Sal is a 13-year-old girl of Native American descent who moves from her beloved farm in Bybanks, Kentucky, to Euclid, Ohio. She harbors a deep connection to nature and profoundly misses her absent mother. She accompanies her grandparents on a road trip westward to trace her mother's path to Idaho.

Chanhassen, known as Sugar, is a vibrant woman who feels deeply connected to the natural world. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy compared to her husband's innate goodness. These internal conflicts eventually drive her to travel to Idaho alone to reconnect with her own identity.

Phoebe is a 13-year-old girl living in Euclid who becomes Sal's closest friend. She possesses an incredibly active imagination and a strong tendency to expect the worst in every situation. Her strict upbringing leaves her ill-prepared for unexpected disruptions in her family life.

Gramps is Sal's cheerful paternal grandfather from Bybanks. He frequently uses his unique vocabulary to express his joy for life. His enthusiasm sometimes leads him into minor trouble on the road, but his intentions remain consistently generous.

Gram is Sal's fun-loving paternal grandmother. She approaches life with a sense of wonder and refuses to let potential dangers ruin her enjoyment of new experiences. She specifically requests that Sal entertain them with a story to pass the time during their drive.

John is a practical man who struggles with his new life in Euclid. Following his wife's departure, he attempts to create a fresh start for himself and his daughter. He maintains a quiet patience despite his daughter's resistance to their new environment.

Mrs. Winterbottom acts as the dutiful homemaker for her family in Euclid. She silently bears the burden of her family's indifference toward her constant efforts to keep a tidy home. She harbors a quiet desperation that ultimately leads her to step away from her routine.

Margaret is an emergency room nurse with wild red hair and a raspy voice. She lives next door to the Winterbottoms and strikes Sal as highly suspicious. Her close friendship with John Hiddle causes friction with Sal.

Ben is a quiet 13-year-old staying with his cousins in Euclid. He frequently sketches in a notebook and takes an immediate interest in Sal. His quirky personality and gentle persistence help him break through Sal's defensive exterior.

Mike is a college-aged man who unexpectedly shows up in Euclid. His nervous demeanor and persistent inquiries about Mrs. Winterbottom frighten Phoebe. His sudden appearance coincides with a series of strange events in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Partridge is a cheerful, elderly blind woman who lives with her daughter. She possesses an uncanny ability to read people through touch and sound. She enjoys wearing eccentric clothing and maintains an upbeat attitude despite her lack of sight.

Mr. Winterbottom designs road maps for a living. He values punctuality and traditional respectability above all else. His strict adherence to routine leaves him entirely baffled when his household is thrown into disarray.

Mr. Birkway is an exceptionally enthusiastic English teacher at Sal's new school. He encourages his students to keep private journals and passionately defends the value of literature. His eagerness to share his students' writing occasionally causes unintended drama.

Prudence is Phoebe's 17-year-old sister. She is highly focused on her own social life and extracurricular activities. She expects her mother to handle all household duties without complaint.

Sergeant Bickle is an imposing police officer in Euclid. He patiently handles Phoebe's frantic reports about her missing mother. He maintains a professional distance while trying to reassure the anxious teenagers.

The Finneys are a large family living in Euclid. Their home is filled with noise and a relaxed attitude toward domestic chores. They provide a stark contrast to the stiff environment of the Winterbottom household.

The Sheriff is a local law enforcement officer in Idaho. He initially approaches Sal to reprimand her for exploring a dangerous area alone. He quickly softens his demeanor upon learning the personal nature of her visit.

Tom is a teenage boy who initially tries to intimidate Gram and Gramps by claiming they are on private property. His hostile attitude vanishes when a genuine medical emergency arises. He quickly proves to be helpful and responsible when it counts.

Gloria is a figure from Gram's past who possessed a wild personality. She provides a point of comparison for Sal when Gram attempts to explain Phoebe's high-strung behavior.

Mary Lou is a classmate of Sal and Phoebe. She lives in a loud house that baffles the strict Phoebe. She provides a welcoming space for her friends to gather and scheme.