Ora is an elderly, wealthy widow living in the racially segregated town of Mayville. Accustomed to the privileges of her class, she begins to recognize local inequalities when she hires an unhoused Black man to tend her lawn. She forms a close bond with her housekeeper's family, leading her to make complex moral choices to shield them from a biased justice system.

Blanche is a dedicated mother to five children who works diligently to provide for her family. She deeply understands the rigid, unspoken racial boundaries of 1970s Mayville and tries to keep a low profile to keep her children safe. Over decades of working together, her relationship with Ora transitions from a strictly professional arrangement into a genuine friendship.

Known to the local children as the Pecan Man, Eddie is a quiet, unhoused African American man who camps in the overgrown woods outside of town. He survives by taking odd jobs and collecting fallen pecans. Despite facing severe prejudice from the white residents, he proves to be an observant and deeply compassionate person who cares for the vulnerable.

Skipper is the teenage son of Mayville's chief of police. Entitled and protected by his father's position, he uses his privilege to act with impunity. His violent attack on a young girl serves as the primary catalyst for the town's escalating conflicts.

Patrice is Blanche's oldest daughter. She helps care for her younger sisters and demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility. Aware of her family's economic hardships, she harbors ambitions for a stable future but initially doubts her ability to afford higher education until Ora intervenes.

Grace is Blanche's youngest daughter. She experiences a brutal assault early in the story that permanently alters her childhood. Sweet and endearing, she forms a quick attachment to Ora and extends a warm attitude toward Eddie when others shun him.

Marcus is Blanche's oldest child and only son. He is highly protective of his younger sisters. When he suspects his family is hiding the truth about what happened to Grace, his determination to confront her abuser places him in a highly volatile and dangerous situation.

Ralph is the white chief of police in Mayville. His authority in the segregated town means he wields significant power. Because he protects his own family, Black residents entirely distrust the local justice system.

Dovey is Ora's busybody neighbor. She embodies the casual racism of the white Mayville community. She confronts Ora about hiring a Black man to work in their neighborhood out of a prejudiced fear for property values.

Judge Odell is a local magistrate who has known Ora since they were children. Unlike many of the town's authorities, he attempts to exercise fairness and listens to Ora's appeals to lower bail for marginalized suspects.

ReNetta is one of Blanche's middle daughters. She is perceptive and practical, pointing out the absurdity of wealthy traditions like owning expensive silverware that is rarely used.

Danita is another of Blanche's daughters. She is a dedicated student who benefits from her mother's strong parenting, participating enthusiastically in the family's holiday gatherings.

Chip is a local cell guard who was once a student in Ora's Sunday school class. He represents the local law enforcement apparatus but is susceptible to Ora's influence due to his ingrained respect for his elders.

Clara Jean works in Judge Odell's office. Like Chip, she is a former Sunday school student of Ora's and helps facilitate the legal processes Ora addresses on behalf of her friends.

Walter is Ora's late husband. A formerly prominent businessman, his legacy provides Ora with the financial security and social standing she uses to assist Blanche's family.

Jeffrey is the court-appointed attorney assigned to defend Eddie. He attempts to build a case for his client but struggles against Eddie's own reluctance to fight the charges.

Cedric is a young man who pursues a relationship with the teenage Patrice. His presence worries both Blanche and Ora due to his age.

Tressa is Eddie's estranged daughter. She remains distant from her father's daily struggles in Mayville but represents his remaining ties to a life before his unhoused status.