Nick is a young, somewhat naive boy hailing from the small Midwestern town of Summit. His limited life experience leaves him vulnerable to the harsh realities of the adult world. When faced with danger, he leans toward proactive solutions, attempting to help others and confront threats rather than passively accepting them.

Ole is a large, gentle man and a former heavyweight prizefighter who resides in Summit. Despite his background in a physically demanding profession, he exhibits a striking lack of will to fight or flee. He spends his days indoors, projecting an aura of complete resignation toward the threats against him.

Max is a hitman dressed in a tight black overcoat, derby hat, silk muffler, and gloves. He operates with cold professionalism, motivated by duty to an unnamed friend rather than personal vendettas. He acts as the more talkative of the pair, taking charge of the front of the diner and sarcastically taunting the staff.

Al is a hitman who strongly resembles his partner, wearing an identical black overcoat, derby hat, and gloves. He handles the physical containment of the diner's occupants, tying up the hostages in the kitchen while making crude jokes. He maintains a dominating, theatrical presence that creates a tense atmosphere.

George manages Henry's lunchroom and deals directly with the sudden arrival of the two hitmen. He demonstrates a passive resistance to their demands, remaining composed despite their verbal abuse and cryptic orders. He tries to manage the situation safely without escalating the danger to himself or his staff.

Sam is the cook at Henry's lunchroom who finds himself abruptly tied up with a towel in his mouth. As a Black man in the 1920s, he faces racial slurs from both the hitmen and his manager. He adopts a firm stance of non-involvement regarding the criminal activity, wanting to distance himself entirely from the violence.

Mrs. Bell is the manager and caretaker of Hirsch's boarding house. She looks after the property and its tenants, forming positive, straightforward impressions of the people living there. She assumes her tenant is simply unwell, completely unaware of the deadly reality surrounding him.