Alexandra is a resilient, business-savvy young woman of Swedish descent living in rural Nebraska. Recognizing her intelligence and strength, her ailing father places her in charge of the family farm. She demonstrates an imaginative approach to agriculture and a deep respect for the harsh pioneer environment. She prioritizes her family's survival and prosperity over personal romantic attachments.

Emil is the youngest of the Bergson children and the family's hope for an educated, Americanized future. Shielded from the extreme poverty of the family's early years by his sister Alexandra, he focuses on university studies and travel. He is sensitive and restless, unsure of his place in the world despite his privilege.

Marie is an outgoing, beautiful young woman from a Bohemian family. She marries her husband Frank at eighteen and returns to Hanover to live on the old Linstrum farm. Her lively personality makes her highly popular in the community, though she privately struggles with a mismatched and difficult marriage. She remains a devoted Catholic and a loyal friend.

Carl is a childhood friend of the Bergsons whose family abandons their failing Nebraskan farm for city work. He is introspective and sensitive, eventually pursuing a career as a traveling engraver. He feels a sense of inadequacy regarding his transient lifestyle, especially when viewing the agricultural success of Hanover.

Oscar is one of Alexandra's older brothers. He contributes heavy manual labor to the family farm but lacks his sister's vision and business acumen. He prefers the security of working for others over the risk of taking on debt to buy more land. He adheres strictly to traditional gender roles and suspects education of spoiling men.

Lou is Alexandra's other older brother. Like Oscar, he labors physically on the farm but questions Alexandra's leadership and financial decisions. He often voices his desire to leave farming behind for city life. He values conventional social norms and prioritizes public opinion regarding his family.

John is a Swedish immigrant who expends his health trying to tame the Nebraska soil. He values land ownership as the ultimate form of freedom. Recognizing the limitations of his sons, he breaks with tradition by passing control of the farm to his intelligent daughter, Alexandra.

Mrs. Bergson is an industrious Swedish immigrant and a committed gardener. She strives to maintain order and civilized standards in the harsh Nebraskan environment. She misses her home country but dedicates herself completely to preserving the family's domestic life during their poorest years.

Frank is an immigrant from a Bohemian family who marries Marie after catching her eye at a dance. He works hard on the farm but maintains a rough, cantankerous demeanor. He harbors jealousy regarding his wife's popularity and struggles with a sense of isolation in Hanover.

Known locally as "Crazy Ivar," he is a deeply religious man with an uncanny affinity for animals and nature. When he loses his land due to mismanagement, Alexandra takes him in as a lodger. He adheres to unconventional rules, such as refusing to wear shoes, which makes the broader community view him with suspicion.

Amédée is a lively French boy and a close friend of Emil. He represents the joyful, social aspect of the surrounding immigrant communities, contrasting with the more reserved Swedish settlers.

Signa is a young Swedish woman whom Alexandra employs. She helps manage the domestic work on the prosperous Bergson farm and develops an attachment to another farmhand.

Nelse is a farmhand employed by Alexandra. He spends much of his time pursuing Signa, displaying a steady courtship style.

Barney is an Irish worker who essentially serves as a foreman on Alexandra's farm. He executes her plans and manages the day-to-day operations of her vast property.

Mrs. Lee is an elderly neighbor in Hanover. She maintains the old immigrant customs and enjoys visiting friends like Alexandra and Marie during the long, isolating winters.