A once-sheltered young woman who creates the Boxcar Library to bring literature to isolated communities, eventually confronting complex truths about her past.

A passionate miner’s daughter deeply influenced by her father's ideals, embarking on a quest for justice while working as the Boxcar Librarian.

A wealthy heir and WWI veteran who captures the stories of marginalized communities through photography, also serving as Alice’s love interest.

A charismatic union organizer revealed to have ulterior motives, serving as a pivotal antagonist in the narrative.

A dedicated union organizer and storyteller whose murder sets Colette's journey in motion and influences key plot events.

A loyal protector to Alice and her father, whose actions reflect the complicated dynamics of his loyalty and involvement in power structures.

A diverse group of writers and academics who initially view Millie as an outsider but eventually form a supportive community around her endeavor.