A bored, unsuccessful artist and local socialite who leaves her husband and two daughters to live with Harry.

The unnamed protagonist of “Old Man,” imprisoned at Parchman and assigned to rescue people during the Mississippi River flood.

Charlotte’s sophisticated husband, whose Catholic beliefs prevent him from divorcing her when she decides to elope with Harry.

A provincial, middle-aged physician who owns the neighboring beachside cabins and attends Charlotte at the story’s opening.

The doctor’s conventional but compassionate wife, who lives with him in the cabin adjoining the one rented by Harry and Charlotte.

The operator of a failing Utah mine who gives Harry work attending to the miners’ medical needs.

Buck’s wife, whose inability with Buck to afford raising a child leads Buck to seek Harry’s medical help.