Otto is a middle-aged editor working in the publishing industry and living in the New York suburbs. He views himself as an ordinary, rational man who values practical, conventional living. Following his parents' death, he experiences lingering dissatisfaction and agrees to drive across the country to sort out their property. He exhibits occasional bursts of inherited temper but is fundamentally devoted to his family.

A Mongolian monk and spiritual teacher who accompanies Otto on his cross-country drive. He possesses a calm disposition and uses everyday situations to impart lessons about mindfulness and existence. He enjoys simple pleasures like bowling, chocolate, and slot machines, treating these activities with the same attention he applies to meditation.

Otto's sister, who makes her living performing tarot and palm readings. She avoids air travel and makes decisions based on her spiritual convictions, heavily contrasting with her brother's practical mindset. She decides to gift her portion of their inherited North Dakota farmstead to her spiritual teacher to establish a retreat center.

Otto's wife, who remains at their home in New York with their children while Otto travels. She acts as a grounding force, listening to his phone calls from the road with empathy and pragmatism. She encourages Otto to face his childhood home and supports him as his perspective shifts during the trip.

Otto and Jeannie's teenage daughter. She views the idea of traveling with her brother as unappealing and advises her father to be sensible about his plans. She remains in New York during the events of the road trip.

Otto and Jeannie's adolescent son. He is heavily absorbed in his own interests, specifically football, and has no desire to spend extended time in close quarters with his family.

A waitress working in Lititz, Pennsylvania. She strikes up a conversation with Otto, sharing her thoughts about finding purpose beyond the material focus of her parents' generation.

A jovial staff member at a bowling alley in South Bend, Indiana. He assigns the two travelers to a lane next to a group of rough-looking motorcyclists.

A yoga instructor who leads a physically demanding session that Otto reluctantly attends. She guides the class through poses that leave Otto physically exhausted but mentally quiet.

A university professor who plays a round of miniature golf with the travelers. He uses defensive humor and poses challenging questions about Rinpoche's spiritual beliefs, acting highly competitive during the game.

A university professor who accompanies her husband, Matthew, during a game of miniature golf with Otto and Rinpoche.

A highly skilled massage therapist based in Duluth. She treats Otto and expresses deep intrigue upon learning the identity of his traveling companion, sharing rumors she has heard about the monk.