Spunk is a giant man who operates the dangerous circular saw at the local sawmill. He moves with a swaggering walk and wears his hat at a rakish angle. He carries a firearm and asserts control over situations with absolute confidence, adhering to a personal code where he takes what he wants and expects rivals to face him openly.

Joe is a round-shouldered villager who wears oversized overalls. He suffers from intense visible anxiety, betrayed by a twitching Adam's apple and a whining tone in his voice. Despite lacking physical size, weapons, or outward confidence, he arms himself with a large razor and walks into the woods to confront a man twice his size to reclaim his marriage.

Lena is a small, pretty woman living in a rural village near Orlando, Florida. She currently owns her own home, which she received as a gift from her father. She confidently carries on a public affair, drawing the attention and gossip of the village men who congregate at the general store.

Elijah is a sawmill worker who spends his free time socializing and observing his neighbors at the general store. He speaks in strong, declarative opinions and values outward displays of fearlessness. When tension arises in the village, he openly mocks those he perceives as weak and enthusiastically encourages dangerous confrontations.

Walter is a villager who frequents the general store alongside Elijah. He observes the unfolding community drama with caution and actively delays forming rigid opinions about the men in the village. He prefers to assess bravery by evaluating how individuals act when they are severely frightened.

Jeff is a resident of the village and a participant in the local social structure. As an elder figure, he maintains a quiet but firm stance regarding his family name and the ongoing public dispute involving his son.