A brisk, efficient attorney from a prominent South Carolina political family. She is engaged to a well-connected man and poised for a highly visible public life. Her father's cancer diagnosis and her grandmother's declining memory prompt her to reevaluate her priorities. This emotional shift leads her to investigate a strange encounter that challenges her family's pristine image.

A resilient 12-year-old girl living an impoverished but loving life with her family on a shantyboat called the Arcadia in 1939. Left in charge of her younger siblings during a medical emergency, she takes this duty extremely seriously. When they are suddenly taken to an orphanage, she relies on her memories of her parents to maintain her identity in a terrifying new reality.

Avery's beloved grandmother, a former Southern society fixture who is currently battling advancing dementia. As her mind slips between the past and present, she begins dropping cryptic hints and referencing unfamiliar names like Arcadia. These disjointed memories unintentionally set Avery on a quest to uncover family secrets.

A dignified South Carolina politician and Avery's father. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer but attempts to hide his vulnerability behind a stoic, professional facade. He relies heavily on Avery for emotional support and political optics.

The ruthless, politically connected director of the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Behind a veneer of civic respectability, she runs a corrupt operation that steals children from impoverished parents and sells them to wealthy couples for profit.

Miss Tann's right-hand woman, responsible for the daily operations and discipline at the children's home. She frequently smells of whiskey, administers brutal punishments, and ensures the children are scrubbed and presentable for prospective buyers.

Miss Tann's cousin, a worker at the orphanage who presents a falsely friendly demeanor to the children. He struggles with alcoholism and is a dangerous predator who uses his authority to target the vulnerable wards under his control.

A real estate agent in Edisto who has inherited a mysterious envelope from his grandfather. Initially guarded and slightly resentful of Avery's privileged background, he becomes her reluctant partner in unraveling the historical secrets connecting their families.

An elderly resident at a South Carolina nursing home who initially appears lonesome and confused. When she spots Avery's bracelet and calls her Fern, it sparks a mystery. She possesses old photographs that hint at a deep, hidden connection to Avery's family history.

The handsome, lean father of the Foss children who makes a meager living on the Mississippi River. He views land-dwellers and authority figures with deep suspicion due to his history as a gambler. Despite his flaws, he is a devoted father who considers his daughters princesses of his river kingdom.

The beautiful, fair-haired mother of the Foss family who ran away from her Polish relatives to live on the river. She keeps their modest shantyboat meticulously clean and fills their lives with songs. Her complicated delivery of twins sets the tragic events of the past timeline into motion.

The only brunette among the Foss siblings, known for her fiery temper and rebellious nature. After being taken to the children's home, she physically and verbally fights her captors at every turn. Her stubborn refusal to submit makes her a prime target for the cruel adults running the institution.

One of the younger Foss sisters, distinguished by her cherubic blond ringlets. Like her siblings, she is swept up in the terrifying raid on their river home and forced into the abusive environment of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, where her appearance makes her highly marketable.

The youngest of the Foss girls, an anxious and sensitive child with blond curls. She struggles deeply with the trauma of their abduction, suffering from severe separation anxiety and bedwetting. She relies entirely on her older sister Rill for survival and emotional regulation in the orphanage.

The youngest Foss sibling present during the abduction. As a cherubic toddler with blond hair and blue eyes, he immediately attracts the attention of prospective buyers when the children are forced to attend viewing parties at the orphanage.

A pragmatic river doctor who bridges the gap between the impoverished river communities and the professional medical world on land. He provides crucial medical advice to the Foss family during a severe crisis. He frequently looks out for orphaned or abandoned boys in the area by offering them shelter.

A teenager who has survived an abusive stepfather and spent time hopping trains. Entrusted to watch the Foss siblings while their parents are at the hospital, he quickly forms a bond with Rill. He tries to warn and protect the children when trouble arrives.

Avery's mother, a quintessential Southern belle who strictly manages the family's public image. She prioritizes appearances, social connections, and family prestige. She is quick to dismiss Avery's sudden interest in investigating lower-class strangers.

Avery's fiancé, a successful and well-connected attorney from a prominent family. He represents the safe, expected path for Avery's future. Their relationship lacks deep passion, and their wedding plans continuously stall as Avery becomes distracted by her historical investigation.

Senator Stafford's hyper-efficient assistant. She is fiercely protective of the Senator's political image. She heavily manages the press and frequently scolds Avery for behavior that might reflect poorly on the family.

A rare kind-hearted employee at the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Believing the institution genuinely helps orphans, she offers the children comfort. Her gentle conscience quickly puts her at odds with the home's dark reality.

A wealthy, fragile woman who has suffered multiple miscarriages and infant losses. Desperate to be a mother, she takes in the traumatized Foss girls and attempts to provide them with a gentle, loving environment despite her severe depression.

Mrs. Sevier's husband, a kindly man desperate to bring happiness to his grieving wife. He bonds with Rill over a shared love of piano and fiercely protects his new daughters from Miss Tann's sudden extortion attempts.

A tough river rat living on a shantyboat near the Seviers' estate. Bound by strict rules from an abusive father, Arney harbors deep personal secrets. A shared understanding of river life leads Arney to help Rill in her quest to return to the Arcadia.