Brady is a thirteen-year-old boy living along the Corsica River in Maryland. Growing up in a working-class family, he helps his father with crabbing and boat repair. He is mature for his age and heavily shaped by the infant death of his younger sister. His strong sense of personal responsibility drives him to help others, whether by babysitting for new neighbors or assisting in local emergencies.

J.T. is one of Brady's best friends, known for his easygoing nature and strong interest in computers. Beneath his cheerful exterior, he hides a troubled personal life, dealing with his father's chronic kidney illness and the looming pressure to take over the family chicken farm. His shyness and physical awkwardness make him a frequent target for bullies. As a result, he relies heavily on others for physical protection.

Digger is a tough, sometimes aggressive boy with a difficult home life marked by domestic abuse. He harbors deep resentment toward the wealthy newcomers in Bailey's Wharf, particularly because his grandfather's former property was bought and demolished by developers. Despite his rough exterior and mean streak, he is fiercely protective of his younger siblings and capable of heroic acts in a crisis.

Mr. Parks is a hardworking crabber and part-time carpenter trying to maintain his livelihood on the Chesapeake Bay. He is a gruff, often silent man who struggles to verbally communicate his emotions but cares deeply for his family's well-being. He faces mounting pressure from environmental regulations and fellow watermen, forcing him to make difficult principled decisions.

Dee works at a local nursing home and is a caring but emotionally guarded mother to Brady. She is deeply affected by the infant death of her daughter, Amanda. She copes by avoiding painful reminders of the past and tending to a butterfly garden in her yard.

Marcellus and Gina DiAngelo are wealthy newcomers to Bailey's Wharf who represent the changing demographics of the area. Marcellus is somewhat curt and accustomed to giving orders, while Gina is generous and actively tries to build positive relationships in the community. They live in a newly built mansion on property formerly owned by locals.

Ben is the three-year-old son of Marcellus and Gina DiAngelo. He is a sweet, innocent, and exceptionally good-natured child who calls his babysitter 'Bwady' because he cannot pronounce his Rs. His vulnerability during a severe storm on the Corsica River makes him the focal point of a desperate local rescue effort.

Carl is Brady's older cousin and a local paramedic. He serves as a critical role model and trusted confidant for Brady. He took care of Brady at the local fire station during a difficult period in the Parks family's past, forming a lasting bond.

Amanda is Brady's deceased infant sister. Her sudden death years ago nearly tore the Parks family apart. Her memory continues to heavily influence her parents' emotional dynamics and Brady's sense of responsibility.

Tilly is Brady's loyal dog. She accompanies him on his skiff during his trips along the local creeks. She relies on her sharp canine instincts to assist him while out on the water.

Mindy is Carl's girlfriend. She accompanies him in the ambulance during his morning routines and provides a friendly presence for Brady and his friends.

Kate is J.T.'s sister. She helps her brother on the family's chicken farm. She occasionally interacts with Brady when he visits their property and observes the shifting dynamics between the friends.

He is a working-class farmer who runs the local chicken farm. He suffers from failing kidneys and chronic illness, a condition that places significant emotional and practical pressure on his son to take over the family business.

Hank is Digger's younger brother. He lives in a highly volatile household. He relies heavily on his older brother for physical protection and guidance during domestic disputes.

Digger's father is a local man struggling with severe alcoholism. He frequently becomes physically violent, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment that forces his family to temporarily flee the house.

Digger's mother is a victim of domestic violence who frequently leaves her husband, only to return later. She attempts to care for her children and keep them safe despite the turbulent and unpredictable home environment.

Tiny Tim is Ben's pet hamster. He serves as a small, living reminder of the toddler. Brady takes him in and cares for him, and the pet occasionally acts as a silent witness to Brady's internal moral struggles.

Kevin is Brady's cousin who lives in Rhode Island. He enjoys music lessons and the beach. He provides Brady with a glimpse into a fully functional, happy family dynamic away from the stress of Bailey's Wharf.

Emily is Brady's young cousin in Rhode Island. She enjoys playing with dolls. Because she is roughly the age Amanda would have been, watching her play brings back poignant family memories for Brady.