A young woman of Ojibwe descent sorting through her complicated familial history and personal identity in North Dakota. She frequently acts as the audience's window into the town's communal memory, listening to her grandfather's long tales. Intelligent and deeply conflicted, she dreams of moving to Paris while struggling to understand her sexual identity and place within her community.

Evelina's grandfather, affectionately called Mooshum, who serves as the patriarch of the family and a keeper of communal memory. A mischievous storyteller with a missing piece of his ear, he lived through many of the region's formative historical traumas. He enjoys flouting religious authority and sharing winding, often conflicting tales of his youth.

Seraph's younger brother, characterized by his dignified elegance and meticulous grooming. Despite having a disfigured, folded-up arm from childhood neglect, he is an incredibly emotive and talented fiddle player. He treats his cherished violin with deep spiritual reverence, using music as a method of healing and resistance.

A legal professional trained in both tribal and state law, functioning as a bridge between the reservation and the surrounding towns. He possesses a deep understanding of the region's shared history and approaches conflicts with a community-focused mindset. He views his role as observing, judging, and healing the generational wounds of his people.

A pale, magically inclined young woman from a farming family who possesses the ability to vividly visualize specific moments in people's lives. She becomes entangled with a charismatic religious leader, moving to his compound. As she matures, her priorities shift from embracing her uniqueness to fiercely protecting her children and seeking a normal life.

An aging physician and the president of the Pluto historical society. She carries the heavy burden of a tragic family history and struggles with deep-seated prejudices that alienate her from the Native American community. Despite her professional success, she leads a largely lonely life, haunted by the ghosts of her ancestors.

Marn's great-uncle, a taciturn and cranky man who struggles with severe paranoia and disorderly rages. He frequently goes missing for days and spends time in a mental institution. Despite his frightening, unpredictable demeanor, he has an unusual affinity for animals and remains a ubiquitous, unsettling presence on the periphery of the town's social circles.

A charismatic, manipulative cult leader who preaches an idiosyncratic version of Christianity mixed with anti-capitalist rhetoric. He uses his magnetic personality to exploit vulnerable people, steadily growing his influence while exerting oppressive control over his followers and family.

A charismatic but troubled youth bearing the heavy legacy of the Peace family name. He struggles with substance abuse and petty crime, drifting through his early life. His path eventually crosses with Shamengwa's, opening the door for him to channel his turbulent energy into music.

Evelina's mother and Seraph's daughter, a practical and grounded woman who tries to maintain order in her chaotic, history-steeped household. She is fiercely protective of her family but frequently exasperated by her father's antics.

Clemence's sister and Evelina's aunt, a self-possessed and somewhat aloof woman. She actively supports Shamengwa by driving him to fiddle contests and draws the attention of Antone Coutts through her striking presence and independence.

A wealthy man whose affluent lifestyle is entirely dependent on his father-in-law's bank. Dissatisfied with his marriage, he becomes entangled in a dangerous extortion plot to support his secret relationship, trapping himself in a cycle of bad decisions.

Evelina's paternal aunt and the daughter of a prominent local banker. She is wealthy, somewhat ignorant of the region's racial tensions, and fiercely protective of her social standing in the dying town of Pluto.

A nun and teacher at Evelina's school who possesses beautiful hands and a talent for softball. She bears the emotional scars of being teased for her appearance and shares a tense, complex bond with Evelina.

Evelina's brother, who balances a love for science and studying salamanders with a desire to prove his masculinity through horseback riding and reckless behavior.

An agreeable but easily flustered priest who frequently falls victim to Seraph and Shamengwa's theological pranks. He struggles to manage his parishioners and his own fondness for alcohol.

A deeply spiritual, innocent youth who learns basket weaving and seeks sanctuary in the church during a time of extreme racial violence.

Seraph's great-uncle, an elder who attempts to guide Holy Track and protect him from the chaotic influences of the surrounding towns.

Antone's grandfather, a man who survives a harrowing, ill-fated winter expedition across the plains. His experiences with starvation and loss lead him to pursue a career in law.

The leader of the winter expedition that Joseph Coutts joins. He relies heavily on laudanum to survive the brutal elements and eventually perishes during the harsh trek.

A devout Catholic and skilled hunter who shares a cherished fiddle with his brother. He uses music to lift the spirits of starving men during a blizzard.

A rugged guide who hunts buffalo and plays the hand drum to survive the bleak winter conditions alongside his brother.

A belligerent and masculine-presenting patient at the state hospital who bonds with Evelina over shared trauma and a brief, intense romantic connection.

A diabetic member of Billy Peace's congregation who acts as his enforcer and fiercely defends the cult's finances.

Billy Peace's radiant sister who becomes deeply disillusioned and heartbroken by the chaotic consequences of her brother's and lover's actions.

Seraph's wife and Evelina's grandmother. She runs away with Seraph at a young age, surviving by hunting and stealing before building a life and family on the reservation.

Evelina's uncle who steps in to defend her from an angry boss at the 4-B's diner. He is protective of his family and openly admires Marn's fierce independence.