Jadine is an educated, successful fashion model who recently appeared on the cover of Elle in Paris. Valerian serves as her patron and funded her education, placing her in a unique social position within his household where she acts as both a guest and a relative of the serving staff. She promises herself never to be controlled by men after witnessing an incident in her childhood.

Son is a fugitive who washes ashore on Isle des Chevaliers and takes secret refuge in the Streets' estate. He spends his initial days observing the household from hiding, particularly captivated by Jadine, before his sudden discovery disrupts the entire home. He maintains a firm internal identity despite his transient circumstances and holds strong beliefs about race and social expectations.

Valerian is a retired white candy manufacturer from Philadelphia who lives permanently at L'Arbe de la Croix. He spends most of his time cultivating plants in his greenhouse and listening to classical music, retreating from the broader world. He enjoys exerting control over his household and frequently dismisses his wife's anxieties regarding their son.

Margaret is Valerian's younger wife, a former beauty queen from Maine who struggles to feel at home on Isle des Chevaliers. She is highly anxious about an upcoming Christmas visit from her son and desperately wishes to return to the United States. She maintains a tense relationship with her husband and feels isolated in his wealthy world.

Sydney is the proud butler at L'Arbe de la Croix. Originally from Baltimore, he considers himself a Philadelphia Negro of high standing and takes his duties incredibly seriously. He views the household as his personal domain and feels deeply affronted when unexpected disruptions threaten the established order.

Ondine is the skilled cook at the estate and Sydney's wife. She takes immense pride in her culinary work and her role in raising her niece, Jadine. She harbors long-standing resentments toward Margaret but maintains a firm, stabilizing presence in the household's daily operations.

Gideon is a local worker who maintains the grounds at L'Arbe de la Croix, initially known to the household only as Yardman. He previously lived in the United States and Canada before returning to the island. He quietly manages the Streets' assumptions about him, occasionally pretending he cannot read to avoid being assigned extra work.

Thérèse is Gideon's older aunt who works as a laundress for the household. Gideon introduces her to the staff under various names to keep her employed despite Ondine's frequent dismissals. She holds strong opinions about the household and possesses a deep knowledge of local island lore regarding les chevaliers.

Michael is Valerian and Margaret's adult son. Though he does not immediately appear on the island, his anticipated arrival dictates the mood of the entire household. His parents hold vastly different opinions of him, creating significant tension in their marriage.

Ryk is a man in Paris who has proposed marriage to Jadine. He sends her an extravagant coat made of ninety baby seal pelts as a Christmas gift. Jadine suspects his romantic interest stems partially from a superficial fascination with her race.