Captain Davenport is a confident, impeccably dressed Black officer and military lawyer. He faces immediate pushback from white officers who are unaccustomed to seeing a Black man with high-ranking status in the segregated army. He is determined to uncover the truth behind Waters's death, facing systemic racism and internal base tensions with a calm, authoritative demeanor.

Waters is the murdered sergeant of an all-Black company at Fort Neal, described as a light-skinned Black man and a dedicated career soldier. He strictly enforces discipline and pushes his soldiers relentlessly in his quest for white approval. He harbors deep resentment toward Southern Black men, believing they reinforce negative stereotypes that hold the race back.

Taylor is a young white commissioned officer who supervises Company B and considers himself an advocate for his enlisted men. He struggles to accept Davenport's authority as a Black officer of equal rank, initially attempting to have the investigation cancelled. He is protective of his soldiers but simultaneously fears they might retaliate violently over Waters's death.

Wilkie is a career soldier in his forties who previously held the rank of sergeant before Waters demoted him for drinking on duty. He acts as Waters's subordinate and errand-runner, desperate to regain his lost stripes and status within the company. He initially speaks highly of Waters but hides deeper resentments about his lost rank.

CJ is a young, well-liked Black soldier and star baseball player from Mississippi. He is superstitious, carries a bag of "Farmer's Dust" around his neck, and frequently plays the guitar for the company. His easygoing, Southern country demeanor makes him a specific target for Waters's intense prejudices.

Peterson is a Southern Black soldier who openly dislikes Waters's harsh leadership and willingness to exploit his own men. He is willing to stand up for himself and others, taking issue with Waters treating the baseball team like a chain gang. His defiant attitude inadvertently earns him a promotion, even as it causes severe physical friction with his sergeant.

Smalls is a short career soldier in his thirties who is noticeably more disturbed by Waters's death than his peers. He frequently points out the unfair treatment the Black soldiers receive on the base, such as being forced to paint a white officer's club. He feels the weight of the segregated military system acutely.

Byrd is a white officer at Fort Neal with a history of picking fights with Black soldiers. He is openly racist and deeply offended by any perceived lack of deference from the Black men on base. His explosive temper and prejudices make him a central figure in Davenport's investigation.

Wilcox is a white officer at the base who acts as a mitigating force alongside the aggressive Byrd. Unlike his counterpart, he is relatively respectful toward Davenport's authority and attempts to de-escalate physical tensions when conflicts arise.

Ellis is a Black corporal at Fort Neal who assists Captain Taylor and later Captain Davenport. He is visibly thrilled and inspired to see a Black man wearing a captain's bars. He eagerly assists Davenport with fetching men for interrogations.

Cobb is an enlisted soldier who previously played in the Negro League before joining the army. He is originally from Mississippi and shares a close bond with CJ Memphis, offering support to his friend amid the harsh realities of the segregated base.

Henson is an enlisted soldier in Company B who observes the complex dynamics within the barracks. He is cynical about the military's racial hierarchies and provides Davenport with crucial observations about the events happening late at night.

Nivens is the commanding officer at Fort Neal who remains largely unseen but exerts immense influence over the proceedings. He attempts to manage the political and racial tensions on the base by controlling the flow of the investigation and providing alibis for white officers.