Noel is an observant, introspective 17-year-old boy living with his grandparents in the rural village of Faha. Harboring guilt over leaving his religious studies and grieving his mother's declining health, he constantly carries his fiddle as a source of comfort and connection to Irish tradition. He takes a job assisting the rural electrification effort, physically bridging the gap between Faha's old customs and its incoming modern era.

Christy is an older, charismatic electrician tasked with bringing power to the rural parish of Faha. He boards with Noe's grandparents and quickly takes the teenager under his wing. Deeply rooted in Irish traditions yet acting as the agent of modernization, he harbors a heavy regret from his past that he is determined to amend during his time in the village.

Doady is Noe's practical and direct grandmother who manages the household with a firm hand. She holds a strong belief in saints, natural remedies, and the long-standing traditions of Faha. As the village approaches electrification, she displays a surprising openness to certain modern conveniences while remaining a stabilizing presence for her family.

Ganga is Noe's easygoing, humorous grandfather who embraces the old ways of Faha. Frequently taking slow bicycle rides, he embodies the rural storytelling culture of the area and views the encroaching electrical grid with skepticism. He values simplicity, hospitality, and a well-told story above modern convenience.

Annie is the local chemist's wife who stepped into the role of pharmacist for the village despite lacking formal qualifications. She is a quiet, steady presence in Faha with a painful history, having been abandoned at the altar years prior. She maintains a guarded exterior when her past unexpectedly arrives in town.

Sophie is the eldest of Dr. Troy's three daughters, known for her saintly and serene demeanor. Living in the prominent Avalon House, she represents an unattainable ideal of love for young Noe. Her maturity and kindness inspire Noe's desire to become a better version of himself.

Charlotte, known universally as Charlie, is the wild, unpredictable, and fiercely beautiful middle daughter of the Troy family. She uses her charm to escape chores and quickly draws Noe into her orbit with her flirtatious and magnetic personality. She confidently manipulates social situations to her advantage.

Ronnie is the most practical, responsible, and wise of the three Troy sisters. While she lacks the wildness of Charlie or the serene distance of Sophie, her gentle and nurturing demeanor offers Noe a grounded perspective. She quietly handles the duties that her sisters avoid.

A prominent local physician who resides in Avalon House with his three daughters. Protective of his family and weary from his responsibilities, he views Noe's constant presence around his home with visible disapproval. He harbors private guilt over a long-standing deception regarding Charlie's birth.

A local chemist who proposed to Annie while she was working as a chambermaid in Killarney. Despite her initial rejection following her traumatic past, his persistence eventually led to their marriage in a small church.

The passionate and serious parish priest of St. Cecelia's church. He wields significant influence in the community, bridging spiritual guidance with practical matters, such as organizing the town's modernization efforts.

An Area Organiser for the Electricity Supply Board tasked with managing Faha's transition to modern power. He represents the bureaucratic and sometimes intrusive presence of the State in the rural community.

A legendary local fiddle player known for his remarkable memory of music. He represents the rich, enduring musical traditions of County Clare and acts as an encyclopedia of tunes, dances, and airs.

A fixture in the local theater group who insists on playing comedic roles with tragic solemnity. His earnest approach to acting mirrors his deeply serious view of his own life, providing unintended entertainment for the locals.

Mick Madigan's steadfastly supportive wife. She assists him with his theatrical endeavors and attends every performance to reinforce his unique dramatic abilities.

The leading man and director of the Faha Players theater group. He struggles constantly to coax a lighter, comedic performance out of his stubbornly serious actors.

A brusque electrician from Tarbert who assesses Faha's old-world architecture with an air of superiority. He openly critiques the structural integrity of the local homes with little regard for the occupants' feelings.

A charming American suitor, and a banker's son from Limerick, who is actively courting Charlie Troy. He adds an element of worldly competition to Noe's local infatuation.

A formidable, intimidating figure from Noe's time at the seminary school. She tracks him down in Faha, expecting him to return to his religious studies and forcing him to confront the guilt of his past decisions.

A priest at Noe's former seminary who attempts to convince the young man to view his departure as a temporary leave of absence rather than a permanent resignation.