Gabe is a fifteen-year-old boy originally from Austin, Texas, who relocates to the Northwest Territories to spend a year in the severe subarctic environment. Fascinated by the outdoors and eager to experience the wilderness his oil-worker father describes, Gabe accepts the condition that he must attend a local boarding school. He possesses a natural optimism and empathy, often seeking to help those around him feel more comfortable.

Raymond is a fifteen-year-old Indigenous youth of the Dene tribe, originally from the remote village of Nahanni Butte. He struggles heavily with the strict regulations of the boarding school and misses the freedom of his home community. Though initially withdrawn and hesitant to connect with his Texan roommate, Raymond shares a mutual interest in hockey and plays the electric guitar.

Johnny is an elderly, highly respected member of the Dene tribe. Having spent his entire life in the harsh environment of the Northwest Territories, he holds a vast wealth of traditional survival knowledge. He speaks his native Slavey language primarily and worries about the younger generation losing their connection to the land and the old stories.

Clint is a young, charismatic bush pilot working in the Northwest Territories. He possesses an adventurous spirit and a carefree demeanor, quickly putting his passengers at ease with his friendly nature. While he adopts a serious, professional attitude during pre-flight checks, his inherent confidence occasionally leads him to make impromptu decisions, such as taking detours for sightseeing.

Gabe's father works as an oilman on remote drill rigs in Northern Canada, an arduous job that allows him only one week off per month. He saves his money with the dream of returning to Texas to build a log house. His stories of the northern wilderness directly inspire Gabe's decision to leave Texas.

Gabe's grandparents raised him in Austin, providing a stable home environment before he decided to move to the Northwest Territories. They represent Gabe's ties to his old life in the American South.