Christy is a 19-year-old woman from a comfortable background in Asheville, North Carolina. She volunteers to teach at a remote mission in Cutter Gap, driven by a desire to help others and prove her independence. Though initially shocked by the harsh conditions and cultural differences of the mountain people, she possesses a fierce determination to understand and serve her new community. She frequently initiates ambitious projects, such as securing supplies and expanding adult education.

A Quaker woman a generation older than Christy, Miss Alice runs several missions in the Smoky Mountains. Unlike many outsiders, she has earned the deep respect of the mountain people through her quiet dignity and genuine love for them. She acts as a spiritual anchor for the mission staff, offering profound, unconventional guidance when they face crises of faith. She dresses simply and speaks with an archaic, dignified dialect.

The young, handsome pastor of the mission church in Cutter Gap. A recent seminary graduate, he struggles to adapt his complex theological training to the practical needs of the impoverished mountain community. While deeply committed to his work, he often clashes with local customs and views the region's problems as issues that need to be aggressively fixed. He frequently carries a ukulele to connect with parishioners through music.

The local physician for the Cove and a descendant of the area's original Scottish settlers. Large, rugged, and practical, he understands the mountain culture from the inside and often frustrates the mission staff with his pragmatic tolerance of local vices. He operates out of a solitary cabin and guards his personal life closely, acting as a functional atheist and a skeptical counterpoint to the missionaries' idealism.

A strong, observant mountain woman who becomes one of Christy's closest local connections. Despite living in impoverished conditions and lacking formal education, she possesses a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the rhythms of mountain life. She eagerly asks Christy to teach her to read and write, creating a deep mutual friendship.

A 17-year-old student at the mission school known for his large size and intimidating demeanor. Entrenched in his family's long-standing feuds against the Allens, he frequently bullies the younger children and clashes with Christy's authority. His behavior reflects the deeper, often violent cultural struggles present in the Cove.

Lundy's father and a formidable figure in the Cutter Gap community. He lives in a forbidding cabin and is heavily involved in the local illegal moonshine trade. He fiercely upholds the family's feud against the Allens and views the mission's interference with deep suspicion, often carrying a shotgun to assert dominance.

A local man who turns to the dangerous business of running moonshine to support his sick wife. Caught between the illegal trade, the authorities, and the fierce local feuds, he finds himself in a precarious position that threatens his family's safety and ultimately puts his own life on the line.

Tom's wife, a mountain woman who suffers a tragic loss early in the novel. Despite her profound grief and constant fear regarding her husband's dangerous activities, she demonstrates remarkable courage in attempting to bridge the divides in her fractured community and call upon the better nature of her adversaries.

A young local woman who moves into the mission house due to estrangement from her own family. She is known for her constant, rambling monologues, which initially frustrate Christy but eventually serve as a valuable window into the minds and customs of the mountain people.

David's sister, who resides at the mission and handles much of the cooking, cleaning, and domestic upkeep. She supports her brother's ministry and helps maintain order at the mission house, providing a stable domestic foundation for the staff.

Fairlight's husband, a mountain man who welcomes Christy into his home. He introduces the new teacher to the central place of music in mountain society by playing folk songs on his instruments.

The young daughter of Fairlight and Jeb Spencer. She is highly superstitious and dreads encounters with ghosts, prompting Christy to teach her specific songs to provide comfort against her fears.

A young student at the mission school who becomes the unfortunate target of Lundy Taylor's violent aggression. He represents the innocence of the mountain children and exhibits profound amazement when introduced to new technologies like the telephone.

A wealthy magnate from outside the Cove whom Christy approaches to help fund her educational expansion plans. He is impressed by her presentation and becomes a key sponsor for the mission, providing crucial materials and books.

Christy's daughter, who accompanies her mother back to the Smoky Mountains years after the events of the story. Hearing her mother's vivid recollections inspires her to record the extraordinary events of Christy's first year at the mission.

A local man severely injured by a falling tree while attempting to meet Christy during a snowstorm. His critical condition necessitates a dangerous emergency surgery by the local doctor.

Bob's wife, a mountain woman who must make a rapid, difficult decision to consent to an experimental surgery to save her husband's life following a tragic accident in the woods.

The young son of Tom and Opal McHone. Growing up amidst the area's illegal operations and violent grudges, he is heavily pressured to participate in the generational cycle of mountain feuding.

The postal deliveryman for the region. He guides a determined Christy on a treacherous seven-mile hike through a snowstorm to reach Cutter Gap, providing her with initial background information on the mission staff.

The owner of a boarding house in El Pano. She offers Christy a warm welcome upon her arrival but strongly warns the young woman about the closed-off, proud, and potentially dangerous nature of the Cutter Gap residents.

A local mountain man who clashes with David Grantland over the installation of a new telephone line. He attempts to publicly humiliate the young pastor by challenging his physical prowess and leadership during a community gathering.

A local man deeply involved in the illegal moonshine trade alongside Bird's-Eye Taylor. His family lives in extreme, troubling squalor, maintaining an abusive environment that horrifies the mission staff.

An older local man who escorts Christy and other vulnerable individuals on their travels through the Cove. He is highly observant of his surroundings and frequently voices superstitious wariness regarding lurking dangers.

A 93-year-old resident of the Cove who shares profound, firsthand reflections on her faith during a visit from David. She provides the young pastor with far more spiritual reassurance than he is able to offer her.

A local resident who seeks Christy's help to dress a tragically deceased infant for burial. He serves as a practical link between the severe realities of the mountain families and the assistance offered by the mission.

One of Christy's students who recovers from a severe illness. Her mother's ensuing exhaustion prompts Christy to visit their home and assume nursing duties.