Katie is the exuberant and observant younger daughter of the Takeshima family. Initially living in rural Iowa, she admires her older sister Lynn and relies on her for guidance. Katie possesses a boisterous personality and a fierce loyalty to her family. As her family relocates to Georgia to work in the poultry industry, Katie must adjust to a harsh new environment, facing social isolation and her sister's declining health.

Lynn is Katie's highly intelligent and intensely protective older sister. She is a straight-A student who easily earns the favor of her teachers and commands the admiration of the neighborhood children. Lynn eagerly mentors Katie, preparing her for the prejudices they face as Japanese Americans in the 1950s South. As she enters her teenage years, Lynn develops an interest in fashion while confronting a severe medical diagnosis that drastically alters her life.

Masao is a stoic and hardworking father who deeply loves his family but rarely expresses his emotions openly. A first-generation Japanese American, he studied in Japan before returning to the United States. In Georgia, he works grueling hours as a chick sexer in a poultry hatchery to support his family. He endures discriminatory treatment and exhausting conditions silently, focusing entirely on providing for his children.

Kiyoko is a petite woman with a strict moral code and a desire for her daughters to behave as refined ladies. She works long hours in an unregulated poultry rendering plant, enduring inhumane conditions to save money for a family home. Despite her fragile appearance, Kiyoko is exceptionally resilient and acts as the financial manager for the Takeshima household, though she avoids social or occupational conflict.

Mr. Lyndon is a wealthy, politically connected factory owner who dominates the town of Chesterfield. He commands fear and obedience from his overworked employees, enforcing draconian rules such as denying bathroom breaks. He employs hired thugs to suppress union activity and feels entitled to exert control over both his workers and the surrounding community.

Uncle Katsuhisa is Masao's loud and spontaneous brother. A skilled chess player who boasts about his abilities, he provides a sharp contrast to his quiet sibling. Katsuhisa drives the family to their new home in the South and frequently takes the children on chaotic camping trips. He serves as a vital support system for the family during their transition.

Auntie Fumi is Katsuhisa's wife, a dainty and emotional woman who warmly receives her extended family in the South. She enjoys her husband's stories and provides critical childcare and support for her nieces and nephews. Fumi easily expresses her emotions, often reacting strongly to news regarding the family's health and well-being.

Samson, affectionately called Sammy, is the youngest child of the Takeshima family. He is a particularly tranquil and agreeable toddler who brings immense joy to his older sisters. Due to his parents' exhausting work schedules, Sammy spends much of his time under the attentive supervision of Katie and Lynn.

Amber is a white student at the local middle school who becomes Lynn's close friend. As they enter adolescence, Amber and Lynn experiment with makeup and practice modeling walks. Their friendship occasionally makes Katie feel isolated, and Amber experiences pressure from the racially prejudiced social dynamics of their school environment.

Sylvia, known to her friends as Silly, is a girl Katie's age whose mother works in the poultry plant office. Silly does the plant's laundry and works a second job with her uncle. She provides Katie with valuable insight into the harsh realities of the factory environment, including the presence of anti-union enforcers.

Mrs. Kilgore is Silly's mother, a brave woman who works in the factory office and actively attempts to organize a labor union. Her pro-union stance makes her a target for intimidation by plant management, causing other fearful workers to distance themselves from her.

Hank Garvin is a local white laborer who unhesitatingly comes to the aid of the Takeshima children during a crisis. Unlike many other white citizens in Chesterfield, Hank treats the Japanese American family with genuine respect and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on Katie as a true hero.

Dick is a hired thug employed by factory management. His primary job is to patrol the plant grounds and use intimidation tactics to prevent employees from discussing or organizing a labor union. He represents the oppressive atmosphere of the Chesterfield poultry industry.

Mrs. Kanagawa is a fellow Japanese American mother in the Chesterfield community. She offers practical childcare and domestic advice to the Takeshima family as they adjust to their demanding new work schedules.

Gregg is a boy from Lynn's school who becomes the subject of her teenage infatuation. He participates in camping trips and social gatherings, representing Lynn's transition into adolescence and young womanhood.

David is one of Uncle Katsuhisa and Auntie Fumi's twin sons. He is close in age to Katie and participates in the neighborhood games and chaotic camping trips organized by his father.

Daniel is the other half of Katsuhisa and Fumi's twin boys. Alongside his brother David, he helps integrate his cousins into the Chesterfield community, joining them in games and family outings.