Leon is a Laguna Pueblo man and a firm believer in his community's traditional customs. He speaks rarely but approaches situations with a calm, steady demeanor. When his grandfather passes away, Leon immediately begins the necessary rites to ensure his peaceful transition into the afterlife. He addresses the tension between his heritage and the expectations of the local Catholic priest with quiet resolve.

Teofilo is the beloved patriarch of his family who watches over their sheep camp. Even in death, he represents the intersection of modern life and traditional Indigeneity, dressed in faded Levi jeans alongside the ceremonial moccasins he recently crafted. His family treats him with deep reverence, trusting that he will continue to provide for them by sending rain clouds from the afterlife.

Father Paul is the local Christian priest who ministers to the town. He holds firm beliefs about his Catholic faith and expects the community to adhere to church practices, such as Sunday mass and formal last rites. He cares for the residents as his parishioners but lacks an understanding of the Pueblo traditions they prioritize, causing friction between him and the community.

Louise is Leon's wife and a practical woman devoted to her family. She takes on the responsibility of cleaning and dressing Teofilo for his burial, handling his ceremonial garments with care. She suggests incorporating holy water into the Pueblo rites to ensure Teofilo has enough to drink in the afterlife, bridging the two cultures in a practical manner.

Ken is Teresa's husband and Leon's brother-in-law. He assists Leon closely with the initial burial rites at the sheep camp and brings a significant red blanket to wrap the patriarch. Eager to adhere strictly to tradition, Ken takes charge of contacting the gravediggers to ensure the burial happens before dark.

Teresa is Ken's wife and a member of Leon's extended family. She works closely with Louise to wash and dress Teofilo in his new clothes and ceremonial moccasins. Her actions help prepare the patriarch for his journey to the afterlife.