Marley is a fourteen-year-old girl living a comfortable, seemingly perfect life in the small town of Heaven, Ohio. She deeply loves her family and enjoys the quiet routines of her community, from visiting the local general store to reading books at the playground. While she values her close friendships and the stability of her home, she begins to notice inconsistencies that suggest her parents are withholding information about her past.

Uncle Jack is Pops's twin brother who leads a solitary, nomadic lifestyle, constantly driving his truck across the country. He maintains his connection to the family through written letters that describe his travels, the people he meets, and his quiet observations about life. Although he stays on the road, his correspondence reveals a lingering sorrow and a growing desire to finally settle down in one place.

Momma is Marley's mother, a nurturing and protective woman who prioritizes her family's comfort and safety. She creates a loving home environment and is quick to offer physical comfort, like hugging Marley after a nightmare or sitting with her during a storm. Despite her steady warmth, she occasionally displays sudden anxiety and hesitates as if withholding important information from her daughter.

Pops is Marley's father and Uncle Jack's twin brother. He provides a calm, anchoring presence in the household, managing the family's correspondence and financial matters, including the regular wire transfers sent to his brother. He shows his affection through thoughtful gestures, like placing glow-in-the-dark stars on his daughter's ceiling, but carries a heavy emotional weight regarding his family history.

Shoogy is a teenage girl who recently moved to Heaven with her wealthy family after being expelled from multiple schools. She feels intensely alienated from her parents, viewing them as stiff and overly perfect compared to her own chaotic emotions. Haunted by anxiety stemming from her childhood participation in beauty pageants, she copes with her pain through acts of self-harm while maintaining a tough, guarded exterior.

Bobby is a sixteen-year-old single father and painter who recently relocated to Heaven from Brooklyn, New York. He balances raising his infant daughter, Feather, with taking on local jobs painting signs, houses, and murals. He guards the details of his past in the city carefully but offers a mature, calming presence to his friends when they face their own difficulties.

Butchy is Marley's brother, an active teenager who spends much of his time practicing tricks on his skateboard. He is deeply integrated into the family dynamic and shares a protective, affectionate connection with his sister. He occasionally worries about outside threats to their quiet town, such as news reports of distant church fires.

Feather is Bobby's infant daughter. She goes almost everywhere with her teenage father, often sleeping peacefully while he works on his painting projects or socializes with friends. She brings out a nurturing side in those around her, particularly Marley.

Boy is the dog that accompanies Uncle Jack on his continuous travels across the country in his truck. He is part of a tradition between Pops and Uncle Jack, who have named all of their dogs "Boy" since they were children.

Ma runs the primary general store in Heaven, Ohio. She keeps her shop open twenty-three and a half hours a day, closing only briefly so she can pray, making her store a central hub for the town's residents.

Chuck is Ma's nephew who assists in running the local convenience store. He cultivates his own tomatoes to sell and distribute, bringing a cheerful energy to his deliveries.

Mrs. Maple is Shoogy's mother. She presents a flawless, manicured image to the world, maintaining perfect posture and pristine outfits even when dealing with a broken ankle. While she loves her daughter, she struggles to bridge the emotional divide caused by Shoogy's mental health issues.

Mr. Maple is Shoogy's father, a man who provides his family with considerable material wealth. He maintains an emotionally distant posture toward his troubled daughter, focusing more on presenting a polished family image.

Christine is a significant woman from Uncle Jack's past. She exists primarily in memories, old letters, and shared stories, holding a crucial place in the family's hidden history.