Cowney is a 19-year-old orphaned Cherokee boy living on the reservation in western North Carolina. Born with his left foot turned outward, he is ineligible for military service during World War II, a fact that isolates him from other young men. He takes a summer groundskeeping job at the Grove Park Inn to save money for college and escape the limitations of his home. Thoughtful and initially insecure, he seeks to understand his family's past while dealing with a prejudiced society.

Essie is a 19-year-old member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who works as a housekeeper at the Grove Park Inn. Intelligent, resourceful, and graceful, she harbors a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly ballet. She views her job at the inn as a stepping stone to a wider world and actively looks for opportunities to leave the reservation permanently. She possesses a master key to the inn, and she boldly initiates explorations of secret rooms.

Bud is Cowney's uncle and a World War I veteran who returned to Cherokee after serving alongside his brother. He functions as Cowney's primary father figure but acts with hostility and demands constant, unrewarded physical labor. Cynical and frequently involved in questionable money-making schemes, he carries deep resentment and grief masked by a perpetually negative attitude.

Lishie is Cowney's paternal grandmother and primary source of affection. She adopted the Cherokee title "Lishie" (maternal grandmother) because she acted as a true mother to Cowney's late mother. She is a devout Christian who anchors her community, constantly making quilts to show her love for others. She acts as a protective buffer between Cowney and his abrasive uncle.

Lee is the shift supervisor for the groundskeeping crew at the Grove Park Inn. He is generally fair and friendly toward Cowney, unlike other authority figures at the resort. He recognizes Cowney's strong work ethic and even entrusts him with an expensive camera.

Solomon, often called "Sol," is a groundskeeper at the Grove Park Inn who works alongside Cowney. Overbearing and hostile, he frequently attempts to make Cowney's work environment miserable. His abrasive demeanor strongly reminds Cowney of his Uncle Bud.

Lieutenant Peter Franks is a military officer stationed at the Grove Park Inn to guard the detained foreign diplomats. Initially appearing harsh, he quickly softens and becomes a familiar face around the resort. He often chats with the young workers, sharing details about missing his own wife and child.

Andrea is the son of an Italian diplomat detained at the Grove Park Inn. As a foreign national under military guard, he is strictly prohibited from interacting with the resort staff. He pursues a covert relationship with Essie, representing a glimpse of the worldly life she desires beyond the reservation.

Colonel Griggs is the commanding officer in charge of military operations and security at the Grove Park Inn. When a diplomat's child goes missing, he leads the investigation with a harsh, unyielding approach. He displays intense prejudice against Indigenous Americans, frequently relying on racial slurs and assuming guilt without evidence.

Jon Craig is a former military comrade who served in World War I alongside Cowney's father and Uncle Bud. He arrives unexpectedly in Cherokee to speak with Cowney and shares knowledge about the past. He takes an active interest in Cowney's wellbeing and offers vital assistance when legal troubles arise at the inn.

Preacherman Davis is the minister at the Cherokee church Lishie attends. He is a person of great integrity who actively participates in the day-to-day lives of the reservation residents. He provides practical help and spiritual support to his congregation.

Cowney Sr. is Cowney's deceased father, a World War I US Army volunteer. He died in France under ambiguous circumstances shortly before his unit returned home. His absence and the mystery surrounding his final moments loom large over his son's life.

August is Cowney's late mother. She died due to complications soon after Cowney was born, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother and uncle.

Tsa Tsi is an older Cherokee man living on the reservation who shares historical stories about the community's past. He owns a pet monkey named Edgar, whose mischievous behavior occasionally causes trouble in the woods.

Edgar is a pet monkey belonging to Tsa Tsi. His tendency to wander into the forest causes Cowney to chase him, which leads the young man to discover a hidden waterfall and cave that become an important sanctuary.

Jones is a young man who operates the local store in Cherokee. He plans to attend a college in Black Mountain and helps Cowney navigate his own college applications during a period of waiting.

Carol is a housekeeper working at the Grove Park Inn alongside Essie. She occasionally socializes with the other young workers, including joining a recreational canoe trip on the local rivers.