A restless man living in a remote Appalachian swamp cabin with his sister. Following the birth of a baby, Culla abandons the infant and tells his sister it died. He soon flees his home, beginning a desolate, Cain-like wandering across the countryside. He tries to remain entirely independent and shuns the help of others, carrying a deep guilt that seems to manifest in the ruin he brings to every town he enters.

Culla's 19-year-old sister, who begins the story completely sequestered from the outside world. When she discovers that the newborn baby she was told died is actually missing, she leaves the swamp to find it. Guileless and persistent, she walks through the unfamiliar world with an innate sense of trust. She moves through the bleak region as a rare source of light and warmth.

An itinerant salesman who travels the countryside hawking provisions and illicit goods. Bowed from years of pulling his heavy cart, he lives a bitter and solitary existence. His early interaction at the Holme cabin makes him the primary target of Rinthy's desperate search. He harbors deep resentment toward the world for a lifetime of scorn.

The towering figure at the head of a mysterious, terrifying group of men traversing the Appalachian mountains. He wears a stolen, dusty black suit that makes him look like a minister, allowing him to manipulate crowds and disarm strangers. He acts as a brutal force of consequence, appearing wherever violence and guilt fester.

One of the three shadowy figures roaming the countryside. Armed with a rifle, he acts as the vocal enforcer for his towering commander. He actively participates in the group's intimidation tactics and carries out their grim decrees.

A mute, primal member of the terrifying trio. He communicates through grunts and grins, executing the darkest physical acts required by his leader.

A wealthy landowner and squire who dominates the local economy. He hires laborers for pennies and subjects them to long lectures on the value of hard work. Hypocritical in his views, he avoids physical labor himself while demanding it from others.

The patriarch of a family living in a well-kept house in the woods. Though initially wary of strangers, he eventually offers genuine hospitality and an extravagant meal to a traveler in need.

A farmer whose path crosses with multiple travelers in the region. He carries heavy personal grief from the loss of his own children, making him highly reactive to perceived threats of sickness. His varying reactions to strangers demonstrate the vastly different auras they project.

An imposing man who serves as the local lawman. He also runs a store and conducts auctions, using his vast economic control to rule the town. He dispenses harsh justice by hanging criminals in public spaces and treats transients with outright disdain.

A lonely, retired hunter living in an overgrown shack far off the main road. Desperate for company, he eagerly shares stories of his past and offers to train apprentices, though his intense isolation makes others uncomfortable.

A drover managing a large herd of mule-foot hogs across the hills. He readily strikes up conversations with strangers and invites them to share his camp, showing a casual attitude toward his unusual profession.

Vernon's younger brother and a fellow hog drover. When tragedy strikes his group, he quickly looks for a scapegoat, allowing mob mentality to override reason.

A ragged but peaceful traveler who relies on faith and prayer rather than physical sight. He possesses a deep spiritual understanding of the world, recognizing the unrest in others even when they try to hide from him.

A proud operator of a current-driven river crossing. He places immense faith in his late father's ingenious rigging system, allowing his hubris to override basic safety concerns during a severe storm.

A medical professional operating in a rainy town. He initially doubts his patient's impossible medical claims but eventually provides crucial information that alters the course of her search.

A passing professional who takes pity on a desperate traveler. He uses his influence to secure medical help for her, demonstrating rare kindness in an otherwise harsh environment.

An unkempt preacher wearing glasses missing a lens. He inserts himself into volatile situations, using scripture to justify swift and violent punishment while maintaining a facade of Christian mercy.