Ada is a 17-year-old living in the conservative town of Fairchild. Trained as an apprentice midwife by her mother, she possesses practical medical knowledge. Her inability to conceive during her first year of marriage puts her at odds with her society's strict expectations and dangerous superstitions regarding barrenness. She pursues medical explanations for infertility instead of accepting religious curses.

The Kid leads the Hole in the Wall Gang. Operating outside traditional gender conventions, The Kid provides sanctuary for individuals ostracized by their hometowns. Raised by a preacher, The Kid utilizes religious rhetoric to justify the Gang's actions and envisions building an independent community free from conservative societal judgment.

News is a mixed-race member of the Hole in the Wall Gang. A traveling preacher spread racist ideologies in her previously integrated hometown, forcing her to leave her family behind. She acts as a skilled scout and operative for the group, frequently wearing men's clothing to gather information in nearby towns safely.

Lark is a cowboy from Missouri who travels alongside his friend Henry. He survived severe persecution in his hometown due to his sexual orientation. He eventually finds acceptance working with traveling veterinarians and cowboys, allowing him to live comfortably with his own desires.

Sheriff Branch is the primary law enforcement officer in Fairchild. He values the status quo and public appeasement far more than actual justice. He knowingly uses innocent young women as scapegoats for the town's natural misfortunes, utilizing superstitious fears to maintain his authority.

Ada's mother serves as the primary midwife in Fairchild. She possesses extensive practical knowledge of reproduction and understands the physical dangers faced by barren women in their superstitious society. She takes pragmatic, highly illegal steps to protect her daughter from accusations of witchcraft.

Cassie is a core member of the Hole in the Wall Gang and the devoted partner of The Kid. She fled her restrictive marriage to help establish the Gang's initial operations. She is highly protective of the group's security and often voices practical concerns regarding new recruits or overly ambitious missions.

Elzy is the prized hunter and primary marksman for the Hole in the Wall Gang. She learned to shoot from her father before her town exiled her for barrenness. She passes her firearms expertise on to new members and acts as a vital provider for the group during harsh winter months.

Agnes Rose is a member of the Hole in the Wall Gang who frequently handles the group's medical and supply needs. She assists in preparing disguises for the group and uses her acting skills to lure targets during robberies.

Texas is an experienced equestrian who serves as the riding instructor for the Hole in the Wall Gang. She possesses an intimate knowledge of the local geography and helps Ada understand the challenging terrain surrounding their hidden camp.

The Mother Superior leads the convent where banished women seek refuge. She previously faced imprisonment for attempting to educate rural communities. She maintains a secret connection to the Hole in the Wall Gang, offering women an alternative to taking holy vows.

Alice Schaeffer is an experienced midwife who authored the Handbook of Feminine Complaints. Her writings propose biological reasons for infertility rather than spiritual curses. She operates a clinic in Pagosa Springs.

Sam is an older man in Fairchild known to have no fertility issues. Ada's mother enlists him to help Ada become pregnant and avoid hanging for witchcraft. He treats Ada with kindness and patience during their secret encounters.

Sister Tom is the librarian at the convent where Ada takes refuge. She quietly researches and compiles texts on forbidden medical topics, giving Ada her first exposure to subversive scientific literature.

Ulla is a young woman in Fairchild who originally belongs to Ada's social circle. When she suffers a miscarriage during a town-wide panic, she turns against Ada in fear.

Bee is Ada's youngest sister in Fairchild. As Ada prepares to escape the town to avoid hanging, she ensures Bee learns the fundamentals of childbearing to assist their mother.

Dr. Edward Lively is a traveling preacher and author who promotes racist ideologies regarding miscegenation. His teachings destroyed the integrated town where News grew up.

Henry is a cowboy who travels and works alongside Lark. He meets the disguised members of the Hole in the Wall Gang during a local town event.

Nótkon is a Native American trader from the Arapaho tribe. He maintains good relations with the Hole in the Wall Gang, as his people are also outcast from white society.

Ada's husband is a young man from a respectable family in Fairchild. He initially enjoys a happy marriage with Ada, but grows increasingly anxious when she fails to conceive during their first year together.

Lo is a former actress who was kicked out of her traveling troupe. She uses her theatrical background to train new members of the Hole in the Wall Gang how to dress, stand, and fight like men to avoid detection in town.