Little Ash is a demon who chooses to present as a young boy and lacks fully recognized demonic magic or wings. Despite his demonic nature, which makes him inherently selfish and drawn to mischief, he honors a unique bond with his angelic friend. He initiates the journey to America out of a desire to see the world, manipulating circumstances to secure a traveling companion.

Initially a nameless angel driven entirely by the divine compulsion to perform good deeds (mitzvahs). The angel accompanies Little Ash to America after being convinced that a village girl needs their help. Upon taking the human name Uriel during the voyage, the angel begins to experience physical vulnerability, the need for sleep, and the ability to hold multiple thoughts at once.

Rose is an adolescent girl determined to immigrate to New York and earn enough money to support her family and prevent her brother from being conscripted. She experiences intense heartbreak when her best friend chooses marriage over migrating with her. On her journey, she falls in with magical traveling companions and processes her complex, unrecognized romantic feelings.

A young woman from Shtetl who immigrated to America and finds work as an accountant for a corrupt factory owner. Growing up, she resented the gender restrictions placed on her religious studies, a frustration she channels into reading revolutionary literature in New York. She aids local factory strikers by supplying them with insider information.

The deceased rabbi of Belz and Dinah's grandfather, whose soul risks becoming trapped on earth. He requests to be carried to America as a benevolent possession so his daughter can say the proper mourning prayers for him. As a holy man, he deeply distrusts Little Ash and holds rigid views on morality.

A seemingly pious man in Warsaw who operates as a ruthless con artist. He preys on desperate emigrants by coordinating their passage to America while trapping them in ruinous financial debt. He partners with a factory owner in New York to ensure his victims arrive already indebted.

A factory owner in New York who forces his immigrant workers into predatory debt and subjects them to dangerous conditions. He gambles away the profits made off their labor, creating severe financial instability. His refusal to allow sick leave directly causes a worker's death, sparking a massive strike.

An Irish American gangster to whom Mr. Boaz owes a substantial amount of money. He operates out of a bar called the Irons and drives a police wagon to intimidate others and maintain false authority. He prioritizes wealth above all else and frequently resorts to extreme violence.

An elderly immigrant traveling with her family to start a new life in New York. She worries that America is only a place for the young and fears becoming a burden to her son-in-law. She demonstrates worldly wisdom, easily recognizing Little Ash's demonic nature without fear.

Rose's beautiful best friend who helps run a shop to save money for travel to America. Despite contributing to their shared fund, she secretly fears abandoning her younger brothers. She ultimately chooses to remain in Belz to marry a local boy, a decision that drastically alters Rose's path.

The daughter of the deceased Rebbe of Belz who recently immigrated to New York. She manages her pregnancy while actively supporting the factory workers' strike alongside her husband. She provides shelter and guidance to the newly arrived immigrants while anticipating news of her father.

Malke's husband and a passionate labor organizer in New York's garment district. Following the death of his mother due to the factory's brutal conditions, he organizes a widespread strike against Mr. Boaz. His prominent leadership makes him a target for both corrupt bosses and local gangsters.

Isaak's mother, who died of tailor's lung after Mr. Boaz refused to grant her time to recover. Because her family was denied time to properly mourn her passing, her death becomes the central grievance driving the garment workers' strike.

A prominent religious figure in New York City who frequently assists Jewish immigrants stranded at Ellis Island. He maintains strict views on who should be allowed into the country, initially refusing to help Little Ash because he believes some individuals should remain in Europe.

A Christian demon masquerading as an immigration doctor at Ellis Island. He exhibits intense prejudice against non-Christian entities and actively subjects Jewish immigrants to intense scrutiny. He hoards the bodies of other demons in the basement morgue.

A baker living in Shtetl who is deeply worried about his daughter, Essie. He has not heard from her since she sent a letter from Warsaw, prompting Little Ash to use his distress as an excuse to journey to America.

Rose's younger brother living in Belz. Rose's primary motivation for traveling to America is to earn enough money to bring Motl overseas and save him from being conscripted into the army.

A boy living in Belz who develops a crush on Dinah. His successful marriage proposal convinces Dinah to stay in Europe, inadvertently devastating Rose.

Mr. Sullivan's brother and criminal associate. He acts as muscle for his brother's illegal debt collection activities and helps enforce the gang's violent decrees.

Rose's cousin living in New York City. As an established immigrant, she represents Rose's primary point of contact and support network in America, though her demanding work schedule limits her availability.

Malke's sister-in-law who shares the family's apartment in New York. She helps care for a toddler and welcomes Uriel into their home when the angel arrives with news.