A Presbyterian minister who leaves the Church of Scotland during the Great Disruption to join the Free Church. Feeling the financial pressure of providing for his wife and his new congregation, he accepts a job from a wealthy landowner to survey a remote island and oversee the eviction of its last inhabitant. He is a man of simple pleasures who wrestles with the severe moral weight of his assignment.

The sole inhabitant of a remote Scottish island. Over 40 years old, he has lived in complete solitude for two decades since his family departed following years of oppressive rent collections. He is deeply connected to the natural elements of his home and sustains himself entirely through hard physical labor, farming, and fishing.

John's wife, a woman who married at the age of 43 and views her relationship as a peaceful sanctuary away from the world's ecclesiastical arguments. She is highly empathetic and unconcerned with material wealth, immediately questioning the ethics of the eviction job John accepts and eventually seeking to intervene.

The factor, or agent, for the wealthy Lowrie estate. He views the tenants of the land with open contempt, considering them mere encumbrances to the estate's sheep-farming profits. He is ruthless in his collection of rents and completely dismissive of the humanity of the islanders he evicts.

John's brother-in-law and Isobel's husband. He connects John with the Lowrie estate to secure him income during the church's upheaval. He firmly believes in the absolute rights of property owners and casually dismisses the severe moral implications of clearing tenants from their homes.

A wealthy landowner who uses the Presbyterian doctrine of providence to justify clearing people from his land to make room for sheep. He represents the overarching power of the landowning class that forces ministers and tenants alike into difficult moral positions.

Mary's sister and Andrew's wife, living in Penicuik. She provides a social contrast to Mary's more serious disposition and historically attempted to push Mary toward marriage.

Ivar's horse and primary companion on the island prior to John's arrival. She assists Ivar with his manual labor and represents his deep, sustaining bond with the animals that help him survive.

Ivar's sister who departed for Canada years ago. She suffered immensely from Strachan's cruelty during his rent collection visits, eventually leaving the harsh island life behind in search of safety.

A worker for the Lowrie estate scheduled to arrive at the island to finalize the eviction. His expected arrival imposes a strict time limit on John's mission and creates anxiety regarding the fate of Ivar's livestock.

The wife of Henry Lowrie's youngest son. She serves as a crucial informant for Mary, openly sharing alarming news about a deadly incident during a previous eviction organized by Strachan.

Mary's childhood friend. Before meeting John, Mary believed she would never be happier than she was with Alice and envisioned a life living together, until Alice married and moved to Calcutta.

Henry Lowrie's son. His complete lack of interest in the traditional family estate contributes directly to Henry's decision to rapidly increase funds by clearing tenants for sheep farming.

Ivar's strong and stout brother who drowned in a boating accident before reaching adulthood. His death significantly reduced the family's ability to work the land and pay rent.

Jenny's son and Ivar's nephew. He died during the same devastating week as Ivar's father, a tragedy that severely impacted the remaining family.

A fabric merchant traveling on the same northbound ship as Mary. He engages her in conversation about the Free Church, expressing strong skepticism about the new religious movement's chances of survival.

A porter aboard the Laura who assists Mary during her arduous maritime journey, offering reassurance about the stormy weather and helping coordinate her safe arrival.