The Mother is a pragmatic woman who methodically packs up her family's home in response to the government's evacuation order. She makes harsh, practical choices—such as killing the family dog so it will not starve—but also attempts to maintain her sense of self through small routines, like rationing her lipstick and face cream. Her outward compliance with the orders masks a deep vulnerability as she handles the sudden upending of her family's life without her husband.

The Girl is the older sister of the family, highly observant and acutely aware of how others perceive her. During the train journey to the internment camp, she watches the people around her closely and rebels in small ways, such as peeking out the windows despite direct orders. She writes letters to her friends back home, attempting to project a sense of normalcy despite her frightening new reality.

The Boy is a young child who struggles to comprehend the sudden changes in his family's life following his father's arrest. At the detention center in the Nevada desert, he maintains a childlike perspective, turning sticks into toys and engaging in war games in the dirt. He relies heavily on magical thinking and daydreams to cope with the physical deprivation and the painful absence of his father.

The Father is a gentle man with delicate hands, currently detained in a separate camp from his wife and children. Before the war, he provided a comfortable life for his family, traveling to places like Paris and bringing back souvenirs. His presence in the early story is felt entirely through heavily censored postcards and the longing memories of his children, who miss his affection and stability.

Mrs. Kato is an elderly woman placed in the barrack adjacent to the family. She frequently talks to herself through the thin walls, expressing confusion about her surroundings and the serious demeanor of the people in the facility.

The Older Japanese Gentleman is a fellow evacuee who shares the train ride with the family. He listens patiently to The Girl as she recounts memories of her father's travels, speaking to her in English when she cannot understand his Japanese.

The Soldier is an armed guard assigned to the train transporting Japanese Americans. He instructs The Girl to keep the window shades drawn, though she perceives him as handsome and seemingly kind despite his authoritarian role.