·       Jim Burgess: The protagonist of the novel, a successful lawyer who returns to his hometown of Shirley Falls, Maine, after his younger brother, Bob, is accused of a hate crime. Jim is a kind and compassionate man who is determined to help his brother, but he is also struggling with his own demons. He is also a bit of a loner who is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

·       Bob Burgess: Jim's younger brother, who is accused of a hate crime. Bob is a kind and compassionate man who is struggling with his own mental health issues. He is also a bit of a loner who is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

·       Susan Burgess: Jim and Bob's sister, who is a successful doctor who lives in Boston. Susan is a kind and compassionate woman who is determined to help her brothers, but she is also struggling with her own grief. She is also a bit of a worrier who is always concerned about her family.

·       Zach Olson: The young man who is accused of being the victim of the hate crime. Zach is a kind and compassionate boy who is struggling to come to terms with what happened to him. He is also a bit of a mystery to Jim and Bob, as they struggle to understand his motivations.

·       Helen Burgess: Jim and Bob's mother, who is a kind and compassionate woman who is struggling to come to terms with the events that have happened to her family. She is also a bit of a worrier who is always concerned about her sons.