Essie Miller: Nat’s wife, a warm, traditional mother figure who keeps the household humming and worries about her children’s well-being.

Richard Miller: The central character, a 17-year-old idealist and rebel, full of romantic notions from reading poets like Swinburne and Wilde. He’s navigating first love and youthful defiance.

Arthur Miller: Richard’s older brother, a Yale student, more conventional and less troubled than Richard.

Mildred Miller: The Millers’ teenage daughter, playful and teasing, especially toward Richard.

Tommy Miller: The youngest Miller child, an energetic 11-year-old who’s still innocent and carefree.

Sid Davis: Essie’s brother, a charming but irresponsible drunk who’s a regular at the Miller home. He’s got a thing for Lily but can’t get his act together.

Lily Miller: Nat’s sister, a gentle, unmarried schoolteacher who’s quietly in love with Sid but won’t settle for his flaws.

Muriel McComber: Richard’s sweetheart, a sweet 15-year-old whose father disapproves of Richard’s wild ideas.

David McComber: Muriel’s stern father, a dry-goods merchant who sees Richard as a bad influence.

Belle: A brassy, cynical woman Richard meets at a bar when he’s trying to drown his sorrows over Muriel.

Wint Selby: Arthur’s friend from Yale, a carefree guy who introduces Richard to some less-than-wholesome adventures.

Bartender/Salesman/Norah: Minor characters who pop up briefly—a bartender, a salesman at the bar, and the Millers’ Irish maid, adding some color to the story.