Originally from Northern China, Lalu (renamed Polly in America) is a strong-willed, hardworking woman. Her life is shaped by her desire for independence and agency in deeply patriarchal societies. After her father sells her into enslavement, she survives horrific conditions and is smuggled to Idaho. She possesses valuable farming skills from her childhood and a deep maternal instinct, though she fiercely resists the traditional roles of wife and mother if they threaten her autonomy.

Charlie is a white saloon owner in the mining town of Warrens, Idaho. He is brave, loyal, and deeply protective of Polly, frequently stepping in when Jim cannot cross racial boundaries to help her. Unlike other men in Polly's life, Charlie respects her fierce independence, seeking ways to support her without entrapping her.

Nathoy is Polly's father, a farmer in Northern China who initially cherishes his daughter, calling her his thousand pieces of gold. However, his foolish gamble on a winter harvest plunges the family into destitution. He is a complex figure whose genuine affection for Polly is ultimately overshadowed by his willingness to sell her to secure his own survival.

Jim is a Chinese packer who formerly survived enslavement himself. Hired to transport Polly to Warrens, he becomes her closest confidant and first love in the United States. He is deeply protective of her but realistically understands the limitations placed on him by systemic racism on the frontier.

Chen is a former farm laborer who turns into a brutal bandit leader after being fired by Nathoy. His termination caused his family to starve, which fuels his deep desire for revenge. He uses his newfound power to inflict suffering on Nathoy's family as payback for his own losses.

Hong King is a Chinese saloon owner and enslaver in Warrens. He is an aging, predatory man who buys Polly to attract more customers to his business. Driven by greed and a severe gambling habit, he treats Polly as a profitable asset and subjects her to horrific abuse.

Bertha is Polly's best friend in Warrens. She serves as a crucial emotional support system for Polly, often reminding her of her inner strength and agency when times get tough. Bertha acts as a member of Polly's chosen family in the United States.

Ding is a bandit in Chen's group who takes an interest in Lalu's wellbeing. He ensures she gets food and tries to convince her to accept her allotted fate, though she vehemently resists his fatalistic outlook.

Li Ma is a foul-mouthed handler responsible for smuggling Lalu through customs in San Francisco. She forces Lalu to participate in the deception and ultimately abandons her at an underground auction house.

Charles Shepp is one of Polly and Charlie's neighbors near their Salmon Creek ranch. He frequently assists the couple with practical matters, including proposing a telephone line and offering physical labor during emergencies.

Pete Klinkhammer is a neighbor to Polly and Charlie at Salmon Creek. He is a reliable friend who runs errands to town for the couple and supports Polly's independent endeavors on her property.

Johnny is a disgruntled patron at Charlie's saloon in Warrens. After losing money and being cut off from further gambling due to his inebriation, he retaliates violently against the owner.

Gay is a young schoolgirl whose parents are away working during the school year. Unhappy with her initial boarding situation, she eventually moves into Polly's cabin, bringing youth and joy to the household.

Li Dick is a Chinese healer living in Warrens. He is acutely aware of the shifting, discriminatory political landscape and urges Polly to find legal protection from deportation.

A Cai is Lalu's brother in Northern China. He works hard on the family farm and relies on his father's decisions for survival, enduring the same poverty and struggles as the rest of the village following the failed winter harvest.

A Fa is Lalu's younger brother. He is present during the family's severe financial hardships in Northern China and relays important family news to his sister when she gains enough respect to eat alongside their father.

Johnny is a young schoolboy who boards in Warrens while his parents work elsewhere. He is unhappy with his initial boarding situation and brings a youthful presence to the town.