Dr. Charles Dunford is a physician in his early forties living in New York. He left his hometown of Nashville at age 15 for school in Knoxville and maintains a strict silence regarding his childhood. Usually a warm and considerate man who quickly puts his patients at ease, his demeanor hardens into a withdrawn, guarded state upon arriving at his mother's house.

Chig is a 17-year-old boy who acts as an inquisitive, highly observant outsider during his family's visit to Nashville. He pays close attention to the shifting moods around him and eagerly seeks to connect with relatives he barely knows. He holds a deep respect for his father but finds himself puzzled by the man's sudden coldness in the presence of his grandmother.

Eva is the aging matriarch of the Dunford family who still commands her Nashville household. She frequently hosts her nearby adult children and immediately expresses joy at seeing Charles and Chig arrive. Despite her deep love for her family, she struggles to comprehend Charles's quiet anger or recognize how her past parenting choices affected him.

GL is Charles's older brother, known for his light-skinned complexion and reckless behavior. He possesses an engaging, childlike charm that allows him to act impulsively and talk his way out of trouble. He functions as a charismatic risk-taker whose wild exploits entertain the family but stir deep resentment in Charles.

Rose is GL's wife and a caring domestic presence in the Dunford household. She helps prepare dinner for the family and shares an affectionate, highly comfortable relationship with her mother-in-law, regularly referring to Eva as "Mama."

Hiram is one of Charles's brothers, characterized by his quiet and unassuming presence. He has short-cropped kinky hair and sits mostly in the background as the rest of the family trades stories around the dinner table.

Mae is Hiram's youthful wife. She has a honey-colored complexion and a striking beauty that makes Chig feel slightly awkward about addressing her as an aunt.

George is Eva's late husband. He repaired buggies, and his responsibility to return one specific vehicle serves as the backdrop for an infamous anecdote involving his son GL.

Essie is Eva's oldest daughter. She features in the family's stories about the past, particularly an incident when GL brought a horse home to the property and encouraged her mother to take a ride.

Peter is one of Charles's younger children. He remains in New York to pack for summer camp, missing the trip south to visit his extended family.

Connie is Charles's daughter, who also stays home to prepare for summer camp. Her physical absence reflects Charles's decades-long distance from his extended family.