Alice’s taciturn, hardworking husband, a Wisconsin dairy farmer devoted to his land, barn, wife, and young children.

Alice’s close friend and neighbor, mother of Lizzy and Audrey, who shares childcare duties with Alice.

Alice and Howard’s five-year-old elder daughter, initially characterized by frequent anger and tantrums toward her mother.

Alice and Howard’s three-year-old younger daughter, who lives with her family on their Midwestern farm.

Theresa’s two-year-old daughter, one of the neighboring children Alice watches at the novel’s opening.

A six-year-old student whose allegation against school nurse Alice helps create the novel’s second opening crisis.

Alice’s defense lawyer, identified as a canny legal strategist responsible for cross-examinations in her court case.