Jack is a hardened orphan who survives on the streets by associating with a group of disaffected teenagers. Conditioned by harsh early experiences in institutional care, he operates on physical instinct and elemental desires for money, food, and survival. Beneath his aggressive exterior, he harbors a deeply suppressed yearning for human connection, though his environment demands he keep his guard up.

Billy is an intelligent, highly skilled African American pool hustler from Seattle. He moves through a racially hostile society by relying on his talent with a cue stick and his sharp understanding of social dynamics. Possessing a philosophical mindset, he actively seeks meaning and connection to combat his intense internal loneliness.

Sally is a sharp, cynical woman moving within a wealthy, detached social set. Having previously guided an actor to success, she struggles with boredom and searches for raw authenticity to give her life purpose. Her intelligence and frank nature draw her toward unconventional people, though she battles a deep-seated restlessness.

Denny is an easy-going teenager in Portland who associates with a group of disaffected youths. He operates on immediate hedonistic impulses, seeking quick cash, companionship, and cheap thrills. While friendly and generous, his constant pursuit of easy money keeps him entrenched in precarious, petty criminal circles.

Myron is a self-made millionaire and cynic who built his fortune in life insurance. Moving through the world with detached philosophical observation, he enjoys the privileges of his wealth without letting them control him. He frequently acts as an observer of others' lives, using his resources to subtly influence situations.

Kol Mano is a disciplined, professional gambler and war veteran who speaks in a distinctive whisper due to a throat injury. He maintains strict composure and treats gambling as a serious profession rather than a desperate hustle. This professional distance earns him respect and fear in the transient underworld.

Harmon is a restless cowboy who flees a stifling past in Oakland for rural eastern Oregon. He is prone to impulsive choices and aggressive encounters that dictate his harsh lifestyle. His chaotic decisions leave a lasting impact on his future and the lineage he inadvertently creates.

Annemarie is an alienated, rebellious teenager who rejects her Portland upbringing for a precarious life on the road. Her impulsive decisions lead her to a difficult existence in eastern Oregon. She struggles with intense personal turmoil and isolation.

Mona is a cynical young woman with a sharp, guarded face who moves in transient urban circles. She affects a world-weary, hip demeanor to mask her precarious economic reality. She treats her social interactions with calculation, viewing relationships primarily as financial transactions.

Sue is a young woman surviving on the margins, sharing a hard, guarded exterior with her friend Mona. Despite her attempts to maintain a detached attitude, she occasionally reveals flashes of vulnerability and fear. Her precarious lifestyle leaves her subject to the unpredictable actions of the men around her.

Bobby is a sullen, reckless young hustler who operates in the Portland pool halls. He is prone to anger and lacks the disciplined composure of his gambling partners. His aggressive approach to betting frequently puts him at odds with more skilled players.

Mac McHenry is an influential inmate who manipulates the social order inside the Balboa County jail. He commands authority among his peers by rewarding compliance and harshly punishing resistance. He operates as an extension of institutional oppression, exploiting weaker prisoners for personal gain.

Clifford is a dangerous inmate who terrorizes other prisoners in the main yard. He establishes power through intimidation, commanding a pack of followers. His presence represents the worst predatory elements of the prison environment.

Saul is a bakery owner and a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. He frequently offers employment to former convicts, demonstrating empathy for those branded by institutions. He maintains strict workplace rules but tempers them with personal generosity.

Forbes is the district attorney in Balboa County handling Jack's criminal charges. He prioritizes political management and convenience over establishing the actual truth of an accusation. He uses his institutional power to broker deals that keep the legal system moving smoothly.

Costigan is a local defense lawyer assigned to represent Jack in Balboa County. He operates comfortably within the plea-bargain system, explaining the compromises necessary to move through the courts. He represents the bureaucratic indifference of the legal system.