Victor is a young Indigenous man living on the Spokane Reservation. As a child, he watches his parents struggle with alcohol addiction and poverty. As he grows older, he experiences deep anger and sadness regarding his community's history and his own perceived lack of direction. He relies on basketball, fleeting romances, and his friendships to build a sense of personal and cultural identity.

Victor's father is a Vietnam War protestor who spent time in prison following an altercation with a National Guard private. He possesses a deep affection for Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock performance, which he views as a message of hope. His heavy drinking causes intense mood swings and strains his marriage.

Victor's mother is a resilient caretaker who tries to provide for her family despite financial hardship. She practices traditional Spokane customs, such as powwow dancing and cooking fry bread. Her marriage is turbulent, characterized by both passionate love and intense, alcohol-fueled arguments.

Thomas is an idiosyncratic, highly talkative storyteller who channels the history and mythology of the Spokane people. His peers largely view his stories as strange or annoying, leaving him socially isolated. Despite this rejection, he continues to speak his mind and shares mystical visions with his friends.

Junior is a thoughtful, intelligent young man who grows up on the reservation and eventually leaves to attend Gonzaga University. He excels academically, graduating as high school valedictorian, though this success separates him from his peers. He avoids many of the self-destructive habits that trap his friends.

Norma is an independent, articulate woman who acts as a caretaker and mentor to younger tribal members. She is known for her clean lifestyle, her skill at cooking fry bread, and her previous role as a rodeo queen. People constantly seek her out for conversation and advice.

Born to Rosemary MourningDove and Frank Many Horses, James barely survives his early childhood. He suffers from developmental delays but eventually speaks with profound wisdom. As an adult, he relies on a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor to cope with a serious cancer diagnosis.

Victor's aunt is a talented seamstress who creates authentic buckskin outfits and beaded dresses. She carries deep resentment toward the medical establishment for a forced sterilization procedure following her son's birth. She seeks emotional refuge in traditional dancing.

Thomas's grandfather is a hard-working man who lives off the reservation. Like his grandson, he possesses a natural gift for storytelling. His structured, sober life falls apart rapidly when his boss abruptly fires him due to an economic recession.

Lynn is a white, Irish-American college student who captures Junior's attention. She speaks her mind confidently and demonstrates a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies regarding Indigenous peoples. She spends Christmas break with Junior on an empty campus.

Julius is a fifteen-year-old basketball prodigy considered the best player on the reservation. The community views him as a legendary hero, resting their collective hopes on his athletic success. He faces immense pressure to succeed.

A reservation resident famous for drinking leftover liquor from tavern tables. His vulnerability makes him the target of a harsh prank by Victor and Sadie, which attracts the attention of carnival security.

A young Indigenous boy who maintains a devoted vigil for his older brother, Joseph. He spends hours staring out the window of his house and rushing to the airport whenever he hears a plane.

One of Victor's close friends. He spends summer days sitting on Victor's porch, observing the broken traffic light and discussing the reservation's basketball players.

A friend of Victor who accompanies him to an off-reservation carnival. She participates in placing an unconscious Dirty Joe onto a roller coaster.

The mother of James Many Horses. She claims her son was immaculately conceived.

The father of James Many Horses. He races upstairs during a devastating house fire to drop his infant son out a window to safety.

A responsible woman on the reservation who steps in to lovingly look after the infant James when his guardian is unable to do so.

A legendary competitor on the reservation who wins multiple contests at the community barbecue. He later gives a ride to James Many Horses.

A spiritual leader on the reservation who possesses unexplained knowledge of the boys' private visions.

One of Victor's uncles. He engages in a vicious, bloody fight with his brother Arnold during a New Year's Eve party.

Another of Victor's uncles. He brawls with his brother Adolph outside the family home before eventually forgiving him.

Nezzy's son, whose birth was traumatic for his mother due to the hospital's subsequent actions. He mocks her panic over a mouse before attempting to apologize.