Leonora is a 12-year-old African American girl living in 1924 rural Vermont. Following her mother's death, she lives in a rooming house with her father. Bright and observant, she feels isolated by the persistent racism of her peers. Her frustration with the town's prejudices drives her to seek connection with the few people who treat her with respect.

Esther is a six-year-old Jewish child who moves from New York to rural Vermont with her father. She frequently speaks to plants, animals, and God in a highly unconventional, musical syntax. Oblivious to the adult prejudices brewing in town, she misinterprets threats as games and finds joy in simple farm chores.

Merlin is an 18-year-old boy attempting to figure out what manhood requires of him. Desperate to appear tough to his peers, he eagerly joins the newly arrived Ku Klux Klan. His boastful demeanor masks a deep insecurity and a susceptibility to peer pressure, leading him into situations he does not fully understand.

Johnny is the 36-year-old unmarried town preacher. He uses his pulpit to deliver fiery sermons denouncing Black people, Jews, and independent women. He quickly aligns himself with the Ku Klux Klan, using his position of religious authority to spread hatred throughout the community.

Sara is a 42-year-old unmarried farmer who takes pride in her independence. She opens her home to a Jewish father and daughter from New York, a decision that makes her a target for the local Klan. Practical and firm, she provides a safe haven for those she cares for.

Harvey is a shopkeeper in his fifties who runs the local grocery store with his wife. He views the newly arrived Ku Klux Klan as a business opportunity and a path to elevated social status. Despite his wife's warnings, he eagerly participates in the group's initial meetings.

Viola co-owns the local grocery store with her husband. She is a shrewd judge of character who immediately recognizes the violent threat the Klan poses to their community. She actively tries to offset her husband's poor decisions by quietly supporting the townspeople he harms.

Percelle is the town constable who maintains a policy of strict neutrality regarding the Klan's arrival. He is defensive about his past failures and prefers to avoid conflict, often looking the other way rather than confronting the growing hostility in his jurisdiction.

Reynard owns and edits the local newspaper. He initially attempts to maintain a neutral stance toward the Ku Klux Klan to protect his business. He uses his editorial platform to observe the group's actions before eventually taking a stand.

Iris is a restauranter who secretly runs liquor between Boston and Montreal to pay for her siblings' college tuition. She refuses to settle down into traditional domestic life. Her independence and illegal business place her in direct opposition to the Klan's traditionalist platform.

Dr. Flitt is the town physician who holds progressive views regarding women's independence. He provides medical care to the community and views the Klan with deep skepticism from the beginning.

Ira is Esther's father, a Jewish man from New York City who moves his daughter to rural Vermont for fresh air. He is a devoted father who boards with Sara Chickering, inadvertently drawing the local Klan's ire for mixing with a white Christian woman.

Wright is Leonora's father. He is a grieving widower struggling to raise his daughter in a racially prejudiced town. He insists that Leonora continue attending school despite the severe bullying she faces.

Mr. Field is an elderly, nearly blind Civil War veteran. He shares stories with Leonora about the brave Black soldiers he fought alongside. He teaches her about the importance of thoughtful reflection over quick anger.

Willa is a local schoolboy who bullies Leonora. He repeats the racist rhetoric he hears from adults in the town. His actions worsen the hostile environment Leonora faces daily.

Mary is a 15-year-old girl living in a local orphanage. She is Merlin's girlfriend and wishes to marry him, though their plans are fraught with logistical and social complications.