Håkan is a towering Swedish immigrant who becomes separated from his brother during their journey to America. Stranded in California instead of his intended destination of New York, he sets out to cross the continent on foot to reunite with his family. He gradually transforms into a giant, solitary figure who relies on trapping, sewing, and medical care to survive in the brutal environment. He eventually acquires a fierce reputation as a living legend known as the Hawk, though he rejects the violent myths forced upon him.

Linus is Håkan's older brother and primary caretaker during their impoverished childhood. He invents elaborate stories of adventure to distract Håkan from their difficult circumstances. Finding him serves as Håkan's driving motivation for surviving the American wilderness.

An unnamed, wealthy woman who exerts heavy control over the mining town of Clangston. She dresses in extravagant clothing and collects ornate baubles, treating the people around her as personal possessions. She forces Håkan into captivity at an inn, dressing him in fine suits and subjecting him to abuse.

A Scottish naturalist traveling across the American plains on an extensive scientific expedition. He rescues Håkan from the desert and teaches him about botany and his personal evolutionary theories. He believes that humanity evolved from ancient aquatic organisms and views Håkan's massive size as the next step in human evolution.

A deputy sheriff who encounters Håkan after he is imprisoned. Possessing a deep knowledge of the wilderness and excellent culinary skills, he helps Håkan escape and travel westward. He forms an intimate bond with the Swedish immigrant, offering him his first true sense of safety in America.

James is an Irish immigrant and miner heading to California with his family. He initially takes Håkan in and cares for him during the voyage to America. As he searches for gold, the harsh conditions and his growing obsession with wealth drastically alter his personality, turning him into a distrustful and angry man.

A young woman traveling westward in a massive wagon train. She cares for her brother after a severe accident and shows a gentle compassion that captures Håkan's heart. She is one of the few people who makes an effort to learn Håkan's real name.

A passenger aboard the icebound schooner Impeccable. He loudly doubts the legends surrounding the Hawk and boasts about his own fighting abilities until confronted by Håkan.

James Brennan's wife. She provides maternal care to a young Håkan during their voyage and tries to defend him when her husband's temperament turns violent.

The leader of a large wagon train traveling westward. He hires Håkan as a bodyguard in exchange for a horse, though the families in his convoy increasingly suspect him of swindling them with false promises of prime land.

An impeccably dressed employee of the amber-haired woman. He conducts her aggressive business in Clangston, including the forcible purchase of James Brennan's mine through threats of violence.

A cruel lawman in a small Midwestern city. He arrests Håkan for the bounty on his head, subjects him to physical torture, and uses him as a sideshow attraction to extort donations from townspeople.

A sycophantic deputy working under the corrupt sheriff. He willingly accepts a cut of the money the sheriff extorts from townspeople by displaying Håkan.

A wealthy Finnish captain and former fur trader who owns a massive, castle-like estate in the West. He speaks Swedish and treats the aging Håkan with respect.

The captain of the Impeccable, the icebound schooner headed for Alaska where Håkan recounts his life story.

Håkan's pony, acquired to help him cross the desert. The animal suffers a severe intestinal blockage from eating sand.

An Indigenous warrior who survives an attack by white men. After his leg is amputated, he assists Lorimer's scientific convoy.

A man living in a small hamlet in a forest. He is tracked down by the amber-haired woman after attempting to leave her.

An elderly Indigenous medical professional who survives an attack on his village. He teaches John Lorimer vital sterilization techniques.

Håkan and Linus's father. An impoverished farmer in Sweden who sells a colt to afford his sons' passage to America.