The Swede is a nervous, quick-eyed traveler arriving in Fort Romper, Nebraska. He feels profoundly isolated in the West, which manifests as severe anxiety and a paranoid belief that the other men intend to harm him. His mood fluctuates unpredictably from extreme caution to brash rudeness depending on his environment and how others treat him.

Pat Scully is the Irish proprietor of the Palace Hotel, a building known for its distinctive light blue paint. He is aggressively hospitable and takes his role as host very seriously, going to great lengths to pacify his guests. He attempts to manage the rising tensions in his establishment by combining deference with carefully deployed social pressure.

Johnnie Scully is the hot-tempered son of the hotel proprietor. He frequently engages in card games with the guests, which escalate into arguments over the rules and gameplay. He takes quick offense to slights against his honor or the reputation of the hotel, struggling to contain his frustration when his father placates difficult visitors.

The Cowboy is a tall, tanned traveler staying at the Palace Hotel during the winter storm. He is loud, opinionated, and struggles to understand perspectives different from his own. He actively heightens the tension in the room by slamming his cards forcefully during games and aggressively insisting on his viewpoints.

The Easterner, also addressed as Mr. Blanc, is a quiet, small man visiting Fort Romper. Unlike the other men in the hotel, he attempts to observe the unfolding social dynamics objectively and tries to understand the Swede's fear of the local region. He prefers to remain silent during conflicts, avoiding direct confrontation while analyzing the behavior of those around him.

The Gambler is a delicate, dignified man residing in Fort Romper. Despite his less-than-reputable profession, he operates by a strict personal ethical code and preys only on those he considers foolish. He has earned the trust and admiration of the local community, behaving more like a respectable citizen than a typical criminal.

The Old Farmer is a local resident of Fort Romper who spends time at the Palace Hotel. He plays cards with the proprietor's son, though their games are frequently interrupted by petty squabbles and mutual frustration.

The Bartender operates a saloon in Fort Romper. He manages his establishment cautiously during the heavy storm, dealing with rowdy patrons and attempting to keep the peace when aggressive customers make unreasonable demands of the other guests.

Mrs. Scully is the wife of the hotel proprietor and mother to Johnnie. She assists in managing the family business in Fort Romper and helps tend to her family's needs during the harsh winter weather.