Ivvár is a young Sámi reindeer herder burdened by heavy responsibilities and a dwindling herd. Resentful of his father's sudden religious fervor, he feels torn between his traditional roots and the changing world around him. He seeks solace in the wilderness and struggles to provide for a future spouse.

Willa is the dutiful daughter of the stern Pastor Lars Levi. Raised under strict religious and moral expectations, she increasingly yearns for freedom and connection outside the parsonage walls. She finds herself fascinated by the Sámi culture and the herders who visit her father.

Henrik is a bell ringer and store owner who struggles with feelings of inadequacy and debt. He illegally sells alcohol to the local population, a practice that puts him at odds with the church's teachings. He desires respectability and a stable life, often making poor choices in his attempts to secure them.

Risten is a capable young Sámi woman caught between her cultural heritage and the pressures of an impending marriage. She works hard alongside her family to maintain their reindeer herd. Her practical approach to life frequently conflicts with her lingering, complicated feelings for a man from her past.

Lars Levi, often called Mad Lasse, is a stern, fervent Swedish Lutheran pastor with Sámi heritage. He leads a powerful religious revival, preaching strict moral codes and repentance to both settlers and the Sámi community. He views natural events as direct signs from God and expects absolute adherence to his doctrines.

Biettar is a troubled Sámi reindeer herder who previously struggled with personal failings and a declining family herd. Following a powerful religious conversion at the church, he adopts a quiet demeanor and becomes deeply involved in the Laestadian Lutheran movement. His sudden faith isolates him from his traditional community.

Mikkol is a steady, practical Sámi man who offers stability and wealth through his successful reindeer herding. He gradually becomes consumed by the religious revival sweeping the community, dedicating his time to reading sermons to his family.

Nora is Willa's sister and the more compliant daughter of Pastor Lars Levi. She strives to be perfect and dutiful, managing the household during crises. However, she harbors deep bitterness about her constrained life and lack of opportunities compared to her sister.

Old Sussu is a traditional Sámi woman and respected elder in the community. She serves as a healer and a keeper of old ways, viewing the encroaching Christian movement with deep suspicion. She freely shares her opinions and warnings with the younger generations.

Frans is Henrik's uncle and a church official who later takes over the pastoral duties in the community. He is strict, condescending toward the Sámi people, and perfectly willing to use physical discipline on his parishioners. He prioritizes order, financial recovery, and his own ambitions within the church.

Lorens is the younger brother of Willa and Nora. He suffers a severe, life-threatening illness that deeply frightens his family and prompts his father to seek urgent medical help outside the village.

Brita is the wife of Pastor Lars Levi Laestadius and the mother of Willa, Nora, and Lorens. She upholds the strict religious environment of the parsonage and disciplines her children when they cross moral boundaries.

Ánde is Ivvár's cousin and a fellow Sámi reindeer herder. He works in the snow and harsh conditions to help maintain the extended family's animals.

Niko is a young Sámi herder and cousin to Ivvár and Ánde. He spends his days managing the reindeer and sharing the difficult labor of the winter camps.

Nilsa is a member of the Tomma family who is highly skilled in tracking and managing the reindeer herd. His labor is essential to the community's survival.

Anna is a Sámi woman who travels and works alongside Risten during the arduous migrations across the tundra. She provides companionship and labor for her community.

Simmon is a parishioner who acts as an associate and errand-runner for the local store and church, working under Frans's authority.

Rikki is a local storekeeper who supplies the herders with brännvin (liquor), sometimes keeping them informed of local gossip.