Horace is a middle-aged lawyer from Kinston who abruptly leaves his wife, Belle, and stepdaughter, Little Belle. Returning to his hometown of Jefferson, he seeks a quiet life but immediately stumbles into a bootlegging operation at the Old Frenchman place. He is an idealistic, somewhat naive man who prefers to carry a book rather than a weapon. He relies on his intellect and sense of morality, putting him at odds with the violent men he encounters.

Temple is a 17-year-old college student at the University of Mississippi and the daughter of a powerful local judge. Accustomed to wealth and privilege, she maintains a busy social life filled with parties and dates. When a car accident leaves her stranded at a rural bootlegging hideout, her sheltered upbringing offers her no preparation for the dangerous reality of her new surroundings.

Popeye is a sinister, violent man involved in the bootlegging operation at the Old Frenchman place. He wears a slanted straw hat and carries a concealed gun, projecting a threatening presence that frightens both outsiders and his own associates. He operates with cold detachment and commands the dilapidated house with quiet intimidation.

Lee runs an illicit moonshine and bootlegging operation out of the Old Frenchman place, an abandoned plantation house. He lives outside the bounds of Jefferson's respectable society, selling alcohol to the town's wealthy young men. He is hardened by his criminal lifestyle and maintains a tense, uneasy control over the dangerous men who work for him.

Ruby is Lee Goodwin's common-law wife and the mother of his sickly baby. Ostracized by Jefferson society for having a child outside of marriage, she lives a harsh, demanding life at the Old Frenchman place. She views wealthy, sheltered women with bitter skepticism but still attempts to warn newcomers about the dangers of the men in her home.

Gowan is a wealthy young man who frequently boasts about learning to drink like a gentleman at the University of Virginia. Despite his aristocratic posturing, he struggles with severe alcohol addiction. His reckless drinking leads to a car crash that strands him and his date at a dangerous bootlegging camp.

Narcissa is Horace Benbow's widowed sister, raising her 10-year-old son in a large home just outside town. Having married into the established Sartoris family, she places immense value on social standing and community perception. She is deeply frustrated by her brother's disregard for societal rules and his association with criminals.

Miss Jenny is the great-aunt of Narcissa's late husband. She lives with Narcissa and frequently comments on the behavior of those around her. She possesses a sharp, critical view of Horace's life choices and often voices the blunt truths that others avoid.

Tommy is one of the men working in Lee Goodwin's bootlegging operation. Unlike the other criminals at the plantation house, he displays genuine concern for the stranded visitors. He takes it upon himself to watch over Temple, hoping to shield her from the more aggressive men on the property.

Van is a rough, aggressive man involved with Lee Goodwin's bootlegging ring. He lacks restraint and repeatedly ignores boundaries, requiring physical intervention from his boss to keep him in line when vulnerable guests arrive.

Belle is Horace Benbow's wife who lives in Kinston. She expects a routine, predictable life, symbolized by her demand that Horace fetch shrimp every Friday. Her mundane expectations drive Horace to abandon their home in search of a different existence.

Little Belle is Horace Benbow's teenage stepdaughter. She enjoys attending dances and parties, much like the college students in the area. Horace's protective anxiety over her influences how he views other young women in danger.

Judge Drake is a powerful, wealthy legal figure and Temple's father. His status in society serves as a shield for his daughter, though his influence does not extend to the rural criminal underworld.

Miss Reba is a madam who operates a busy brothel in Memphis, Tennessee. She maintains a loud, active house filled with patrons and dogs, managing her illicit business while dealing with the dangerous men who frequent her establishment.

Senator Snopes is a local politician who frequently travels between Mississippi and Memphis. He presents a respectable public image but quietly participates in the region's illicit nightlife, exchanging gossip and information for money.

Pap is an elderly, deaf, and blind man who lives at the bootlegging hideout. His sudden, silent appearances startle visitors who are already on edge in the decaying house.