Patty is a 12-year-old Jewish girl living in the conservative Christian town of Jenkinsville, Arkansas, during World War II. She possesses a highly active imagination and a strong desire to ask questions that challenge local social conventions. Constantly criticized and physically disciplined by her parents, she feels alienated from both her family and her community. She seeks validation and connection wherever she can find it, often embellishing stories to capture adult attention.

Ruth is the African American housekeeper and nanny for the Bergen family. Living in a heavily segregated society, she maintains a deep sense of personal dignity, refusing to be subservient and proudly viewing herself as one of God's creatures. She acts as a surrogate mother to Patty, offering her favorite foods and a reliable source of emotional protection.

Anton is a German prisoner of war housed at the newly constructed camp in Jenkinsville. The son of an English mother and a German professor, he speaks fluent English and acts as a translator for his fellow prisoners. He is highly educated, polite, and harbors a deep personal disdain for Adolf Hitler, choosing to treat Patty as an intellectual equal rather than a child.

Harry is Patty's father and the owner of the local general store in Jenkinsville. Having grown up poor in Memphis, he is acutely concerned with his social standing and deeply resents his wealthy in-laws. He frequently directs his anger and physical violence at Patty, perpetuating a cycle of neglect he seemingly experienced in his own youth.

Pearl is Patty's mother, a woman highly regarded in Jenkinsville for her striking physical beauty. She is an excellent salesperson at the family store but an emotionally absent mother, obsessing over her weight and outward appearances. She frequently forces Patty to endure painful hair perms in an attempt to make her conform to conventional beauty standards.

Patty's maternal grandmother lives in a wealthy section of Memphis. Unlike her daughter Pearl, she is warm, affectionate, and deeply attentive to Patty's needs. She recognizes the emotional starvation Patty experiences at home and tries to compensate by taking her shopping, feeding her large meals, and slipping her money to buy books.

Charlene is a young, independent reporter working for a major newspaper in Memphis. She treats Patty with professional respect, engaging her in conversations about journalism and the importance of words. She represents a vision of the future for Patty, demonstrating that a woman can be self-sufficient and career-oriented.

Sharon is Patty's younger sister. She is easy-going and conventionally pretty, possessing the physical traits and compliant personality that their mother highly values. Because she easily conforms to her parents' expectations, she receives the affection and praise that is withheld from Patty.

Freddy is a poor white boy in Jenkinsville who, like Patty, is left behind while other children attend summer camp. He is simple, appreciative of company, and happy just to sit and spend time with a friend.

Mr. Lee is the owner of the local Chinese grocery store in Jenkinsville. He abruptly disappears from the town after his store window is smashed, falling victim to the rampant prejudice and wartime paranoia sweeping the community.

Sister Parker is an employee at the Bergens' store. She observes the daily interactions in the shop and acts as a conduit for town gossip, taking a keen interest in the distinctive items and people that pass through the community.

Dr. Robinson is the medical professional stationed at the German prisoner-of-war camp in Jenkinsville. He evaluates the prisoners and offers straightforward assessments of their characters to visiting press.

Robert is Ruth's son, currently deployed as a soldier in World War II. Though he does not appear directly, his military service causes his mother constant anxiety and serves as a reminder of the broader global conflict affecting Jenkinsville residents.