insisting on wearing her Sunday best so rescue workers will recognize her as a lady in case of a car crash. Deeply nostalgic for the antebellum South, she maintains an old-fashioned, superficial sense of respectability. She frequently lies or exaggerates to get her way during the family road trip.

A bespectacled, shirtless escapee from a federal penitentiary. He possesses a strong but unconventional moral code driven by his experiences with punishment and an inability to reconcile his past crimes. Unlike others who put up a facade of righteousness, he is self-aware about his lack of traditional goodness. He speaks politely but maintains total control over the stranded family.

The sole breadwinner and head of the family, attempting to take his wife and children on a trip to Florida. He is easily annoyed, particularly by his mother's incessant talking and manipulative tactics. Despite his short temper, he tries to maintain control when the family faces unexpected trouble on the road.

A submissive and quiet mother traveling to Florida with her family. She is primarily focused on caring for her infant child and rarely objects to the chaos created by her husband, mother-in-law, or older children. Even when faced with severe physical discomfort after an accident, she remains placid.

An eight-year-old boy who acts out against authority and speaks his mind bluntly. He expresses disdain for his native state of Georgia and possesses a spoiled nature that gives him a false sense of bravado. He becomes overly excited by chaos, such as the prospect of breaking into an old house or experiencing a car wreck.

A young, ill-tempered girl who frequently makes insulting remarks to adults. She performs impromptu tap dance routines but rudely dismisses friendly compliments from strangers, reflecting her undisciplined upbringing. She views the world with a cynical, spoiled attitude similar to her brother.

The owner of a barbecue restaurant and service station who is upset after being swindled by recent customers. He readily agrees with older patrons about the moral decay of modern society. He misses the days when people could be taken at their word.

A tall woman with hair and eyes lighter than her sunburnt skin who works as a waitress at her husband's roadside stop. She attempts to be friendly with traveling children but is met with unexpected hostility.

One of the men accompanying an escaped convict. He wears khaki pants and a blue striped jacket, taking directions and managing the physical tasks of their roadside encounter. He works efficiently to separate and control the stranded travelers.

A young associate traveling with a dangerous escaped convict. He wears a sweatshirt with a silver stallion embossed on the front. He assists in controlling the stranded family and follows orders without hesitation.

The youngest member of Bailey's family, traveling to Florida. He requires constant care and holding from his mother, entirely oblivious to the tension and impending danger surrounding the family vacation.