Cochran is a retired military pilot who served for two decades and now spends his time playing in tennis tournaments. He enjoys literature and poetry, using these interests to connect with others socially. Though he projects a relaxed civilian demeanor, his military background leaves him capable of sudden violence and survival in extremely dangerous situations.

Miryea is an educated woman from a highly regarded Mexican family whose marriage brings social acceptability to her husband. She possesses a generous spirit and a sharp intellect. Her actions place her in immense physical and emotional danger as she participates in a treacherous romantic affair.

Tibey is a wealthy businessman who rose from poverty into a mixture of legitimate and illegitimate enterprises. His nickname translates to "shark," reflecting his ruthless nature in business and personal affairs. He is highly concerned with public perception and reacts with calculated brutality when his pride is threatened.

Nordstrom is a successful executive in the oil industry who realizes his conventional life leaves him entirely unfulfilled. Sparked by an offhand comment from his daughter, he begins systematically stripping away his societally sanctioned successes. He quietly and stubbornly reshapes his daily routines around cooking, observing nature, and dancing in private.

Sonia is Nordstrom and Laura's highly intelligent daughter. Her blunt assessment of her parents' emotional distance triggers her father's midlife crisis and subsequent transformation. She often assumes a watchful, almost parental role over her father as he enacts drastic changes to his personal and financial life.

Laura is an independent, career-driven woman working in the movie industry. Raised in a wealthy Chicago suburb, she adapts quickly to a fast-paced California lifestyle filled with parties and casual affairs. Her emotional distance from her husband eventually leads them to amicably dissolve their marriage.

Tristan is the unmanageable middle son of the Ludlow family. He feels an intense connection to the wilderness and operates entirely outside of standard societal expectations. He processes his profound grief through reckless adventures that physically and emotionally separate him from the people he loves most.

Susannah is an intelligent, well-bred Boston socialite who exemplifies the ideal woman of her era. Despite her proper upbringing, she possesses a strong independent streak and forms a passionate attachment to the untamable Tristan. She spends her days studying naturalist guides and reading poetry while waiting for his return.

Alfred is the eldest Ludlow brother, defined by his responsible nature and distinct political ambitions. He is socially acceptable, successful in business, and lacks the unpredictable charisma of his younger brother. He deeply loves Susannah but struggles constantly with her enduring attachment to Tristan.

Samuel is the youngest of the Ludlow brothers. He possesses a sweet, idealistic disposition that contrasts with Tristan's wildness and Alfred's pragmatism. His eagerness to participate in the conflict sets off a chain of events that forever alters his family.

Ludlow is the patriarch of the family and a former army engineer. He harbors a profound disgust for the military following his experiences with the government's treatment of Indigenous Americans. He manages his sprawling Montana ranch while worrying intensely about the divergent paths his sons take.

One Stab is an Indigenous elder and Ludlow's closest confidant. He acts as a mentor figure on the ranch, particularly to Tristan, whom he understands better than almost anyone else in the family. He moves quietly through the story, observing the chaos of the Ludlow family from a grounded perspective.

Isabel is Ludlow's wife and the mother of Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel. She prefers the refined society of the East Coast, choosing to spend her winters in Boston rather than enduring the harsh conditions of the Montana ranch.

Isabel Two is the bright daughter of the ranch hands Decker and Pet, affectionately given her nickname to distinguish her from Ludlow's wife. She refuses to attend traditional school, prompting Ludlow to tutor her directly on the property.

Decker is a hardworking ranch hand and manager who oversees the daily operations of Ludlow's property. He is a reliable presence who eventually moves his family into the main house to assist the aging patriarch.

Pet is Decker's wife and a vital part of the ranch's operations. She helps maintain the domestic sphere of the property, providing stability for both her daughter and her employer.

Amador is a former Dallas police officer who serves as a trusted local contact in Durango. He helps Cochran secure lodging, navigate the local area, and search for critical information while maintaining a low profile.

Sarah is a waitress who becomes entangled in Nordstrom's life during his trip to New York. She works alongside a partner to run extortion scams on wealthy men, operating with a ruthless pragmatism.

Slats acts aggressively to intimidate wealthy marks as part of an extortion scam he runs with Sarah. He uses threats of extreme violence to enforce his demands.