Thomas Just
Thomas is the protagonist of the novel. Like his grandfather, he is able to hold his breath underwater for long periods of time. He is later traumatized by his experience of the war in Vietnam, deeply disturbed by people's capacity for violence and cruelty. He experiences constant flashbacks to this period of time and returns home a profoundly changed man. When he returns home, he feels that the people of the tribe have turned their backs on tradition for the sake of money. He struggles with his sense of self and tries to heal his physical and psychological scars over the course of the book.
Ruth
Ruth is Thomas's wife. She is depicted as being tough and reliable. She, like Thomas, is a firm believer in the traditions of their tribe and defends them even when it goes against popular opinion. She raises Marco, her son with Thomas, alone. Later, she also cares for Thomas despite his lack of concern for her. She continues to love Thomas, and supports him through his various struggles.
Marco Just
Marco is the son of Thomas and Ruth. He is born after Thomas departs for Vietnam and is named after the explorer, Marco Polo. He is very wise and shares his grandfather and father's comfort with the ocean. He is tasked with listening for the whale during the hunt. He tells his father that he does not want to kill the whale, as he hears it and feels that it is kind. He is killed by Dwight during the hunt.
Dwight
Dwight is Thomas's friend from childhood. He has always been jealous of Thomas for appreciating tradition and possessing Witka's seemingly supernatural abilities. This jealousy shows itself most clearly when Dwight lies about Ruth's infidelity to Thomas, kills Marco, and shoots Thomas.
Lin
Lin is Thomas's daughter with his Vietnamese wife. She is described as being very bright and good in school. She also shows a strong work ethic. She seeks Thomas out later in the novel, as she tries to understand the kind of man her father was. She too is haunted by memories of the atrocities committed during the war.
Ma
Ma is Thomas's Vietnamese wife and the mother of Lin. She and Thomas are said to love each other very much. She is killed by a land mine when Lin is young.
Milton
Milton is a member of the tribe who participates in the whale hunt. He is the one who notices the man with the ring who attacks Marco. His claims are dismissed because members of the tribe say he is mentally handicapped.
Witka
Witka is Thomas's grandfather. He is depicted as being very in touch with the ocean, an ability he passes down to his grandson and great-grandson. The people of the tribe view him as a messenger between the creatures of the ocean and the human world.
Dick Russell
Dick Russell is a forest services employee who develops feelings for Ruth.
The Florist
The florist is a shop owner who takes Lin in and raises her like a daughter. He loves Lin a great deal. The narrator notes that he mourns the loss of his biological daughter.
