Selina is a resourceful and optimistic young woman who dreams of becoming a novelist. Raised by a professional gambler, she possesses a romanticized view of life and an appreciation for art and theater. Following a sudden change in her family circumstances, she takes a teaching position in the rural Dutch farming community of High Prairie. She finds herself surrounded by hardworking people who struggle to understand her artistic sensibilities, prompting her to search for new outlets for her creativity.

Dirk is Selina's son, raised on a rural farm in High Prairie. He grows up watching his mother work tirelessly to provide for him and create a beautiful life. Unlike his mother, he develops a strong desire for material success and social status, drawn to the comforts of wealth that he observes in the city. He pursues a career that promises financial security rather than artistic fulfillment.

Paula is the granddaughter of a successful meatpacking businessman. Raised in luxury, she is accustomed to wealth and cannot imagine living without it. She is highly intelligent and possesses sharp business instincts, though her society often overlooks her capabilities. She uses her influence to help her friends achieve financial success.

Pervus is a hardworking, traditional farmer in High Prairie. He works an unproductive plot of land and adheres strictly to the established agricultural methods of his community. Despite a quiet and sometimes stubborn exterior, he possesses a hidden tenderness stemming from past heartbreak. He is protective but often dismissive of new ideas.

Dallas is a successful, independent commercial artist working in Chicago. She creates art to fund her ultimate ambition of studying in Paris. She maintains a confident, composed demeanor and values authentic passion over material wealth. Her artistic dedication stands in sharp contrast to the performative lives of the city's elite.

Simeon is Selina's father, a professional gambler who experiences fluctuating fortunes. He ensures that his daughter receives a good education regardless of his financial state. He possesses an adventurous spirit and fills Selina's childhood with stories and theatrical outings, teaching her to view life as a grand adventure.

Julie is a schoolmate of Selina whose father runs a growing meatpacking business. She maintains a bond with Selina despite the social barriers erected by her own family regarding Selina's background. She is loyal to her friends and uses her resources to assist them when possible.

August is a successful businessman who builds a massive fortune in Chicago. Despite his immense wealth, he retains his pragmatic, working-class perspective. He recognizes the value of hard work and becomes a significant figure in supporting ambitious agricultural projects.

Klaas is a traditional Dutch farmer in High Prairie who provides lodgings for Selina when she begins teaching. He holds conservative views and struggles to understand Selina's appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of vegetables. He expects strict conformity from his family members.

Maartje is the hardworking wife of Klaas Pool. She labors tirelessly to maintain the household and adhere to the strict expectations of the rural farming community. She hides her rebellious thoughts behind a dutiful exterior, keeping family heirlooms stored away safely.

Roelf is the thoughtful, artistic young son of Klaas and Maartje Pool. Unlike the other members of his community, he appreciates literature and art, spending time carving intricate designs in his workshop. He finds a kindred spirit in Selina, who encourages his creative pursuits.

Widow Paarlenberg is a glamorous and wealthy woman in the High Prairie community. Following her husband's passing, she directs her romantic attention toward Pervus DeJong, frequently offering him elaborate gifts and oversized food baskets at local auctions.

Mattie is an intelligent, good-humored university student from a poor background. She belongs to the 'Unclassifieds' at the university and offers Dirk academic help. Her modest background makes her a target for judgment among the wealthier students.

Theodore is an older, highly successful businessman in Chicago. He maintains a massive estate and provides his family with immense luxury. He operates a bank and remains largely distant from the day-to-day social activities of his household.

Eugene is the son of August Hempel and brother to Julie. Raised in extreme wealth, he lacks the sharp business instincts and working-class grounding that made his father successful.