Patrick is a Canadian man who leaves his remote hometown of Bellrock for Toronto in the 1920s to find work. Introverted and accustomed to a solitary existence, he often feels like a foreigner in the city and prefers observing others rather than drawing attention to himself. He takes on physically demanding industrial jobs, displaying an unusual tolerance for danger and extreme discomfort.

Nicholas is a Macedonian immigrant who takes on the most perilous tasks in building Toronto's new bridge. He earns a higher wage because of his willingness to work in midair without fear. He learns English by listening to theater actors and popular music, which gives him a distinct speaking rhythm. He later opens the Geranium Bakery, serving his local immigrant community.

Clara is an uninhibited, free-spirited actress who easily charms those she meets. She lives life unapologetically and comfortably takes the spotlight in any situation. Her confident, extroverted nature sharply contrasts with Patrick's quiet reserve, making her a captivating presence in his life.

Alice is a socially conscious actress who uses her theatrical skills for political activism. She organizes and motivates working-class communities, communicating fluidly across language barriers with immigrant laborers. She possesses a measured, thoughtful nature that offers stability to the people in her life, particularly Patrick.

Caravaggio is an Italian immigrant who operates as a professional, highly skilled thief. He prefers to work under the cover of a moonless night, approaching his illicit profession with strict logic and physical agility. Despite his criminal lifestyle, he maintains a personal code of integrity and relies on careful planning to remain anonymous.

Rowland Harris is the powerful commissioner of public works in Toronto. He dreams up massive, opulent infrastructure projects, viewing them as architectural monuments rather than products of human labor. He represents the wealthy industrialist class, preferring to focus on grand designs while remaining detached from the harsh conditions endured by his workers.

Ambrose is a millionaire real estate tycoon who vanishes, leaving behind immense wealth and numerous enemies. He embodies ruthless capitalist self-interest and views human relationships strictly in terms of ownership and power. He utilizes extreme secrecy and manipulation to maintain his dominant position over others.

Hana is a precise, observant young girl who collects stories and keepsakes from the adults around her. She articulates herself seriously and directly, projecting a self-sufficient maturity. She provides a sense of grounding and familial connection for Patrick as they share a quiet domestic life.

Hazen is an abashed, quiet man who lives entirely focused on his demanding work. He transitions from raising cattle to working as a dynamiter for timber and mining companies. He passes down his taciturn nature and his ability to endure extreme physical labor to his son.

Giannetta is an Italian immigrant who originally met her husband when she took pity on him following a botched robbery. She nurses his injuries and eventually moves to Canada with him, where she actively participates in his daring schemes and supports his underground lifestyle.

Cato is a charismatic political activist from a Finnish immigrant family who originally worked in the logging industry. He orchestrates labor strikes among his fellow loggers, taking significant risks to organize against powerful camp bosses.

Anne is a calm, observant woman living near a lake who crosses paths with a fugitive. She possesses a deep attachment to the natural water environment and displays unusual composure during a sudden home intrusion.

Kosta is the proprietor of a local bar and restaurant that serves as a central hub for Macedonian immigrants. He acts as a welcoming community figure who brings working-class men together for socializing and political theater.

Pomphrey is an architect involved in designing Toronto's large public infrastructure projects. He focuses on the grand structural aesthetics of the buildings rather than the laborers who assemble them.

Buck is a resourceful prisoner at the Kingston Penitentiary. He proves himself a loyal ally by actively assisting in a clever, high-stakes camouflage plan to help another inmate escape.

Alfred is a young local boy who unwittingly gets involved in a fugitive's flight from the law. He is persuaded to fetch cleaning supplies for the stranger in exchange for an introduction.