Craig is a sensitive teenager growing up in a strict religious household in rural Wisconsin. His life is defined by deep spiritual guilt, harsh punishments at home, and relentless bullying at school. To escape his daily fears, he turns to drawing and dreaming as his primary creative outlets. His sheltered existence begins to change when he meets Raina, who opens his eyes to a wider world.

Raina is a teenager from Michigan who carries a heavy burden of family responsibilities. Patient and fiercely devoted to her family, she helps care for her adopted siblings and her older sister's baby while her parents work through a separation. She acts as an accepting, non-judgmental presence in Craig's life, offering him his first taste of romantic love.

Phil is Craig's younger brother, an adventurous boy who shares Craig's early love for drawing and imagination. In their childhood, the two boys rely on each other to survive the freezing winters and their father's harsh discipline. As they grow older, their shared bond begins to fray as they retreat into their own separate lives.

Craig's father is an imposing, authoritarian figure who rules his household through intimidation. He shows little sympathy for his children's fears or creative interests, demanding total obedience to his rules. From Craig's perspective, he is a terrifying presence who uses anger to maintain control.

Craig's mother is a deeply devout Christian who structures her life around her religious beliefs. She monitors her children's behavior closely to ensure it aligns with biblical teachings, often using spiritual shame to discipline them. She loves her sons but struggles to understand anything outside her conservative worldview.

Laura is Raina's adopted sister, who lives with a developmental disability that affects her mobility and speech. She is highly affectionate and expressive, making her feelings known through joyful or sorrowful sounds. She requires constant care, which is lovingly provided by Raina and her father.

Ben is Raina's adopted brother, a cautious young man with Down's syndrome. He has a very tight, protective bond with Raina, often acting as her guardian against outsiders. He struggles with the disruption of his parents' separation and displays open hostility toward changes in his routine.

Raina's father is a friendly, talkative man who works at a lumber yard. Having previously spent time as a stay-at-home father, he is highly involved in his children's daily lives and cares deeply for them. He is struggling emotionally with the breakdown of his marriage and often has to leave the house to avoid conflict.

Raina's mother is the primary earner for her family who is visibly exhausted by the demands of her life. While she is hospitable to visitors, the stress of her impending separation leaves her emotionally drained. She leans heavily on Raina to manage the household and care for the younger children.

Julie is Raina's older biological sister. Recently married and with a new baby of her own, she is already experiencing the beginnings of marital distress, continuing the family's pattern of difficult relationships.

Van is a teenager attending the winter church camp who befriends Raina. He enjoys challenging the strict rules of the camp, smoking marijuana and testing the religious boundaries of the other attendees.

Kie is a teenager at the winter church camp. As a fellow outsider, she quickly accepts Craig into her small group of friends alongside Raina and Van.