Hanna is a 14-year-old multiracial girl living in 1880 Dakota Territory. She is highly skilled at sewing after learning the craft from her late mother. She dreams of earning her school diploma and working as a dressmaker in her father's new shop, though she faces severe racism from the townspeople.

Ben is Hanna's white father and a grieving widower who hopes to establish a successful dress goods shop. He is often short-tempered and deeply protective of Hanna. His anxiety that her multiracial background will cause trouble leads him to clash with her over her desire to attend school and work publicly.

Mama was a Chinese immigrant raised by American missionaries who became a skilled seamstress. She died when Hanna was 11 from lung damage sustained during an anti-Chinese riot in Los Angeles. Her memory and her signature lotus flower stitch serve as Hanna's primary source of inspiration.

Mr. Swenson is a violent resident of LaForge. He represents the town's extreme hostility, actively intimidating Hanna and eventually physically attacking her outside the local hotel.

Sam is a student in Hanna's class who demonstrates early kindness toward her. He stands up for Hanna against racist bullies and maintains a friendly demeanor despite his parents' vocal bigotry.

Bess is a shy but talented classmate of Hanna's. As the daughter of the town's justice of the peace, she steps out of her comfort zone to work alongside Hanna in the dress shop and helps defend her against the town's prejudices.

Miss Walters is the proper teacher at the LaForge school. She serves as a strong advocate for Hanna, defending her right to an education during town meetings and offering practical advice on dealing with hostile residents.

Wichapiwin is an Indigenous American woman from the Ihanktonwan tribe. She travels the prairie lands that were taken from her people, eventually teaching Hanna how to harvest timpsina roots during a peaceful afternoon together.

Dolly is a pale student who initially distances herself from Hanna. When she does attempt to interact, her behavior is marked by thoughtless microaggressions about Hanna's appearance.

Mr. Harris is the LaForge justice of the peace and a school board member. He uses his measured authority to vouch for Papa's business and ensures Hanna is allowed to attend the local school despite protests.

Mrs. Harris is Bess's mother. Unlike her husband, she holds prejudiced views, openly bringing up bigoted assumptions about Chinese cleanliness when visiting her daughter at the dress shop.

Mr. Baxter is Sam and Pearl's father. He actively opposes Hanna's presence at the school, prioritizing a lack of friction over fairness for marginalized students.

Pearl is Sam's younger sister. She is innocent of the town's prejudices, happily accepting Hanna's help to wipe a smudge from her face and later receiving a red hair ribbon.

Mrs. Blake is the hotel owner in LaForge. Although she shoos away the drunk men harassing Hanna, she immediately jumps to blaming Hanna for causing the trouble.

Conners is an associate of Mr. Swenson. He participates in the physical intimidation of Hanna outside the hotel while intoxicated.

Miss Lorna is a Christian missionary who ran a boardinghouse in Los Angeles. She taught Mama to read and sew, later helping Mama and Papa arrange their marriage.

Charlie is a builder helping construct the new dress goods shop. He vouches for Papa's character, noting he pays a fair wage and provides good meals.

Sadie is the younger daughter of the town's justice of the peace. She remains at school alongside her sister and Hanna even after most other parents withdraw their children.

Ellie is a young kitchen worker at the local hotel. She expresses wistful interest in the upcoming dress shop opening.