Nicolás is a nine-year-old boy living with his grandfather in the mountains of El Retorno. He is pure-hearted, resilient, and deeply connected to his Catholic faith, especially La Virgen Milagrosa. As his world is torn apart by civil war, he must survive between the dangerous forces of both the guerrilleros and the national army. He relies heavily on spiritual guidance to maintain his hope.

Tino, affectionately known as Tata, is an old and weathered man accustomed to living a hard, simple life. He finds peace in the mountains with his grandson, taking comfort in small daily routines like speaking internally to the fish he catches. Patient and gentle, he represents the common El Salvadoran who simply wishes to be left alone but finds himself trapped by warring factions.

Dolores is the tough, pragmatic captain of a squad of FPL guerrilleros. She wears combat boots and carries a rifle, strongly believing that a revolution is necessary to end poverty and historical exploitation. Despite her ideals, she routinely coerces common people into housing her unit and supporting her military goals.

The Captain is the cold, authoritative leader of the national army group stationed in Tejutla. He wields vast resources and deadly force against any perceived subversives. He attempts to strip Nicolás of his past by forcing him into the military lifestyle under the guise of offering a better future.

Letty is Tino's daughter and the devoted mother of Nicolás, who works as a nanny for a wealthy family in the city. She is a highly religious woman who instills a profound Catholic faith in her son. She considers La Virgen Milagrosa to be a second mother to Nicolás, leaving him with a lasting spiritual connection.

Señor Alvarado is a wealthy anesthesiologist who aids the popular liberation forces with medical supplies from the sidelines. He operates from a comfortable home, offering food, shelter, and medical care to those affected by the war. He displays a calm, kind demeanor and acts as a caretaker for the common people without directly engaging in violence.

Doctor Eddy is a blonde-haired physician of Mexican descent who speaks fluent Spanish. He volunteers his medical skills to train FPL members as field medics and treats the sick commoners in the villages. He provides a model of nonviolent, helpful masculinity for Nicolás.

Gerardo is a young soldier in the FPL who left his village home to fight for the revolution. He maintains a kind demeanor and treats Nicolás well during their travels. His participation in the war leaves his mother unprotected and his family divided by opposing military loyalties.

Elias is a strong, unflappable FPL guerrilla fighter and close friend to Gerardo. He is dedicated to the rebel cause and remains fiercely loyal to his comrades. He finds moments of humanity and connection despite the brutal realities of the civil conflict.

Carmen serves as the camp cook for Dolores's FPL unit. She provides a comforting, maternal presence for the troops and shows genuine care for Nicolás. She works tirelessly to feed her comrades with the bare essentials they carry through the mountains.

Ofelia is the cook at the national army garrison. She prepares refined, extravagant food for the soldiers but maintains a cold, suspicious attitude toward outsiders. She contrasts sharply with the maternal warmth found in other adult women in Nicolás's life.

Vidal is a young army soldier, nicknamed "el Chucho" because his face resembles a bulldog. Despite his allegiance to the ruthless military machine, he treats Nicolás with friendly decency. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing for the garrison after dinner.

Basilio is an employee of the wealthy Salah family and a loyal friend to Letty Veras. He carves wooden figures, such as lions and lambs, which carry deep symbolic meaning for Nicolás. He actively works to locate and protect Nicolás and Tino Veras during the chaos of the military sweeps.

La Virgen Milagrosa is the Blessed Virgin Mary, represented by a small statue that Nicolás rescues from a bombed church. She speaks to him in dreams and visions, offering miraculous protection, comfort, and guidance. She serves as a literal and figurative second mother to Nicolás through the darkest moments of the war.

La Niña Tencha is Gerardo's mother, who lives alone in an adobe village. She is heartbroken by the civil war that has divided her children between the army and the guerrillas. She is deeply cynical about the conflict that leaves her vulnerable and unprotected in her old age.

Chabela works as the laundress at the military garrison. Quiet and compassionate, she provides Nicolás with clean clothes belonging to her own young son. She offers the boy a rare moment of maternal comfort and kindness during his captivity.

La Niña Rocio is the owner of a small corner store located next to the army garrison. She unwittingly assists Nicolás by asking for his help with a task in her shop. Her store features a vase of blood-red roses, which holds symbolic importance for the young boy.

Ursula is a local tortilla maker from the village of El Retorno. She is a resilient community member who keeps Tino Veras company during his painful wait for news of his grandson. She later joins the mass exodus of civilians fleeing the region to avoid military sweeps.