Olympia "Oly" Binewski is an albino hunchback dwarf who works as a barker to draw crowds to her siblings' acts. She considers herself a caretaker and peacemaker among her volatile family members. As she narrates her family's history, she also navigates life in the present day as a radio personality in Portland, keeping a close eye on those she loves from afar.

Arturo Binewski is the eldest living sibling, born with flippers instead of arms and legs. He is highly intelligent, manipulative, and relentlessly ambitious, steadily taking control of the family's carnival operations. His captivating speaking style and psychological insight draw massive crowds to his performances, leading to the creation of a devoted cult following.

Aloysius Binewski is the patriarch of the clan and the owner of the Fabulon. He deliberately utilizes illicit substances to cultivate physical differences in his children, hoping to create a self-sustaining family business. He considers himself a protective father and a visionary showman, though his authority wanes as his children grow older.

Lillian Binewski is the matriarch of the family, a former wealthy Bostonian who abandoned her proper upbringing for the carnival life. She is a dedicated partner in Al's genetic experiments, willingly ingesting poisons during her pregnancies out of love for her husband and the carnival. In her later years, her physical and mental faculties severely decline.

Iphigenia Binewski is the sweeter, gentler half of the conjoined twins. She is a talented pianist who often tries to see the good in people, particularly Arty. She attempts to keep the peace between her strong-willed sister and the rest of the family, though her affections often place her at the center of intense conflicts.

Electra Binewski is the fiercely protective and strong-willed half of the conjoined twins. She is highly pragmatic and deeply distrustful of Arty, viewing his ambitions as a threat to her peaceful existence with Iphy. She is driven by a desire to remain solely self-sufficient with her sister, leading her to make controversial decisions regarding their independence.

Fortunato Binewski is the youngest sibling, born with immense telekinetic powers despite his typical physical appearance. He is deeply sensitive to the pain of others and wants only to please his family. His gentle nature is constantly tested by the demands placed upon him by his father's schemes and his older brother's ambitions.

Mary Lick is an intensely lonely heiress to a processed food empire. She uses her vast wealth to sponsor body-altering surgeries for young, attractive women, believing she is freeing them from the burdens of traditional beauty. Her blunt demeanor masks a desperate desire for connection and validation.

Miranda is an art student and exotic dancer who embraces her physical uniqueness, particularly a small curly tail. She possesses a rebellious, independent streak and creates compelling artwork that unknowingly echoes the aesthetics of carnival life. She seeks guidance regarding a lucrative offer to surgically alter her appearance.

Horst the Cat Man is a long-time, loyal employee of the Fabulon who manages the show's lions and tigers. He is intensely practical and functions almost as an extended member of the Binewski family, assisting Al with various tasks, from managing carnival logistics to instructing the younger children.

Norval Sanderson is a cynical and worldly journalist initially dismissive of the carnival's eccentricities. He meticulously documents the operations of the Fabulon, eventually finding himself fascinated by the intense dynamics of the family and the hypnotic appeal of the growing Arturan movement.

Vern Bogner is an unhappy, isolated local man who struggles with his personal life. Upon seeing the Binewski family in public, his deep-seated prejudices take over, leading him to commit a violent act that profoundly impacts the family's awareness of how the outside world views them.

Dr. Phyllis is an enigmatic medical doctor who attaches herself to the carnival troupe. She takes an intense interest in studying pain management and anatomy, becoming a crucial component of the family's growing operations and performing specialized surgeries for followers.

Zephir McGurk is an electrician and inventor who uses artificial legs. He dedicates himself to improving the technical aspects of the carnival's performances, devising ways to physically enhance the crowd's sensory experience during shows.

Jonathan Tomaini serves as the piano instructor for Elly and Iphy. His relationship with the twins eventually crosses professional boundaries as he is recruited to manage their private, transactional ventures with outside clients.

Alma Witherspoon is a woman who becomes captivated by the carnival's preaching. Desperate for a physical transformation to ease her personal anxieties, she pioneers a new movement, quickly taking on an organizational role among new followers.

The Pin Kid is a young carnival performer who shares some physical similarities with Oly, being a dwarf and a hunchback. He represents a potential alternative path for those looking to escape the intense, insular drama of the main carnival family.