Sorry is a 14-year-old boy living on Bikini Atoll who recently assumed the role of family alab, or council representative, following his father's death. Though deeply tied to his family and the traditional practices of fishing and navigation, he harbors a growing fascination with the outside world, sparked by a discarded Japanese magazine. He is observant and increasingly critical of the foreign military forces occupying his home.

Abram is Sorry's 32-year-old uncle and a former merchant mariner who jumps an American ship to return to his ancestral home. Having experienced the outside world, he understands English and holds a realistic view of military motives. He openly challenges the foreign officials and attempts to organize resistance to protect the islanders' land.

Tara is a 24-year-old schoolteacher from Rongelap who received training at a missionary college. She acts as a bridge between the traditional villagers and the occupying forces due to her education and English language skills. Principled and clear-sighted, she advocates for her community and demands formal accountability from the military.

Jonjen is Sorry's grandfather and the spiritual elder of the village. He serves as a living connection to Bikini's history, relying on traditional tools, reading natural omens, and leading the community in Christian worship. He is pragmatic about global conflicts but remains steadfast in his faith and opposition to violence.

Commodore Wyatt is the military governor of the Marshalls. He utilizes persuasive religious rhetoric, comparing the islanders to the children of Israel, to manufacture consent for their relocation. He represents the paternalistic and manipulative authority of the occupying military forces.

Chief Juda is the mild-mannered leader of Bikini Atoll and a descendant of the legendary Larkelon. He is a kindly leader in times of peace but struggles to manage the pressures of military occupation. His trusting nature makes him susceptible to the paternalistic promises of American officials.

Ruta is Sorry and Lokileni's mother, a widow who deeply values safety and community harmony. Following the death of her husband, she relies on her son and father-in-law to represent the family. She is cautious about her brother Abram's defiant actions but remains fiercely protective of her children.

Lokileni is Sorry's younger sister, representing the vulnerable children of the village. She is observant of the changes taking place on the island and frequently accompanies her brother. Her deep attachment to her home is symbolized by her cherished childhood rag doll, Leilang.

Yolo is Sorry's grandmother, a quiet woman deeply connected to the pre-Christian spiritual traditions of Micronesia. She interprets signs from the natural world, such as warnings from the tournefortia tree. Her bond with the ancestral land is absolute, causing her great distress when the relocation is announced.

Leje Ijjirik is a contrarian member of the village council who frequently clashes with Abram and Sorry. He favors full cooperation with the American military, believing the villagers will receive financial rewards and care in exchange for their compliance.

Lieutenant Hastings is a blunt American military officer managing the eviction of the Bikinians. Unlike Wyatt, he discards pleasantries, using direct threats of force to ensure the islanders board the transport ships.

Dr. Garrison is a Smithsonian scientist attached to the military operation to measure the environmental impacts of the atomic tests. Though personally friendly and willing to explain the science to the islanders, he maintains a clinical detachment regarding the destruction of their home.

Badina is Sorry's deceased father. His absence forces Sorry to prematurely accept the responsibilities of the family council representative. His legacy of bravery and traditional island skills heavily influences Sorry's decisions.

Jeimata is the paramount chief of the Ralik chain. He uses his overarching authority to ensure the Bikinian local leaders comply with the American military's demands for the atoll.

Azakel is an interpreter for the American military governor. He acts as the mouthpiece for the occupying forces, instructing the villagers and occasionally directing them to perform for propaganda newsreels.

August is an Ijjirik boy and friend of Sorry who tragically died after striking a washed-up Japanese mine. His death serves as an early, visceral example of the dangers the outside world brings to the atoll.

Jasua is August's cousin who attempted to warn him away from the explosive Japanese device on the beach.

Manoj is a council member from the Ijjirik family who assists Chief Juda in organizing the villagers during the relocation process.