Sal is a young writer and military veteran living on the East Coast on the G.I. Bill. He feels dissatisfied with the traditional academic circles he frequents in New York and desires a more authentic, energetic existence. This restlessness drives him to hitchhike across the country in pursuit of a deeper understanding of America and himself.

Dean is a young man from Denver who recently spent time in a reform school. He possesses a boundless enthusiasm for life and approaches social norms with a casual disregard. His intense energy makes him the focal point of Sal's social group, inspiring those around him to seek out adventure.

Carlo is a young poet living in New York. He is highly intellectual and engages in exhausting, dawn-to-dusk conversations in an attempt to uncover profound truths about society. He quickly forms a deep bond with Dean upon their introduction, drawn to the young man's chaotic energy.

Camille lives in San Francisco and offers a stable domestic environment compared to the transient lifestyles of the travelers. She loves Dean deeply and frequently finds herself waiting for him as he pursues his restless urges across the country.

Marylou is Dean's young wife from Denver. She travels with him to the East Coast and participates in the wild lifestyle of his social circle. Her relationship with her husband features fierce arguments and passionate reconciliations.

Remi is an old friend of Sal who lives with his girlfriend in California. He tries to manage the practical realities of adult life by working a steady job as a guard at a living facility for overseas workers. He struggles financially and occasionally resorts to minor schemes to get by.

Terry is a young Mexican woman traveling by bus to Los Angeles to escape an abusive husband. She connects with Sal during the journey. They form a temporary domestic partnership and work together in the agricultural fields of California to survive.

Bull is an older writer who lives near New Orleans with his family. He has traveled extensively across the globe. He now spends his time experimenting with various drugs and serving as an eccentric mentor figure to the younger men in the group.

Ed travels across the country with Dean. He is eager to participate in cross-country road trips and often acts recklessly behind the wheel, drawing the attention of law enforcement.

Galatea is married to Ed Dunkel. She refuses to fund the men's continued travel and remains in Arizona. She views the chaotic influence of the travelers, particularly Dean, with deep suspicion and anger.

Chad is an intellectual who lives with his parents in Denver. He initially associates with Dean and Carlo but later distances himself from their frantic lifestyle.

Roland is a writer who holds a disdain for bohemian lifestyles. He prefers comfortable living arrangements over sleeping rough on the road and acts as a roommate to Sal during his time in Denver.

Stan lives in Denver and insists on joining Sal and Dean on a trip to Mexico. He dismisses his grandfather's protests about the dangers of the journey.

Lucille dates Sal in New York. She desires a stable relationship and dislikes the chaotic influence of Sal's friends, particularly Dean and Marylou.

Victor is a friendly local who acts as a hospitable guide for the travelers in Mexico. He introduces them to his family, provides them with marijuana, and takes them out dancing in his town.

Eddie is a young hitchhiker from New York who struggles with alcoholism. He travels briefly with Sal across the Midwest before abandoning him for a solo ride in a passing car.

Jane lives in New Orleans with her husband Bull Lee. She struggles with an addiction to Benzedrine and manages the chaotic household while guests visit.

Lee Ann lives with Remi Boncoeur in California. She frequently argues with him and joins Remi and Sal on a trip to explore an abandoned ship in the bay.

Johnny is Terry's seven-year-old son. He lives in a temporary tent structure in California and assists Sal with the manual labor in the cotton fields.