Luke Chandler
The seven-year-old protagonist and narrator of the story. Luke is a curious, naive farm boy who matures as he encounters secrets, lies, and harsh realities on his family’s cotton farm in Arkansas.

Eli “Pappy” Chandler
Luke’s grandfather and the patriarch of the family. A World War I veteran, Pappy is respected for his hard work and strong moral authority.

Ruth “Gran” Chandler
Luke’s wise and devout grandmother. She spends much of her time praying for her son Ricky, who is fighting in the Korean War.

Jesse Chandler
Luke’s father, a World War II veteran who struggles with injuries from the war while working hard to support the family and pay off their debts.

Kathleen Chandler
Luke’s mother, who grew up in a more privileged environment. She dreams of escaping rural life for a suburban home with modern conveniences.

Ricky Chandler
Luke’s nineteen-year-old uncle, who is serving in the Korean War and is referenced through letters and flashbacks. He is rumored to be the father of Libby Latcher’s baby.

The Spruill Family (Hill People)

Hank Spruill
A violent and intimidating member of the Spruills. He often gets into fights and eventually kills another boy before being killed himself by Cowboy.

Tally Spruill
A beautiful seventeen-year-old girl who captivates Luke with her charm. She later runs away with Cowboy.

Trot Spruill
A physically and mentally disabled boy who helps paint the Chandlers’ house. He is one of the few kind members of his family.

Bow and Dale Spruill
Minor characters who assist with cotton picking but have no significant roles in the story.

Other Characters

Cowboy
A Mexican worker on the farm who carries a switchblade and ultimately kills Hank before fleeing with Tally.

Libby Latcher
A fifteen-year-old girl from a poor family who claims Ricky Chandler fathered her unborn child.

The Latcher Family
A poor sharecropping family looked down upon by others in town.

Miguel
The leader of the Mexican workers hired to help pick cotton on the Chandler farm.

Pearl and Pop Watson
Owners of the town market who allow customers to buy on credit.