Cole is a teenage boy who recently returned from banishment on an Alaskan island. He previously committed crimes and severely injured his classmate Peter, but his time in isolation taught him empathy and self-control. Now back in a violent school environment, he struggles to manage his anger and find inner peace without the quiet of the wilderness. He desperately wants to prove to his friends and family that his personal growth is permanent.

Peter is Cole's best friend, who suffers from a permanent brain injury resulting in a stutter and balance issues due to a past attack by Cole. Despite this trauma, he joined Cole on the island, where they forgave each other and bonded. Returning to the city, he faces severe bullying from other students because of his physical vulnerabilities and relies on Cole for support.

Keith is a prominent bully at the boys' school who frequently travels with a gang of friends. He targets Peter because of his physical disability and tries to provoke Cole into fighting back. He represents the angry, aggressive behavior that Cole used to exhibit before his banishment.

Ms. Kennedy is the principal at the violent and disorganized school Cole and Peter attend. Initially, she relies on standard punishments like detention and suspension to maintain order while trying to appease the school board. She is overwhelmed by the gang activity and negative atmosphere pervading the student body, unsure of how to enact real change.

Garvey is Cole's parole officer and mentor, who belongs to the Tlingit tribe. He originally advocated for Cole to experience Circle Justice rather than traditional prison. He continuously pushes Cole to apply the lessons learned in nature to his chaotic city life, challenging him to fight his battles with his heart instead of his fists.

Cole's emotionally absent and formerly abusive father. Following a recent divorce, he refuses to engage with his son and remains wrapped up in his own anger and trauma. He dismisses Cole's early attempts to reconnect and make amends.

Cole's mother, who now lives alone with him following her divorce. While she works frequently and is often busy, she supports Cole's efforts to change and expresses pride in his personal growth, though she remains cautious about his temper.

An unhoused, elderly man who roams the city wrapped in a white blanket. Because of his appearance and quiet demeanor, Cole and Peter strongly associate him with the sacred white bear from the island. He observes the boys from afar and occasionally interacts with them by leaving small wood carvings.

A mediator who runs the traditional Circle Justice meetings. She helps facilitate dialogue by passing a bullhorn to students, encouraging honesty and openness while maintaining order during tense group discussions.