Ruth is a well-meaning young woman growing up in small-town Illinois who struggles with learning difficulties and a poor self-image. She exists in the shadow of her highly intelligent older brother and endures constant criticism from her harsh mother. Despite feeling marginalized and insecure, she possesses a vivid imagination and a deep capacity for empathy. She often views her life and the people in it through the lens of classic literature.

May is Ruth's hard-working and embittered mother. She grew up in rural poverty, taking on massive household burdens as the eldest of eight children. Life's hardships, including the loss of her first husband in World War II and the abandonment of her second husband, leave her hardened and consistently cruel to her daughter. She works as a fabric finisher at the local dry cleaners to support her family.

Ruby is an out-of-work man with a troubled past and a reliance on alcohol. Raised in a household marked by trauma and physical abuse, he lacks formal training and avoids stable employment. He spends his time drinking and failing to secure steady work. He demonstrates an immediate attraction to Ruth, becoming the first man to show her romantic attention.

Aunt Sid is May's younger sister and a school choir teacher living forty miles away in DeKalb. Independent, well-educated, and unmarried, she represents a sharp contrast to the other women in Ruth's life. She maintains a secret and supportive written correspondence with her niece, providing a crucial source of encouragement. She also acts as a keeper of family history, sharing stories of May's early years.

Daisy is a local girl known for her striking beauty and rebellious behavior. She wears heavy makeup and courts male attention, occasionally getting into trouble for drinking and driving. Despite her reckless reputation and transient romantic attachments, she offers Ruth a steady, worldly friendship. She encourages Ruth to pursue her desires and acts as a confident guide in social settings.

Matt is Ruth's academically gifted younger brother. Universally praised by his teachers for his prodigious math skills, he eventually earns a spot at MIT and focuses entirely on his education. He remains emotionally distant from his family, actively brushing off his mother's doting affection and avoiding household responsibilities. His success casts a long shadow over Ruth's upbringing.

Elmer is a red-headed, stocky farmhand who becomes May's second husband. He marries May following the death of his first wife from cancer, forming a union built on convenience rather than romance. He largely stays out of the family's way before eventually abandoning them to pick grapefruits in Texas when Ruth is ten years old.

Miss Finch is an arthritic, blind elderly woman living in Honey Creek. She employs Ruth to help around the house and operate her cassette player. Through her collection of books on tape, she introduces Ruth to classical literature. She provides a quiet, structured environment where Ruth feels free to explore storytelling.

Dee Dee is a grey-haired woman who buys eggs from the Grey family. She forms a parallel friendship with May, bonding over their respective household struggles. She manages a difficult home life, dealing with a husband with a disability and three children, including her rebellious daughter Daisy and her dependent son Randall.

Willard is May's first husband, an attractive man she meets at church before the main narrative begins. Their early marriage is cut short when he is drafted into World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He dies in combat, leaving a lasting scar on May's personality.

The Reverend leads the local church congregation in Honey Creek. He stands out in the community as one of the few figures who treats May and Matt as equals, rather than elevating the academically gifted boy over the rest of the family. He delivers literal sermons that Ruth initially questions but eventually relies on for a sense of belonging.

Artie is the boss at the local Trim 'N Tidy dry cleaners. He runs the business and encourages his employees to join the company bowling league to build camaraderie. He is generally good-natured and accommodating, taking an interest in the lives of his workers.

Randall, also called Randy, is Daisy's brother and Dee Dee's son. He is an overweight, obsequious young man who shadows his mother constantly. He annoys Ruth with his eating habits and clumsy attempts at initiating a romance with her, which she forcefully rejects.

Sherry is Ruby's social worker. She maintains weekly appointments with him to monitor his progress and help him navigate adult responsibilities. Professional and observant, she attempts to provide Ruth with a clearer understanding of Ruby's traumatic childhood.