Laurel is a slender, quiet woman in her mid-forties who travels from Chicago to New Orleans to assist her father during his eye surgery. Widowed when her husband was killed in World War II, she currently works as an artist and designer. She observes the tension in her family with polite Southern restraint, choosing silence over confrontation when dealing with her new stepmother. She relies on a close group of childhood friends from Mount Salus for emotional grounding.

A 71-year-old retired judge and former mayor of Mount Salus, Mississippi, who travels to New Orleans to treat a scratched eye. Highly respected by his community, he prefers to view the world through a lens of unshakeable optimism, often avoiding conflict and unpleasant realities. He recently married a much younger woman from Texas following the prolonged illness and death of his first wife. His desire to maintain peace often prevents him from acknowledging the true motives of those around him.

The Judge's small, pale second wife who met him while working as a typist at a Southern Bar Association conference. Originally from Texas, she is highly demanding and resents any inconvenience, complaining openly about her husband's hospitalization ruining her social plans. She fundamentally clashes with the refined manners of her husband's aristocratic social circle. Her self-centered reactions continually alienate her stepdaughter and the townspeople of Mount Salus.

Laurel's deceased mother and the Judge's first wife. Originally from West Virginia, she was a passionate and articulate woman who ultimately suffered through a long, grueling illness that claimed her eyesight and her life. Her strong spirit and eventual physical decline cast a long shadow over the surviving family members. She maintained a deep, lifelong connection to her childhood home in the mountains.

A wealthy, prominent citizen of Mount Salus and a devoted friend to Judge McKelva. He frequently drinks heavily and enjoys holding court to tell exaggerated stories about his friends' past bravery. He often steps in to manage social situations, though his meddling sometimes creates more chaos than order in the community.

The dedicated Black maid who has worked for the McKelva family since Laurel was a young child. She maintains a calm, level-headed presence in the large household, quietly observing the tensions between Laurel and Fay. She faithfully carries out her duties while offering subtle emotional support to Laurel.

An old family friend from Mount Salus who now works as a successful ophthalmologist in New Orleans. He feels a deep debt of gratitude toward Judge McKelva, who helped finance his medical education when he was young. He approaches the Judge's eye surgery with both professional concern and deep personal affection.

A schoolteacher in Mount Salus and sister to the New Orleans eye doctor. She remains a loyal, steadfast friend to Laurel, offering quiet emotional support and a grounded perspective on the behavior of the local townspeople.

Laurel's late husband, a talented architect with a gift for working with his hands. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was killed in action. His memory represents a brief but complete period of happiness in Laurel's life.

The wife of Major Bullock and mother to Laurel's childhood best friend, Tish. She is a stalwart member of the Mount Salus community who fiercely protects her friends and adheres strictly to the town's traditional social codes.

Laurel's best friend from childhood, who still lives in their shared hometown of Mount Salus. Divorced and highly observant, she acts as a central figure for the group of old friends who rally around the McKelva family.

A large, loud, and boisterous family from Texas tied directly to Fay. Exhibiting a direct and unrefined manner, they stand in complete opposition to the polite, aristocratic social conventions maintained by the citizens of Mount Salus.

Fay's mother and the undisputed matriarch of the large Texas family. She takes open pride in her daughter marrying into wealth and does not hesitate to speak her mind, regardless of the polite social conventions around her.

An elderly, blind, and nearly deaf patient from Mississippi who shares a hospital room with Judge McKelva. Suffering from a severe illness, he frequently babbles and delusionally mistakes the Judge for his own son, Archie Lee.

Mr. Dalzell's grown son, who gathers with a large group of relatives at the New Orleans hospital. He is called upon to sit with his ailing father in the crowded, noisy medical environment.

A young boy in Fay's Texas family who seems confused by formal social gatherings. He wanders around adult environments with items like a toy gun and a lollipop, highlighting the family's casual approach to serious events.

Fay's favorite brother back in Texas, who reportedly shares her temperament. He resents not being invited to her sudden civil wedding and sulks over the perceived slight.

The local undertaker in Mount Salus who manages professional services for prominent families in the community. He attempts to navigate the conflicting desires of the McKelva family members while performing his duties.

A brash, unskilled handyman who regularly performs minor seasonal repairs at the McKelva home. He is ill-mannered and intrusive, asking Laurel inappropriate personal questions while bungling simple tasks.