Birdie is a 26-year-old single mother who works at the Wolverine Lodge in Alaska. She lives on the property in a guest house and frequently leaves her young daughter alone while working or socializing at the bar. Having been abandoned by her own mother, Birdie wrestles with feelings of inadequacy regarding her parenting skills. She finds comfort and a sense of freedom in the rugged Alaskan outdoors, a setting that offers an escape from the pressures of civilization and her domestic struggles.

Emaleen is Birdie's imaginative six-year-old daughter. She spends much of her time playing make-believe and self-soothing with toys while her mother works at the lodge. Her greatest fear is being left alone, making her highly observant of adult moods and deeply attached to her mother's presence. Despite warnings about the dangers of the woods, she occasionally wanders into the trees to seek out companionship.

Arthur is a reclusive man who lives in an isolated cabin in the high country of the Alaskan mountains. He bears a scarred face and a missing ear, and he possesses a peculiar way of speaking exclusively in the present tense. His unmatched knowledge of local flora and intense physical connection to the environment make him an enigma to the lodge regulars, though these very traits attract Birdie's attention.

Warren is a retired Alaskan state trooper, experienced bush plane pilot, and Arthur's adoptive father. He lives alone with his dog following the death of his beloved wife. He carries a heavy burden of worry regarding his son's ability to survive and integrate into human society. When he observes Birdie's growing attachment to Arthur, his protective instincts clash with his hope for his son's happiness.

Della manages the Wolverine Lodge where Birdie works and resides. She serves as a stern but deeply caring maternal figure, frequently stepping in to switch Birdie's shifts or offer reprimands to ensure Emaleen's safety. She holds practical views on survival and expresses frustration over Birdie's impulsive choices regarding men and substances.

Syd is a packer for local hunting parties who lives near the lodge. He keeps a greenhouse and a home filled with animal pelts and bones that resembles a natural history museum. He frequently shares philosophical thoughts, quotes classic literature, and encourages Birdie to embrace the unknown rather than worry about societal expectations.

Carol is Warren's late wife, remembered for her immense tenderness and determination. When the couple took in an unusual child from the wilderness years ago, she reordered their entire lives to nurture and protect him despite the immense physical and emotional challenges.

Liz is Birdie's sister, who grew up under the care of their grandparents in Washington state after their mother relocated to Florida. She serves as a stabilizing family contact outside of the Alaskan setting.

Grandma Jo is Birdie's grandmother, who took in her granddaughters after their mother left. She provides a sense of foundational history and local folklore for the family, though her household rules proved too restrictive for Birdie to remain there.

Roy is a lodge regular who occasionally uses cocaine and drinks heavily with Birdie. He faces serious legal and personal consequences following a drunk-driving accident that injures his arm and threatens his freedom.

Grandpa Hank is Birdie's grandfather, known for offering practical outdoor advice to his granddaughters during their upbringing, such as using fishing as a remedy for a hangover.

Wendy is Warren and Carol's adult daughter. She lives far from her father's secluded lifestyle, occasionally inviting him to visit though recognizing the emotional distance between them.

Theresa is one of Warren and Carol's biological daughters, who moved out to start her own life before her parents dedicated their retirement years to raising Arthur.

Rex is a transient worker who had a brief relationship with Birdie. This short-lived romance resulted in the birth of Emaleen before he moved away from the area.

Norma is Birdie and Liz's mother. She abandoned her daughters during their childhood to move to Florida, leaving a profound emotional void that heavily influences Birdie's fears of failing as a parent.

Spinner is Warren's loyal dog, who provides the retired state trooper with quiet companionship at his isolated home.

Pete Anderson is one of Birdie's former boyfriends. He attempted to act as a father figure to Emaleen and promised her a puppy before the relationship ended, making Birdie cautious about introducing new men to her daughter.

Lois is Roy's wife, who is recovering from a hysterectomy and caring for their children. She kicks Roy out of the house due to his destructive habits.

Evelyn is Roy's sister, who takes him in after his wife kicks him out of their home.

Danny is a young boy from Warren's past who stayed at the mountain cabin to learn to hunt moose. He suffered severe injuries during a violent animal encounter involving a carcass.

Sarah is a former employee of Della. She was hired by Arthur's parents as a house sitter during Carol's cancer treatments, where she experienced a frightening encounter with Arthur.

Althea is a woman who lives alone in the woods. Locals once suspected she might have been Arthur's biological mother due to her isolated existence, though this proved false.