Emilia is a curious and determined American journalist born in 1866. Raised in the working-class Mission District of San Francisco by her mother and stepfather, she initially publishes dime novels and crime articles under the male pseudonym Brandon J. Price. Her ambition and bilingual abilities earn her an assignment to cover the Chilean Civil War of 1891, prompting a journey to her biological father's homeland.

Eric is an Irish immigrant who works as a respected news reporter for a California newspaper. He serves as Emilia's mentor and colleague, traveling with her to Chile to cover the civil war from the rebel perspective. He is sensitive and deeply committed to his work, though his growing feelings for Emilia challenge his commitment to remaining a bachelor.

Gonzalo is Emilia's biological father and a member of the wealthy Chilean elite. After a youthful affair with Molly in San Francisco, he refused to acknowledge her pregnancy and returned to his privileged life in South America. In his older age, he has become highly religious and suffers from poor health, causing him to reflect on his past misdeeds.

Molly is Emilia's mother, an Irish immigrant who arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. After training as a Catholic novice in her youth, an unexpected pregnancy altered her life path, leading her to eventually marry Francisco Claro. She is a devout, forceful woman who harbors a deep, lasting resentment toward the man who abandoned her.

Francisco, also known as Don Pancho, is Emilia's adoring stepfather who raised her as his own daughter. He runs a school in the Mission District and actively cultivates Emilia's intellectual curiosity. He shares her love of dime novels and plays a crucial role in launching her early writing career by acting as an intermediary with publishers.

Paulina is Gonzalo's aunt and the formidable matriarch of the del Valle family in Chile. She possesses immense wealth and the freedom to act exactly as she pleases, ignoring societal expectations for women. She supports the rebel cause during the civil war and serves as Emilia's primary connection to the Chilean aristocracy.

Owen is Eric's brother who lives in New York. He introduces Emilia to the concept of 'free love' during her travel assignment, engaging in a brief romance with her while concealing his marital status.

Balmaceda is the President of Chile during the 1891 civil war. He attempts to nationalize the nitrate industry to benefit the country rather than foreign powers, but enforces his rule with harsh, authoritarian measures that spark a massive rebellion among the country's elite.

Rodolfo is a former doctor turned journalist in Chile who publicly supports the government side of the civil war. He recognizes the greed of the aristocratic class and helps Emilia secure important interviews, including her meeting with the president.

Mr. Chamberlain is the editor-in-chief of The Daily Examiner in San Francisco. Initially reluctant to hire a woman for anything other than the social pages, he gives Emilia a chance to prove herself on the crime beat and later sends her to cover the conflict in Chile.

Angelita is the pragmatic leader of the Chilean canteen girls, women who provide water, cooking, and first aid to soldiers on the front lines. She joined the military to be near her drafted husband and serves as a vital guide and protector for Emilia during battle.

Patrick is an Irish immigrant and former revolutionary who serves as the head of the US Foreign Consulate in Chile. He dismisses Emilia's journalistic credentials but introduces her to high-society political circles in Santiago.

Rufina is a working-class servant employed by the Argentine government. She acts as a caretaker for Gonzalo Andrés del Valle during his illness and provides Emilia with a grounded, working-class perspective on the conflict.

Janus is the kind, well-connected captain of a boat traveling through southern Chile. He takes an interest in writing his own life story and offers his protection and guidance to Emilia as she travels through remote Indigenous territories.

Covadonga is a stray dog that frequents the government army camp. She attaches herself to Emilia during a chaotic retreat and becomes her loyal companion throughout her subsequent travels across Chile.