Russell
Russell is the central character and the son of Mr. Culver. Russell is the brother of Tansy and Lloyd. The author depicts Russell as an ambitious child who wants to explore the world without limits. Russell wants to drop out of school because he thinks it hinders him from achieving his dream. Russell fantasizes about going to Dakotas to do manual jobs to generate money.
When Russell gets news that his teacher Mrs. Myrt has died, he gets happy because he thinks the school will be closed down. However, Russell is shocked when his sister, Tansy, becomes the new teacher and forces him to finish school. According to Tansy, Russell has no option because he will finish his studies whether he likes it or not.
Charlie Parr
Charlie Parr is a close friend of Russell. Charlie also wants to drop out of school and accompany Russell to Dakotas to make money. However, when Tansy becomes the new teacher of their school, Charlie starts loving her and changes his earlier decision of dropping out of school. When Russell realizes that Charlie is no longer interested in going to Dakotas, he gets angry.
Tansy
Tansy is Russell's elder sister. After Tansy graduates from college, she looks forward to becoming a teacher. When Mrs. Myrt dies, Tansy seizes the opportunity to replace her as the new teacher in the local school. Tansy has a passion for teaching and does her job excellently until the school board recognizes her work by giving her a teaching certificate. More importantly, Tansy is responsible because she forces her brother Russell to finish school if he wants a better future.
Eugene
Eugene is Tansy's boyfriend. When Eugene first interacts with Tansy, he gets attracted to her, and they start a romantic relationship. Eugene is an entrepreneur selling automobiles. Eugene supports Tansy by bringing gifts and food donations to the school.
Mrs. Myrt
Mrs. Myrt is a teacher in charge of a local school where Russell studies. Mrs. Myrt is a strict teacher who uses her authority to instil discipline. When Mrs. Myrt dies, several people attend her funeral because she is one of the best teachers in the local town.
Mr. O.C. Culver
Mr. O.C. Culver is Russell's father. Mr. Culver is a hardworking entrepreneur who wants to give his children the best in life. When Mr. Culver learns that Russell has plans to drop out of school to pursue his misguided ambition, he advises him to do the right thing and concentrate on his studies.
Preacher Parr
Preacher Parr is the pastor who administers the gospel during Mrs. Myrt’s burial. Preacher Parr requests parents to allow teachers to use corporal punishment in school because children have become rude. Preacher Parr is referring to children like Russell, who think they can wake up one day and decide to drop out of school.
