Lilly is a young girl born with albinism in the 1930s. Kept entirely isolated in her family's attic due to her appearance, she knows nothing of the outside world before her mother abruptly sells her to a traveling circus. Despite her traumatic upbringing, she remains curious and observant, quickly discovering she possesses an innate affinity for animals.

Julia is an 18-year-old runaway living in poverty in Long Island. Three years after fleeing her emotionally abusive childhood home, she unexpectedly inherits the Blackwood Manor Horse Farm following her parents' deaths. Returning to the estate, she is determined to manage the farm on her own terms while searching for answers about her family's heavily guarded past.

Merrick is the cruel, manipulative manager of the sideshow acts at the Barlow Brothers' Circus. He views the performers as his personal property, using physical intimidation, a riding crop, and psychological control to force compliance. He is motivated entirely by monetary gain and authority, exploiting the vulnerability of people who have nowhere else to go.

Coralline is the strict, deeply religious matriarch of Blackwood Manor. Viewing physical differences as punishments for sin, she refuses to show Lilly maternal affection and locks her away from the world. She prioritizes her rigid moral worldview over the well-being of her family, creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation within the manor.

Mr. Blackwood is the patriarch of the Blackwood family. He suffers from severe alcoholism, often locking himself in his study to drink and cry behind double doors. Though he occasionally demonstrates guilt over the treatment of his children, his cowardice prevents him from standing up to Coralline's cruel demands.

Glory is a heavily tattooed sideshow performer who immediately takes Lilly under her wing. Having survived the harsh realities of circus life, she acts as a maternal guide, educating Lilly about the community's norms and the reality of albinism. She provides essential comfort and practical advice in an intimidating environment.

Cole is a young boy who assists his father as an elephant handler at the circus. He is kind, observant, and quickly recognizes Lilly's special connection with the animals. He actively encourages her talents and works to create a safe space for her away from the degradations of the sideshow.

Claude is the longtime barn manager and groundskeeper who has maintained the Blackwood estate for over 27 years. He is dedicated to the daily operations of the horse farm but remains gruff and evasive whenever Julia asks about the locked doors or the family's past.

Fletcher is the veterinarian responsible for caring for the horses at Blackwood Manor. He is welcoming and supportive as Julia takes on her new responsibilities. He shares her belief in treating the animals humanely, contrasting with the profit-driven methods previously employed by the estate.

Mr. Barlow is the owner and operator of the Barlow Brothers' Circus. He is a pragmatic businessman who prioritizes the circus's financial survival and public appeal over the safety and dignity of his performers or animals, willing to exploit any act that draws a crowd.

Viktor is a giant performer in the sideshow and Glory's brother. Rescued from a state hospital by Merrick, he remains fiercely loyal to the manager, often acting as his physical enforcer and carrying out his demands without question.

Pepper is an adult female elephant traveling with the circus. She forms an immediate, preternatural bond with Lilly and responds effortlessly to her gentle commands. She is fiercely protective of her offspring.

JoJo is a baby elephant traveling with the Barlow Brothers' Circus. He is closely bonded with his mother and serves as a major draw for the big top performances, representing innocence within the harsh circus environment.

Hank is an adult elephant handler for the Barlow Brothers' Circus, tasked with managing the large animals while passing his knowledge down to his son, Cole.