Edward is a charismatic traveling salesman originally from Ashland, Alabama. He possesses a larger-than-life personality and a relentless drive that pushes him to constantly travel the world, leaving his family behind. He filters his life through fantastical tall tales and jokes, framing himself as a mythic figure who can communicate with animals and outpace the ordinary world.

William is Edward's adult son who attempts to reconstruct his father's life through a series of passed-down stories. Growing up, he felt neglected by his father's frequent absences and frustrated by his inability to speak seriously about religion, politics, or mortality. As he cares for his ailing father, William searches for the truth behind the myths.

Sandra is a beautiful woman originally from Auburn, Alabama, who captures the attention of many suitors during her college years. She chooses to marry Edward after careful consideration. She spends her adulthood raising William and maintaining their home while enduring her husband's constant business trips and eventual physical decline.

Jenny is a mysterious young woman with long black hair and bright blue eyes who lives in seclusion outside the town of Specter. She is fiercely independent, showing no interest in money or the outside world. Her relationship with Edward causes her to integrate into town life, though his frequent absences deeply affect her demeanor.

Doctor Bennett is an elderly, compassionate physician who has treated the Bloom family for decades. He delivered William and now attends to Edward on his deathbed. He views the family as close friends and feels a profound sense of failure regarding Edward's worsening condition.

Don is an aggressive college student and the leader of a mischievous group of young men who steal a woman's glass eye. He is possessive of Sandra and attempts to force her into marriage, reacting with physical violence when he realizes she is interested in someone else.

Jasper is a sharp-dressed executive with graying temples who works as the vice president of Bloom Inc. He admires Edward greatly and credits him with reviving a small family store through sheer industriousness and advertising talent.

Karl is a ravenous giant who terrorizes the town of Ashland by eating their crops and livestock. Abandoned by his mother, he is deeply lonely and misses home-cooked meals, acting out of hunger rather than genuine malice.

Seth is Sandra's eccentric, completely hairless father. He enjoys telling elaborate stories about his daughter's childhood and prefers discussing his time in the cavalry over acknowledging his new son-in-law.

Willie is an older man who resides in a purgatory-like town where people with unfulfilled dreams remain trapped. He acts as a guide, attempting to convince visitors to stay and acclimate to their stagnant existence.

Muriel is a wealthy, imposing elderly woman who frequently shops in the lingerie department. She is abrasive toward the staff and refuses to accept help from male clerks until a clever sales tactic changes her attitude.

Wiley is a sarcastic older resident of Specter. He points out the limits of Edward's wealth by directing him toward a secluded piece of land that no one has been able to purchase.

Edward's father is an Alabama farmer who works hard to provide for his family despite harsh weather conditions. He demands respect and obedience, shaping Edward's early understanding of familial duty.

Edward's mother is a resilient woman who experiences a prophetic vision just before giving birth. She cares deeply for her son and provides him with what little money she has when he leaves home.