Sister Helen Prejean: The author and narrator, a Roman Catholic nun from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Medaille. She begins her activism by corresponding with death row inmates and becomes a spiritual advisor to two convicted murderers, Elmo Patrick Sonnier and Robert Lee Willie. Her experiences lead her to advocate against the death penalty.

Elmo Patrick Sonnier: A death row inmate at Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola), convicted of murdering a teenage couple, David LeBlanc and Loretta Bourque, in 1977. Prejean becomes his spiritual advisor in 1982, accompanying him through his execution by electric chair in 1984. He is depicted as terrified yet remorseful as his death approaches.

Robert Lee Willie: Another death row inmate Prejean advises, executed in 1984 for the rape and murder of Faith Hathaway. Unlike Sonnier, Willie is portrayed as more defiant, expressing admiration for Hitler and maintaining a tough exterior, though he softens slightly before his execution.

Eddie Sonnier: Patrick Sonnier’s brother, also involved in the murder of the teenage couple. He confesses to the killings but receives a life sentence instead of the death penalty. Eddie is haunted by guilt over his brother’s fate.

Vernon Harvey: The father of Faith Hathaway, Robert Willie’s victim. He becomes a vocal advocate for the death penalty after his daughter’s murder, representing the perspective of victims’ families. Prejean interacts with him, highlighting the emotional toll on survivors.

Elizabeth Harvey: Faith Hathaway’s mother and Vernon’s wife. She shares her grief with Prejean and, like her husband, initially supports Willie’s execution, though their views evolve over time.

Lloyd LeBlanc: The father of David LeBlanc, one of Patrick Sonnier’s victims. Despite his immense loss, he forgives Sonnier, showcasing a contrasting response to the Harveys. His forgiveness deeply impacts Prejean.

Major Kendall Cody: The warden at Angola during Willie’s execution, responsible for overseeing the death house. Though he opposes the death penalty personally, he carries out his duties, and his inner conflict haunts him.

Chava Colon: A friend from the Prison Coalition who first invites Prejean to correspond with a death row inmate, setting her journey in motion.

Tom Dybdahl: Head of the Prison Coalition and Prejean’s close friend, a lawyer who aids in the effort to fight Sonnier’s execution.

Millard Farmer: A death row attorney from Atlanta who works tirelessly to save Sonnier, reflecting the legal struggle against capital punishment.

Bill Quigley: A religious Louisiana attorney dedicated to the poor, assisting in Sonnier’s case and supporting Prejean’s efforts.

Governor Edwin Edwards: Louisiana’s governor during the events, who personally opposes the death penalty but allows executions for political reasons.

Warden Frank Blackburn: The prison official overseeing Camp F, where the death house is located, who shows sympathy toward Prejean.