Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy living on a farm in Maine. He is observant and hardworking, deeply entrenched in his family's daily rituals of agricultural life. As the narrator, he offers a quiet but loyal presence, actively stepping out of his comfort zone to understand and protect his new foster brother.

Joseph is a fourteen-year-old boy carrying trauma who arrives as a foster child at the Hurd farm. He is initially standoffish and highly protective of his painful past. Despite his tough exterior and difficult history with juvenile detention, he demonstrates a gentle affinity for animals and an unyielding devotion to his young daughter.

Mr. Hurd runs a farm in Maine and expects hard work from both his son and his new foster child. He is a steadfast man who leads by example rather than force. He acts as a grounded role model, offering the steady guidance that has been missing from his foster son's life.

Mrs. Hurd manages the domestic life on the family farm while possessing a fierce, activist spirit rooted in her past. She is a morally steadfast woman who provides unconditional warmth and a safe harbor for the boys in her care. Her quiet strength anchors the household during turbulent times.

Mr. Brook is a plumber by trade and the biological father of the boy the Hurds are fostering. He is an imposing figure driven by greed and control rather than paternal affection. His sudden appearances bring intense tension and fear to the farm.

Mrs. Stroud works as a social worker for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. She is responsible for finding a safe placement for a traumatized teenager and acts as the primary source of information about his history. She operates professionally and cautiously, often serving as the liaison between the foster family and the legal system.

Mr. Canton serves as the vice principal of Eastham Middle School. He is a strict disciplinarian who prioritizes order and reputation over individual circumstances. He harbors a deep mistrust of the new transfer student, frequently warning others about bad influences.

Coach Swieteck is a gym teacher and disabled veteran who recognizes raw athletic talent in his students. Missing his legs due to a war injury, he shares a competitive spirit with the new foster boy. He uses his authority to shield vulnerable students from aggressive classmates.

Mr. D'Ulney teaches mathematics at Eastham Middle School. He looks past troubled reputations to see academic potential, taking a special interest in challenging his students. He offers a quiet refuge during the school day for those who need it.

Mrs. Halloway teaches Language Arts at Eastham Middle School. She is perceptive and eager to engage students who show an interest in complex literature. She provides a safe space for quiet intellectual growth and private discussions.

Madeleine is a young woman from a wealthy family with busy lawyer parents. Raised largely by a nanny, she forms a profound connection with a plumber's son. She offers genuine acceptance and warmth, anchoring his most cherished memories.

Jupiter is a young infant named after a favorite planet. She represents hope and immense responsibility for her young father. Though physically distant from the farm, she is the focal point of her father's existence and the driving force behind his actions.

Jay is an eighth-grade student at Eastham Middle School who harbors a grudge against the new transfer student. He relies on his friends to help him intimidate others, representing the hostility present in the middle school environment.

Reverend Ballou is a spiritual leader in the community who delivers sermons that resonate unexpectedly with his congregants. He is patient and willing to engage with difficult theological questions from skeptics, offering a compassionate ear to those struggling with their faith.

Rosie is a dairy cow on the Hurd family farm. She serves as an early barometer of character, offering immediate acceptance to those who treat her well. She provides a therapeutic, routine presence that helps ground the farm's newest resident.

Pastor Greenleaf leads a Baptist church along the route to Brunswick. He is a charitable man who offers sanctuary and sustenance to those in need, acting as a brief but crucial guardian during a perilous journey through a winter storm.