A dedicated labor and delivery nurse with twenty years of experience at Mercy-West Haven Hospital. She holds a degree from Yale Nursing School and prides herself on her professionalism and medical expertise. As a Black woman and widow raising a teenage son in an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood, she carefully polices her behavior to blend in and avoid conflict. Her life upends when a white supremacist patient requests she be barred from treating his child, leading to a devastating criminal charge.

An avowed white supremacist who bears Confederate flag and swastika tattoos. His hatred took root during his youth after his older brother died in a car accident involving a Black driver, leading to a hardened upbringing by his grandfather. He recruits for the white power movement online and feels fiercely protective of his family, quickly viewing Ruth as a threat to his newborn son.

An idealistic public defender who takes on Ruth's murder charge as her first major felony trial. Despite holding a Columbia Law degree, she chooses to work for lower pay to help marginalized clients. She considers herself progressive and claims to be colorblind, a stance that creates friction when she insists on keeping race out of Ruth's defense strategy.

Ruth's sister, who changed her name from Rachel to the Yoruba word Adisa. She lives in a rougher neighborhood with five children and works low-wage jobs. Unlike Ruth, she wholly embraces her racial identity and rejects the concept of assimilating into white-dominated spaces, viewing the societal system as inherently rigged against them.

Ruth's teenage son. An honor roll student attending an affluent high school, he struggles to process the subtle and overt racism he encounters among his white peers. The stress of his mother's arrest deeply impacts his behavior, causing him to act out, skip classes, and search for a firmer sense of identity.

Turk's wife and the daughter of a prominent white supremacist leader. She is deeply entrenched in the movement's ideology. Following the sudden death of her newborn son, she falls into a deep depression, relying on sedatives before channeling her intense grief into a desire for courtroom vengeance.

Brittany's father. He holds a revered status among hate groups and successfully transitioned their violent activities into a more insidious, anonymous online presence. He serves as a mentor to Turk and instigates their public retaliation after Davis's death.

A firebrand television personality and civil rights leader who frequently comments on racial injustice. He seizes upon Ruth's case, organizing protests and soliciting donations from viewers, turning a local murder trial into a national media spectacle.

The prosecuting attorney assigned to try Ruth for murder. As a Black woman, she faces intense scrutiny in a racially charged case. She argues aggressively that Ruth neglected her medical duties out of personal spite, framing the Bauers' demands as a matter of patients' rights.

Ruth and Adisa's mother. She spends her life working as a domestic maid for the wealthy Hallowell family in New York City. She encourages Ruth to excel academically while quietly accepting her own lower social standing as a permanent fixture.

The newborn infant son of Turk and Brittany Bauer. He is born with an undiagnosed medical condition. His sudden respiratory failure and subsequent death in the hospital trigger the central conflict of the novel.

Kennedy's husband. He frequently steps in to manage childcare when Kennedy's long hours as a public defender keep her away from home. He acts as a supportive sounding board for her legal strategies.

The four-year-old daughter of Kennedy and Micah. Her innocent, unfiltered comments often highlight the casual stereotypes children absorb, forcing her mother to reconsider her own biases.

Kennedy's mother. Having grown up in North Carolina during segregation, she holds a different perspective on the progress of race relations. She regularly helps care for Violet.

The charge nurse at Mercy-West Haven Hospital. She acts as Ruth's direct supervisor and makes the controversial decision to place a sticky note on Davis's file barring African American staff from his care.

A fellow labor and delivery nurse who works alongside Ruth. She leaves Davis alone in the nursery with Ruth just before his medical emergency begins.

A wealthy white woman living in New York City. She employs Lou Brooks as a domestic worker and considers her "part of the family," though she remains insulated by extreme wealth.

The daughter of Mina Hallowell. She attends the prestigious Dalton school alongside Ruth. As adults, she attempts to offer Ruth financial assistance but avoids public association to protect her husband's political career.

A newly hired attorney at the public defender's office. He comes from a wealthy town and provides vital assistance to Kennedy during the jury selection process, researching implicit biases.

The pediatrician at Mercy-West Haven Hospital. She arrives during Davis's respiratory crisis and eventually calls his time of death. She testifies regarding the severity of Davis's undiagnosed condition.

The presiding judge over Ruth's criminal trial. He has a tough reputation and a history of ruling against Kennedy in previous cases.

The hospital lawyer for Mercy-West Haven. She prioritizes protecting the institution from lawsuits by encouraging the Bauer family to target Ruth individually.

A former member of the North American Death Squad (NADS). He introduces Turk to radical hate literature and violent groups before eventually leaving the movement to protect his own daughter from public shame.

The police detective assigned to investigate Davis's death. He coordinates the late-night raid on Ruth's apartment and testifies against her at trial.