Rainy is a bass guitarist living in the coastal town of Icebridge with his wife, Lark. He gives music lessons to local children and plays gigs in local bars, using his musical talent to soothe the anxieties of the people around him. Deeply devoted to his wife, he relies on her optimism to balance his own wariness of their deteriorating, resource-starved society.

Lark runs a local bookshop named Bread and regularly rents out her spare room to travelers and fleeing laborers. She possesses an unshakeable optimism and a generous spirit, consistently seeing the best in people and advocating for leniency even for those who wish her harm. Her deep love for literature, especially the works of Molly Thorn, brings joy to her daily life.

Sol is a fiercely independent young girl surviving on the shores of Lake Superior under the oppressive control of King Richard. Lacking formal education and initially terrified of writing, she relies on her survival instincts and quick thinking. She harbors a desire to reunite with her grandfather and escape her abusive environment.

Werryck is a terrifying older man who operates as an enforcer for the "astronauts," the ultra-wealthy ruling class. He uses intimidation and sheer presence rather than physical size to freeze his targets in fear. He relentlessly pursues those who defy the labor contracts of his employers, creating an atmosphere of dread wherever he arrives.

Kellan is a "squelette"—an impoverished laborer fleeing an oppressive contract. He arrives in Icebridge seeking temporary shelter on his way to Canada, bringing a rare book for Lark. He hides a severely burned hand and suffers from intense paranoia, using nitrous oxide to cope with his profound terror of the man pursuing him.

Papa Griff is Sol's grandfather and legal guardian, living in Redfield. While Sol holds onto hopes of reuniting with him, he is primarily focused on his own survival and status in a crumbling society. He frequently aligns himself with powerful figures to secure his own safety over the well-being of his family.

Tom Skint works as a hired man and enforcer for Werryck. He carries out the violent will of his employers without hesitation, operating as a dangerous foot soldier in the decaying societal structure of the Lake Superior region.

Girard is a respected doctor in the town of Jolie. Having survived a severe fever and the tragic loss of his own daughter, he channels his grief into caring for his community. He provides a safe harbor and medical attention for travelers passing through the area.

Labrino owns a local bar in Icebridge and regularly hires Rainy's band to perform. He is heavily burdened by the deteriorating state of the world and the absence of his children, viewing upcoming celestial events as bad omens. He relies on Rainy's music to find temporary relief from his deep despair.

King Richard operates a shop selling gas and food in the heavily armed town of Winton. He claims to be Sol's uncle, using this self-appointed title to exploit and abuse her. He represents the lawless, predatory nature of individuals taking advantage of the societal collapse.

Tonio is a young boy in Icebridge who takes music lessons from Rainy. He struggles to fit in with his peers and often faces bullying, but he finds peace and inward focus through music. He views Rainy as a protector from the chaos of his daily life.

Alistair controls the passage across a critical canal bridge separating the towns of Blinker and Brighton. He exploits his position of authority to extort travelers, reflecting the widespread corruption and breakdown of social order in the region.

Evelyn is Dr. Girard's wife, a kind and welcoming woman who met her husband during a biking tour. She supports her husband's medical practice and helps clothe and feed weary travelers who arrive in their town.

Apeknuckle is a local police officer who frequently abuses his limited authority for personal gain. Despite his rough exterior and corrupt tendencies, he harbors a soft spot for his son, Tonio, which occasionally motivates him to act decently toward those who help the boy.

Essie is a local woman living near the heavily tolled bridge. She lost her son to the medical trials run by the wealthy ruling class and now survives by collecting leeches. She offers covert assistance to travelers trying to bypass the corrupt bridgemasters.