Editha Balcom is a young woman living in northern New York who shapes her worldview around romanticized notions of patriotism and heroism. Heavily influenced by the sentimental propaganda published in newspapers, she equates a man's worth with his military service. She views the Spanish-American War as an opportunity to mold her fiancé into her perfect, masculine ideal.

George Gearson is Editha's fiancé, a young man who initially planned to become a minister before entering the legal profession. Unlike Editha, George harbors deep skepticism regarding the Spanish-American War, viewing it as wanton and unnecessary. Despite his pacifist leanings, he struggles with self-doubt when his opinions conflict with Editha's impassioned rhetoric.

Mrs. Gearson is George's mother, an elderly woman who lives in Iowa and uses a wheelchair. Having witnessed the grim physical realities of conflict through her husband—a Civil War veteran who lost an arm in battle—she maintains a fierce, unromanticized stance against war. She possesses a grounded perspective that directly opposes the sentimental ideals popular among younger generations.

Mr. Balcom is Editha's father. He shares his daughter's naive optimism regarding the impending Spanish-American War. He represents the casual confidence of civilians who believe the conflict will be brief and easily won, assuring his family that the enemy will simply back down.

Mrs. Balcom is Editha's mother. Unlike her husband and daughter, she displays genuine, unromanticized apprehension at the news of young men heading off to fight. Her brief reactions provide a realistic counterbalance to Editha's celebratory attitude toward military service.