The patriarch of the Alamar family and an aristocratic Spano-American landowner. He struggles to retain his property as settlers increasingly occupy his estate while his Mexican land grant lingers in the United States courts. Rather than hating the individual settlers, he blames unjust lawmakers. He proactively offers to help the squatters transition to cattle ranching to preserve his dwindling herds.

The titular squatter who moves his large family from Northern California to San Diego. Though he prides himself on following the strict letter of the law and intends to eventually pay for the land, his stubborn pride places him in direct conflict with the Alamars. He initially dislikes his fellow settlers but gradually accepts their praise and assumes a leadership role among them.

William Darrell's eldest son, who quietly accumulates massive wealth through stock investments. He completely rejects his father's occupation of the Alamar estate and covertly pays Don Mariano for the land his father stakes a claim on. He acts as the moral center of his family and serves as a bridge between the Anglo-American settlers and the Spano-American elite.

The youngest daughter of the Alamar family. Her striking blonde curls and blue eyes draw immediate attention from East Coast travelers. Her emerging romance with Clarence Darrell faces significant hurdles, driven largely by her strict obedience to her mother's orders prohibiting the match.

A coarse and corrupt lawyer seeking to establish a political foothold in San Diego. He eagerly exploits the chaotic land laws, aligning himself with the most aggressive squatters to advance his own financial ambitions at the expense of established families.

A crude and highly vocal squatter currently occupying part of the Alamar rancho. He openly disrespects the Spano-Americans and continually stirs up trouble, actively recruiting other settlers to his disruptive and legally dubious causes.

A violent, volatile squatter occupying the Alamar lands. Prone to erratic behavior and heavy drinking, he holds a fierce grudge against anyone who attempts to fence the land or support the Alamars.

William Darrell's wife and the moral anchor of her family. A former teacher and devout Catholic, she views occupying land without payment as akin to theft. She bypasses her husband's patriarchal authority by directing her son to secretly pay the legal owners for their homestead.

Don Mariano's wife and the proud matriarch of the Alamar family. Fiercely protective of her family's social standing, she harbors deep resentment toward the Anglo-American settlers ruining their estate. Ignorant of Clarence's secret payment, she forcefully opposes any romantic connection between him and her daughter.

Don Mariano's eldest son. A dignified Spano-American gentleman who assists his father in managing the vast but dwindling Alamar rancho. He bears the ongoing indignities of the squatters with measured restraint, attempting to hold his family together as their fortunes decline.

Mariano's younger son, who spends his days actively managing the family's cattle herds. He quickly forms a bond with Clarence Darrell despite the ongoing tensions between their fathers, and harbors growing romantic feelings for Clarence's sister.

Mercedes's older sister, who marries into the wealthy Mechlin family early in the narrative. She frequently travels back and forth to the East Coast, acting as a crucial bridge between California society and the eastern establishment.

The son of the Alamars' wealthy neighbor. He is a well-connected Easterner who utilizes his family's political ties in Washington, DC, to combat the corrupt bureaucracy delaying Don Mariano's land grant confirmation.

George's father, an Eastern transplant who moved his family to San Diego for his health. Unlike the squatters, he deeply respects Don Mariano's ownership, legally purchases his land, and fences his property at his own expense to protect the Alamar cattle.

James's wife and mother to George and Lizzie. She warmly sponsors the Alamar daughters in New York society, leveraging her connections to ensure their social success.

James Mechlin's daughter. She integrates completely into the Alamar family through her marriage, embracing their culture while grappling with the social fallout of their declining wealth.

William and Mary's daughter. Like her mother and brothers, she strongly disapproves of her father's aggressive land claims and hopes for a peaceful, honorable resolution with the Alamars.

One of William's younger sons. He aligns strongly with Clarence and his mother in opposing their father's unyielding stance on claiming the Alamar land for free, acting as an extra set of eyes and ears for Clarence.

Another of William's sons, who finds himself caught up in the volatile squatter disputes. He takes his cues from his older siblings rather than obeying his father during moments of crisis.

One of the Alamar daughters. She remains primarily within the domestic sphere, offering commentary and concern regarding her sister's controversial romance with an Anglo-American squatter.

Another daughter in the Alamar family. She aligns closely with her mother's views on class and propriety, sharing the family's overall anxiety regarding the encroaching settlers.

A younger squatter who differs significantly from the older, more radical settlers. He frequently acts as a dissenting voice, advocating for reason and acknowledging the profound generosity of Don Mariano's proposals.

The former governor of California and a powerful railroad magnate. He represents the overarching corruption of the monopolists, callously dismissing the economic future of Southern California to maximize his own immense profits.

George Mechlin's wealthy New York friend. He becomes deeply enamored with Mercedes Alamar during her travels, creating an ongoing obstacle for Clarence as he persistently attempts to woo her.

A millionaire heir from New York who travels with Gunther's party. He aggressively attempts to court Mercedes Alamar across the country, refusing to accept that her affections lie solely with Clarence.