Adam is a 15-year-old boy living on a farm in Lexington, Massachusetts. He constantly feels at odds with his family, particularly his demanding father, and struggles with the tenets of his family's Christian faith. Adam contemplates leaving his agrarian life to join a merchant marine ship, confiding his hopes and anxieties to his second cousin.

Moses is a learned, pragmatic farmer and a committeeman in Lexington. He values reason and philosophical debate over blind faith or superstition, proudly calling himself a Christian-Judaic-materialist. Though he possesses an argumentative nature that intimidates his son, he cares deeply for his family and his community's rights.

Joseph is the local blacksmith in Lexington and a relative of the Coopers. A man of immense moral conviction, he cut ties with his own brothers over their investment in a slaving ship. He serves as a wise, steadying influence in the community and drafts documents for the local Committee on the Rights of Man.

Major Pitcairn is the commanding officer of the British troops marching toward Concord. He represents the overwhelming military force of the British Empire arriving in the small colonial town of Lexington, triggering the escalating conflict.

Sarah is Adam's mother and Moses's wife, known throughout the community for her exceptional cooking. She represents a constant, maternal presence in the household and adheres strongly to her devout Christian faith, contrasting her husband's spiritual skepticism.

Granny is Moses's mother and the matriarch of the Cooper family. A devout Christian with a sharp intellect, she represents the traditional Puritan norms of the community. Despite their differing views on religion, she maintains a warm, intellectually engaging dynamic with her grandson Adam and does not hesitate to put Moses in his place when he becomes too prideful.

Ruth is Joseph Simmons's daughter and Adam's second cousin once removed. She is three months younger than Adam and has grown up beside him. Strong-willed and pragmatic, she envisions a stable future in Lexington and provides a comforting counterbalance to Adam's family frustrations.

Levi is Adam's younger brother. He is highly imaginative, sometimes plagued by nightmares, and quick to tattle on Adam to their father. Despite typical brotherly friction, he looks up to his older brother and eagerly cleans his hunting gun for him.

The Reverend is the spiritual leader of the Lexington community. He is a sympathetic and caring figure who prioritizes the safety and spiritual well-being of his parishioners, though he often struggles to project strong leadership during moments of intense political and military crisis.

Solomon is a 61-year-old veteran of the French and Indian War. He harbors a deep-seated resentment toward the British based on his past military experiences. He is courageous, tactical, and views armed conflict through a lens of biblical vengeance and harsh pragmatism.

Jonas is the captain of the Lexington militia. He believes in signs and the interpretation of dreams, which frequently puts him at odds with the strictly logical, anti-military Moses Cooper. He helps organize the local men when the British threat becomes imminent.

Rebecca is Joseph Simmons's wife and Ruth's mother. She maintains the Simmons household and encourages Adam to engage in Bible reading when he visits.