Landon is a 17-year-old high school senior growing up in the coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina. He comes from a wealthy, influential family but feels uncertain about his future and lacks strong ambition. To maintain his social standing, he often participates in mild rebellion with his friends, such as pulling pranks and hanging out in graveyards. His desire to impress his popular peers frequently clashes with the expectations placed upon him.

Jamie is the devoutly religious daughter of the local Baptist minister. She stands out from her peers by wearing no makeup, styling her hair in a tight bun, and wearing conservative brown cardigans. She spends her free time volunteering at the local orphanage and rescuing injured animals. Despite being treated as a social outcast by the popular crowd, she maintains a cheerful demeanor and an unshakeable faith in God's plan.

Hegbert is the widowed Baptist minister of Beaufort and the author of the local Christmas play. He holds a deep-seated grudge against the wealthy Carter family, stemming from his time working for Landon's bootlegger grandfather during the Depression. He is fiercely protective of his daughter and highly suspicious of anyone who might compromise her values.

Worth is Landon's father, a prominent Congressman who spends nine months of the year living in Washington D.C. He relies on his wealth and political influence to solve problems and maintain his family's high status in Beaufort. His pragmatic, capitalist worldview places him at direct odds with the local religious community.

Mrs. Carter is Landon's mother, a polite Southern woman who provides stability in the Carter household while her husband works in Washington. She spends her leisure time reading and drinking mint juleps. Unlike her husband, she remains warm and welcoming to others, refusing to hold grudges against those who criticize her family.

Eric is Landon's best friend and the most popular boy in their high school. As a celebrated sports star, he represents the carefree teenage lifestyle that Landon initially tries to maintain. He frequently buys beer underage, drives around with his cheerleader girlfriend, and aggressively mocks students who fall outside his social circle.

Angela is Landon's first real girlfriend, who broke up with him during their junior year. She represents the fast-paced, socially approved high school crowd, favoring fashionable clothes and underage drinking. Her public behavior contrasts sharply with the conservative standards of the town's religious residents.

Miss Garber is the enthusiastic high school drama teacher. She is a physically imposing woman who favors brightly colored Hawaiian dresses. She cares deeply about her students' emotional and personal development, providing the theatrical space where unlikely friendships can form.

Eddie is a highly unpopular, awkward high school student who struggles with severe acne and a stutter. He is initially cast as the male lead in the school play simply because no one else volunteers for the role, setting up a crisis for the production.

Lev is Angela's older, aggressive new boyfriend. He is quick to anger and attempts to start a physical altercation when he feels his relationship is being threatened by other students at the dance.

Margaret is the head cheerleader at the high school and Eric's popular girlfriend. She participates actively in the social hierarchy that ostracizes students who do not conform to their standards of attractiveness and behavior.

Mr. Jenkins is the director of the local orphanage where Jamie volunteers her time. He tries to manage the facility and care for the children despite severe financial constraints and underfunding.

Sally is a high school student who harbors a long-standing crush on Landon. She has a glass eye, a physical trait that causes Landon to unfairly reject her as a potential date due to his superficial concerns about his image.