Bruton is a blue-collar welder living in rural Louisiana. He operates out of a yard cluttered with discarded car parts, rusted engines, and old appliances. Ashamed of his daughters' difficult lives and his own perceived failures, he initially views childcare as an irritating chore. He harbors deep insecurities about his social standing in his small town, reacting sensitively to the judgment of his neighbors.

Mr. Fordlyson is an elderly deacon and prosperous business owner in Gumwood. He has a distinctive appearance, characterized by a limp, a straw fedora, and a face marked by numerous skin-cancer operations. He speaks with brutal honesty and views himself as an authority figure within the community. His severe demeanor initially antagonizes Bruton but eventually offers necessary, practical advice.

Tammynette is one of Bruton's young, spirited grandchildren. She possesses a loud voice that reminds Bruton of her mother, sparking his anxieties about her future. She is deeply immersed in popular culture, frequently referencing movies and celebrities, which makes it difficult for Bruton to capture her attention with traditional Bible stories.

Moonbean is another of Bruton's rambunctious grandchildren. She plays aggressively in her grandfather's cluttered yard, at one point striking him with an electric rod holder. She treats her environment as a playground, completely unaware of the physical hazards hidden among the rusted appliances and car parts.

Freddie is a toddler who lacks a structured routine at home. He stays up late watching comedy programs and repeats inappropriate language he hears on television. His innocent repetition of adult concepts helps his grandfather realize the children need a stronger moral foundation.

Nu-Nu is Bruton's infant grandson. He is described as a baby with a large head and a bubbling tongue. Because he is too young to speak or play like his cousins, he spends much of his time being carried, representing the pure vulnerability of the family's youngest generation.

Glendine is Bruton's oldest daughter. She works flipping burgers to support herself and her baby. She smells of stale smoke and exhibits a frantic, unstable lifestyle that constantly worries her father, acting overwhelmed by her responsibilities as she speeds away in her car.

LaNelle is Bruton's wife. She manages the majority of the household cooking and cleaning but frequently escapes to the local casino. Because she spent her younger years consumed by domestic labor, she never found the time to teach her daughters about religion, remaining largely apathetic to her husband's sudden attempts at self-improvement.

The younger Mr. Fordlyson is the nephew of the local deacon. He acts as a sycophant to his uncle, joining him in openly mocking Bruton's vehicle and the born-out-of-wedlock status of Bruton's grandchildren. He represents the judgmental gossip mill present in the small town of Gumwood.