The seventh child of the Peace family, assigned male at birth but raised as a girl named Perfect for the first eight years of his life. After his mother reveals the truth, he is forced to transition into a boy named Paul, struggling to survive the harsh masculine expectations of his family and community. He is a sensitive child who continually seeks answers and love from his family and his faith.

The matriarch of the Peace family and mother to seven boys. Haunted by the severe abuse she endured from her own mother over her dark skin tone, Emma Jean desperately desires a daughter to prove she can be a loving parent. This overwhelming desire leads her to blackmail the local midwife and raise her youngest son as a girl, a decision that permanently alters her family.

The hardworking father of the Peace family. Having endured severe physical abuse from his own father for showing emotion, Gustavus struggles to express his feelings openly and holds rigid beliefs about masculinity. His discovery of Emma Jean's deception deeply shakes him, leading to conflicting emotions and harsh reactions as he figures out how to raise his youngest son.

The sixth child of the Peace family. Compassionate and observant, Mister frequently questions the strict gender roles enforced by his older brothers and parents. He is fiercely protective of his younger sibling and actively advocates for civil rights in the Swamp Creek community by helping to organize a local NAACP chapter.

The fifth child in the Peace family. Born blind, Bartimaeus is largely spared from the rigid masculine expectations placed on his brothers and shares a unique emotional bond with his father. He is perceptive and gentle, often serving as a protective and unconditionally loving force within the household.

The fourth child of the Peace family, an intelligent and gifted young man with a deep love for reading and learning. His academic aspirations are derailed when Emma Jean pulls him out of school, causing deep-seated resentment, though he remains fiercely determined to continue his education independently.

The third child of the Peace family. Highly charismatic and a natural storyteller, Woody eventually feels called to the ministry to become a pastor. He attempts to offer Paul spiritual guidance, though his conventional religious views often fall short of answering Paul's complex questions.

The second child of the Peace family, though he acts as the natural leader among the brothers. Muscular, talkative, and rigidly adherent to traditional gender norms, Authorly takes it upon himself to aggressively train Paul in masculine behaviors after the child's true sex is revealed.

The eldest child of the Peace family. Quiet and timid, he relies heavily on Authorly for guidance and leadership, eventually moving in with his brother's family.

A local girl in Swamp Creek and Paul's childhood best friend. Steadfast and fiercely loyal, Eva Mae remains Paul's closest companion through his difficult transition, offering him unconditional support and promising to always be his friend despite the community's judgment.

A plus-sized local girl and childhood friend of Paul and Eva Mae. Enduring abuse at home, Caroline struggles with self-worth and body image, but finds comfort and unconditional acceptance in her friendship with the Peace family.

The local Swamp Creek midwife who assists in Paul's birth. She is blackmailed by Emma Jean into announcing the child is a girl, a deceit that leaves her bitter and resentful toward the Peace family.

Emma Jean's mother. She favored her lighter-skinned children and severely abused Emma Jean. This legacy of cruelty drives her daughter's later parenting decisions.

Emma Jean's lighter-skinned half-sister. Though she attempts to maintain a relationship with Emma Jean, their interactions are strained by the legacy of their mother's unequal treatment.

Emma Jean's other half-sister, who often echoed their mother's favoritism during their childhood.

An unhoused and marginalized member of the Swamp Creek community. Though often dismissed as delusional by others, he is perceptive and acts as an unexpected source of help for the Peace family during moments of crisis.

A handsome and well-liked classmate of Paul's in Swamp Creek. He is actively involved in the community, helping to co-found the local chapter of the NAACP.

A school teacher in Swamp Creek who tries to support Paul when he faces bullying from other students, encouraging him to ignore the community's ignorance.

The pastor of the local church in Swamp Creek. He leads the congregation through community events and religious services, often finding himself shocked by the Peace family's public dramas.

A member of the Swamp Creek church congregation who frequently gossips about the Peace family, though she occasionally offers moments of genuine comfort.

Miss Mamie's husband and a member of the church congregation who occasionally belittles the civil rights efforts of the younger generation.

Authorly's wife, who integrates into the Peace family and accepts an unconventional living arrangement by welcoming her brother-in-law James Earl into their household.

Gustavus Peace's older brother who visits the family and comments on the newborn child's appearance.

Chester Jr.'s wife and a close friend to Emma Jean, who remains unaware of the deception surrounding Paul's birth.

Emma Jean's father, who was kicked out by Mae Helen because of his child's dark complexion. He tried to show his daughter kindness before his death.

Mae Helen's partner and the father of Gracie and Pearlie.

A friendly university student who helps a newly arrived King Solomon navigate the admissions process at Howard University.

The president of Howard University who offers King Solomon an unconventional path to earn his admission and tuition.

The owner of the local general store who provides King Solomon with discarded books in exchange for sweeping the shop.

The local town doctor who treats the Peace family's physical injuries and ailments.

Miss Mamie's granddaughter, who attends a local dance with Paul.

Caroline's abusive father who contributes to her deep struggles with self-worth.

A young woman from Swamp Creek who attends the local dance.