Reuben is an 11-year-old boy afflicted with severe chronic asthma. He views himself as a designated witness to his father's miracles, a role that gives his life a profound sense of purpose. Observant and thoughtful, he quietly questions faith, justice, and family loyalty as his older brother's violent choices upend their peaceful lives in Roofing.

The deeply religious patriarch of the Land family who works as a school janitor. He abandoned pre-medical studies after surviving a tornado, choosing a humble life guided entirely by his Christian faith. He performs what Reuben recognizes as true miracles and consistently prioritizes God's will over worldly logic or personal ambition.

Reuben's precocious eight-year-old sister who possesses a fierce spirit and a deep obsession with the Wild West. She processes her family's struggles by typing an ongoing epic poem about a fictional outlaw named Sunny Sundown. She exhibits strong loyalty to her older brothers and a stubborn courage that defies her young age.

Reuben's 16-year-old brother who exhibits an independent, stoic demeanor. He views the world through a pragmatic lens and operates by a strict, personal code of outlaw justice. When the legal system fails to protect his loved ones, he takes matters into his own hands, forcing him to go on the run.

A menacing high school dropout and town bully in Roofing. He wields physical violence to intimidate others and actively targets the Land family after Jeremiah interrupts his assault on Dolly. His malicious actions push the town into a dangerous, escalating feud.

The loyal sidekick to Israel Finch who participates in terrorizing the town of Roofing. Though he operates mostly as a follower, he actively engages in threats, physical assaults, and a late-night home invasion alongside his partner.

A sinister, self-described "wolf" living completely off the grid who offers shelter to runaways and outlaws. He operates by a twisted set of personal rules, rejecting societal norms and morality entirely. He projects an aura of extreme cruelty and manipulation, making him a terrifying presence to anyone who crosses his path.

A resourceful and generous woman living on a farm with a solitary gas pump. After a blizzard traps the Land family at her property, she effortlessly integrates into their lives, offering warmth, engaging stories, and capable care for Reuben's physical ailments.

A persistent federal investigator tasked with tracking down Davy across state lines. He employs various tactics to pursue his target, including rallying local state troopers and aggressively pressuring Jeremiah, believing the father holds supernatural insight into the fugitive's location.

A 14-year-old girl residing with Jape Waltzer in the badlands. Given to Waltzer by her biological father, she exists in a deeply vulnerable situation, trapped off the grid while waiting for the day Waltzer decides she is old enough to marry him.

A childhood neighbor and lifelong best friend to Jeremiah Land. Living comfortably on a farm with his wife Birdie, he demonstrates immense loyalty to the Land family by harboring a fugitive and providing crucial resources, despite his personal belief that the law should be respected.

August's kind-hearted wife who helps host the Land family during their travels. She attempts to comfort the younger children regarding the harsh realities they face, offering a brief sense of maternal warmth on the road.

The pragmatic town doctor in Roofing who tends to the Land family's medical needs. He operates strictly on scientific principles and worldly logic, acting as a clear foil to Jeremiah's belief in the miraculous.

The bitter, boil-afflicted superintendent of the school where Jeremiah works. He actively antagonizes Jeremiah and terminates his employment under false pretenses, representing worldly unfairness before receiving an unmerited act of grace.

A lawyer tasked with defending a difficult, highly uncooperative client. He genuinely tries to guide the Land family through the legal system and extends personal kindness to them during the trial and holiday season.

An unsuccessful traveling salesman who regularly intrudes on the Land family's hospitality. Despite his annoying habits, his unexpected passing provides the family with a vital inheritance right when they need it most.

A local teenager whose traumatic assault sets the plot's violence in motion. Her subsequent testimony at trial ends up complicating the legal defense rather than establishing her attackers' guilt.