Harley is a teenager living on a North Dakota Sioux reservation who carries a persistent feeling of emotional emptiness. He grew up without his father, Calvin, and older brother, Duane, both of whom died in a collision shortly before his birth. Seeking to understand his place in the world, he relies on community elders for spiritual instruction while searching for a way to feel whole.

Anna is an elder in the community who possesses formidable magical abilities. Often referred to by the name Mercury, she operates with a sense of entitlement, regularly using her spiritual power to manipulate others and serve her own desires. Her controlling behavior isolates her from the rest of the reservation, as well as from her own descendants.

Herod is a respected elder and a Yuwipi, a spiritual healer who communicates with the spirit world. He serves as a bridge between the living community and their ancestors, guiding the younger generation in traditional Sioux practices. While he acts as a pillar of the community, he quietly struggles with domestic tensions in his own home.

Lydia is Harley's mother and the widow of Calvin Wind Soldier. Following a devastating family tragedy, she adopts a strict vow of silence, identifying internally as "Silent Woman." She channels her grief and love into traditional crafts, spending years creating a meticulous beaded dress to communicate her feelings without speaking.

Calvin is Harley's father, who passes away shortly before Harley's birth. He is remembered as a devoted provider who built a modern home for his wife, Lydia, and gave up drinking to support his family. His historical ties to the ancestral figure Ghost Horse make him a target for outside magical interference.

Charlene is a teenager who lives under the heavy influence of her grandmother, Anna Thunder. She chooses not to dance at the powwow to avoid triggering her grandmother's destructive magical interference. Charlene feels isolated on the reservation and struggles with jealousy when Harley shows interest in a visiting dancer.

Pumpkin is a young Menominee woman with striking red-gold hair and a promising academic future at Stanford. She stands out at the powwow by competing as a grass dancer, a role traditionally reserved for men. Her charisma and talent immediately capture the attention of the community, particularly Harley, with whom she shares a brief but profound connection.

Frank is Harley's close friend and classmate. As the grandson of Herod Small War, Frank actively participates in traditional ceremonies and learns the spiritual practices of his people. He serves as a steady, reliable presence in Harley's life.

Jeanette is a white teacher and anthropologist who moves to the reservation to study Indigenous culture. She enthusiastically but awkwardly tries to force traditional Sioux stories into her school curriculum. Her desire to uncover the community's spiritual practices leads her to seek out Anna Thunder for observation.

Margaret is an elder who holds a deep connection to the spirit world. In her final days, she reflects on the loves of her life and shares profound spiritual experiences with her young grandson, Harley. She guards family secrets closely, only allowing them to surface as she prepares to pass on.

Crystal is Anna Thunder's daughter. Eager to escape her mother's overbearing and dangerous presence, she marries a Swedish classmate and moves off the reservation to Chicago. She builds a new life far away but leaves parts of her past behind in the process.

Red Dress is a legendary 19th-century Sioux ancestor. She travels to Fort Laramie on a sacred mission to resist colonization, using magic and sacred stones to fight against the encroaching settlers. Her actions make her a symbol of resistance for future generations of her family.

Ghost Horse is a historical Sioux warrior and a heyo'ka, a sacred fool who deliberately does the opposite of what is expected. He openly mocks early attempts at Christian conversion and remains deeply devoted to Red Dress, setting a pattern of tragic romance that echoes through his descendants.

Evelyn, also known as Evie, is Lydia's fraternal twin sister. She leaves the reservation to pursue a different life but returns when her mother falls ill. She carries lingering resentment toward her mother regarding family secrets.

Duane is Harley's older brother who dies in a tragic collision before Harley is born. His absence leaves a lasting void in the Wind Soldier household.

Archie is a community member who relies on traditional spiritual practices. He participates in ceremonies with Herod to uncover the meaning behind his visions.

Henry is a local man struggling with relationship troubles. In an intoxicated state, his misinterpretation of oncoming headlights leads to a devastating accident that forever alters the Wind Soldier family.

Alberta is married to Herod Small War. Changes in her demeanor create domestic tension and force Herod to confront unresolved issues from their past.

Martin is a young man of Swedish descent who falls in love with Crystal. He offers her a chance at a conventional life away from the reservation.

Joyce is Anna Thunder's cousin. Her decision to attend a powwow rather than fetch a doctor for Anna's sick son creates a permanent and deadly rift between the women.

Bernadine is Joyce's young daughter. She becomes the tragic victim of Anna's first use of dark magic as retaliation for perceived slights.

Reverend Pyke is a colonial priest who attempts to convert the local Indigenous population. He recognizes the supernatural threat posed by Red Dress and takes violent action against her.