Perry’s identical twin, characterized by her politeness and academic ambition. She struggles with anxiety and is heavily focused on her internship with the Tribal Council, contrasting with her sister’s approach to life.

Perry’s love interest who is new to Anishinaabe culture. He is open-minded and willing to learn from Perry’s corrections, and his skills as a hacker play a crucial role in the story.

A close friend of Perry’s and a mother, who is practical and resourceful. She shares insights into co-parenting challenges and is instrumental in a high-stakes situation.

The childhood friend of the Firekeeper-Birch twins and Pauline’s love interest. He is known for his charm and loyalty and is motivated by the loss of his sister to advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous people.

A traditional healer for the Sugar Island Ojibwe Tribe who is reserved and only speaks Ojibwemowin. He supports Perry’s cause and participates as a key ally.

Perry’s mentor who runs the tribe’s cultural museum and has a methodical approach to repatriation. He urges Perry to approach cultural reclamation with patience and care.

Perry’s secondary mentor who initially seems supportive of her passions. He contrasts Cooper with his encouragement of independent study but has hidden motives.

The protagonist of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Perry and Pauline’s cousin. She serves as an important mentor to Perry and is deeply committed to fighting against the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.

An anthropologist at Mackinac State College who initially sees Indigenous peoples through an objectifying lens. Over time, she begins to reconsider her views and offers support for new voices.

An anthropologist known for his intense interest in Ojibwe culture, displaying knowledge of the land. His real interest and identity are more complex and evolve throughout the story.

A prominent figure in the novel, he owns a store filled with culturally insensitive items and becomes an antagonistic force through his actions against Indigenous heritage.

A figure from the community’s past known for causing harm to Indigenous women. Though his presence is minimal, the impact of his actions is deeply felt throughout the story.