Reena is a 12-year-old former city resident struggling to adapt to the sights, sounds, and smells of rural Maine. As the older sibling, she acts as a protective shield for her younger brother and frequently serves as the catalyst for her family's decisions. She works past her initial fears of massive farm animals to connect with her eccentric neighbors and learn the difficult craft of showing cattle.

Zora is a massive, stubborn Belted Galloway cow living at Mrs. Falala's farm. Coming from a line of Grand Champions, she possesses a difficult temperament that frequently frightens newcomers. Her aggressive behavior and reluctance to follow instructions stem largely from her isolation from other cattle.

Luke is Reena's seven-year-old brother who processes his emotions and fears through elaborate drawings of heroes, monsters, and dragons. He harbors a strong aversion to being touched and is easily frightened by loud animals or abrupt people. Highly literal in his thinking, he depends heavily on his older sister for comfort in their new rural environment.

Mrs. Falala is an elderly, eccentric Italian woman living alone with a large menagerie of animals on Twitch Street. She presents a prickly, sarcastic exterior to the world and frequently mocks the city children for their fear of livestock. Beneath her cranky demeanor, she hides a softer, artistic side and depends heavily on the company of her animals.

Reena's mother is a former reporter who quickly secures a job teaching at a private school in Maine. She is decisive and eager to assist others in the community, a trait that prompts her to volunteer her children to work for an eccentric neighbor. She pushes her children to engage with their surroundings, even when it makes them uncomfortable.

A former journalist seeking outdoor work in his new rural environment. Reena's father is highly attuned to the emotions of those around him, offering patience when his children struggle with the relocation. He frequently lectures his children on the absolute necessity of showing deference and respect to their elders.

Zep is a tall, red-haired teenager working at Birchmere Farm who plans to become a cattle farmer. He is highly experienced with livestock and demonstrates great compassion for the animals in his care, despite knowing their eventual fates. He acts as a patient mentor to Reena, teaching her how to handle difficult cattle.

Beat is a teenage girl working at Birchmere Farm. She is skilled at handling the massive cattle and quickly offers to help teach Reena the basics of cow showing when she realizes the younger girl is struggling.

Mr. Colley is an attorney and neighbor to Mrs. Falala. He frequently stops by to check on the elderly woman and helps her manage her personal, legal, and property affairs.

Mr. Birch is the owner of Birchmere Farm where Zep and Beat work. He understands the lineage of the local cattle, recognizes Zora's championship background, and offers Reena practical guidance during her first time at the fairgrounds.

Yolanda is Zep's neatly groomed, sweet-natured heifer. She offers a sharp contrast to Zora's difficult temperament and helps calm the larger cow by providing much-needed herd companionship.

Paulie is a large pig living at Mrs. Falala's house. The elderly woman considers him a crucial part of her family and defends him fiercely whenever Reena criticizes his behavior.

China is a large cat that patrols the grounds of Mrs. Falala's property, contributing to the chaotic and slightly intimidating atmosphere of the farm.

Edna is a large black snake kept around the house. Mrs. Falala views her as a completely normal pet whose primary job is to manage the mouse population on the property.