Demetrio is a poor farmer living in the Mexican sierra. Forced out of his home after a conflict with a local boss, he takes up arms against government forces. He lacks formal education but possesses natural charisma that draws other displaced men to his side, transforming him into a revolutionary leader.

Luis is a young medical student and journalist with a middle-class background. After suffering mistreatment in the federal army, he deserts and seeks out the rebels. He provides medical care and brings an educated, idealistic political vocabulary to the unlettered fighters.

Camilla is a teenage girl who helps care for Demetrio while he recovers from a bullet wound. Living in a small rural settlement, she is unaccustomed to the harsh realities of the traveling rebel army. She develops a crush on the medical student Luis Cervantes.

Victoriano Huerta is the president of Mexico and the primary target of the revolutionary forces. Though he operates far from the skirmishes in the sierra, his federal troops execute his will on the ground.

La Pintada is a tough woman who travels with the revolutionary forces. She uses the chaotic environment of the war to indulge in violence and robbery. Unpredictable and volatile, she aggressively guards her position among the men and views other women in the camp as rivals.

Anastasio is one of Demetrio's trusted lieutenants. Having joined the revolutionary cause after getting into trouble of his own, he fights fiercely alongside his leader. He serves as a core member of the original band of rebels.

Güero Margarito is a cruel man who joins Demetrio's rebel forces. He thrives in the lawlessness of the revolution. He uses the war as an excuse to indulge his sadistic impulses without facing consequences.

Demetrio's wife lives a quiet, agrarian life until the conflict forces her husband to flee. She is left behind with their infant child after federal troops burn their home. She represents the peaceful domestic existence that the war shatters.

Demetrio's young child remains at home with Demetrio's wife when the farmer flees into the mountains. The infant represents the innocent family life Demetrio sacrifices for the rebellion.

Palomo is Demetrio's dog. His presence at the homestead establishes the rural calm the family enjoys before the federal troops arrive to harass them and drive Demetrio into the mountains.

Pancracio is an aggressive, quick-to-violence member of Demetrio's rebel band. He joined the group after getting into trouble with the law. He relies on force to solve problems in the camp.

Codorniz is one of Demetrio's earliest followers in the sierra. He demonstrates the rebels' cunning when he poses as a priest to hear Luis's confession, acting as a spy to determine if the newcomer is an assassin.

Venancio is a revolutionary in Demetrio's camp who harbors ambitions beyond the war. He strikes up a rapport with Luis Cervantes, hoping the educated young man can eventually help him achieve his dream of becoming a medical doctor.

Don Mónico is a powerful figure in Demetrio's hometown. After Demetrio disrespects him in a saloon, Don Mónico uses his influence to send the federal government forces against the poor farmer.

General Natera is a higher-ranking revolutionary leader. He commands larger movements of troops and understands the shifting, complex political alliances of the war.

Solís is an officer under General Natera who previously knew Luis Cervantes from the journalist's days of writing pro-government articles. Solís is an intelligent observer of the war who is deeply disillusioned by the violence.

Pancho Villa is a famous revolutionary general who serves as a glamorous symbol for Demetrio's men. The rebels idolize him, telling exaggerated stories about his wealth, unstoppable forces, and beautiful uniforms.

María Antonia is an old woman living in Camilla's rural community. She observes Camilla's growing infatuation with Luis Cervantes and encourages the young girl to use folk remedies to secure his affection.

Agapita is a superstitious woman in Camilla's village. When Camilla falls into a deep depression, Agapita physically abuses the girl, accusing her of being possessed by evil spirits.

Valderrama is an erratic soldier who joins Demetrio's ranks. He views the war as a beautiful, erupting volcano, caring little for the actual political objectives as long as he can fight.