Willa is the bookish, twelve-year-old daughter of Felix Romeyn. Deeply observant and curious, she identifies herself as a "sneak" who watches the adults in her life to uncover their secrets. She adores her aunt Jottie but is fiercely loyal to her father, viewing him through an idealized, romantic lens while trying to understand the complex adult world.

Jottie is the thirty-five-year-old aunt to Willa and Bird, serving as their primary caretaker and the stabilizing force of the Romeyn household. She harbors a deep sense of loyalty to her brother Felix, which keeps her tied to their small town. Outwardly cheerful and seeking social respectability, she internally mourns the tragic loss of her teenage sweetheart from years past.

Layla is a Washington socialite forced to work for the Federal Writers' Project after refusing an arranged marriage. Sent to chronicle the history of Macedonia, she initially disdains the small town and her assignment. As she conducts her research, she grows captivated by the local community and finds herself drawn into the complex dynamics of her host family.

Felix is the charismatic and roguish patriarch of the Romeyn family. Once the heir to a prominent local factory, he now engages in mysterious business ventures that he keeps hidden from his daughters. He uses his undeniable charm to deflect questions and bend situations to his advantage, though his actions frequently cause tension among the adults in his life.

Sol is a well-respected figure among the workers at the American Everlasting Hosiery factory and a childhood associate of the Romeyn family. He has carried a torch for Jottie since they were young, placing him directly at odds with Felix. His steady, reliable nature contrasts sharply with Felix's erratic behavior, making him a potential stabilizing figure in Jottie's life.

Emmett is Felix and Jottie's brother, working as a local high school teacher. Unlike his brother Felix, Emmett channels his rebellious energy into constructive avenues, actively encouraging the local factory workers to unionize. He serves as a compassionate and grounded voice within the often fractured Romeyn family.

Bird is Willa's younger sister, a regular presence in the bustling Romeyn household. While less overtly inquisitive than Willa, she absorbs the unconventional dynamics of her family. She enjoys the attention of her aunts and follows her older sister's lead in navigating the complex adult world around them.

Mae is one of Felix and Jottie's sisters, a twin to Minerva. Despite being married to her husband Waldon, she maintains an unconventional domestic arrangement by living at the Romeyn family home during the week. She views Layla's arrival with skepticism and a hint of jealousy over the boarder's elegant wardrobe.

Minerva is Mae's twin sister, sharing both her physical appearance and her unusual marital living arrangement. She spends her weekdays at the Romeyn house rather than with her husband, Henry. She contributes to the matriarchal energy of the home and openly critiques the presence of their new government-appointed boarder.

Vause is a deceased figure whose memory heavily influences the Romeyn family. Once Felix's best friend and Jottie's teenage sweetheart, he perished in a fire at the American Everlasting factory. The conflicting narratives surrounding his death—whether he was a thief and an arsonist or a tragic victim—form the central mystery of the town.

Miss Betts is the Macedonia town librarian. She approaches history with an academic and objective mindset, contrasting sharply with the town council's desire for sanitized propaganda. She becomes a valuable mentor to Layla, guiding her through the library's primary documents and subtly hinting at the darker chapters of local history.

Parker Davies is the Head Councilman of Macedonia. He represents the conservative, patriarchal establishment of the town, desiring a historical guide that strictly praises the "first families" and ignores any controversial or unsavory events. He views Layla's federal project as an opportunity for civic propaganda.

Tare Russell is a wealthy local resident whose grand estate has fallen into slight decline during the Depression. He uses a wheelchair and lives in a house rumored to be haunted by Civil War artifacts. He has harbored a long-standing infatuation with Felix Romeyn since their youth.

Shank is the manager of the American Everlasting Hosiery factory, having taken over leadership after the death of Felix's father. He is deeply unpopular with the workers due to his harsh labor practices, including firing employees without warning and forcing them to sign anti-union clauses.

Ben is Layla's uncle, described by her father as "possibly socialist." He uses his connections to secure Layla a position with the Federal Writers' Project in West Virginia. Though blunt in his correspondence, he genuinely believes the experience of working will benefit his sheltered niece.

Charles is Layla's former lover, a communist who criticizes her privileged upbringing. He breaks off their relationship just as she is sent to West Virginia, hoping the manual labor will cure her of her class prejudice, though he later attempts to reinsert himself into her life when he learns of her work.

Senator Beck is Layla's powerful and influential father. Furious that she refused to marry a man of his choosing, he forces her out of her comfortable Washington life and into the workforce as a punishment, expecting her to eventually yield to his authority.