August Epp
August Epp is the story's protagonist. August is an ambitious man trying to do everything possible to achieve a better future. August lives with his parents in the Molotschna colony. Unfortunately, August and his parents are excommunicated from the colony, and they seek refuge in England. After arriving in England, August's father leaves the family and marries another wife. August's mother struggles to bring up August, but unfortunately, she dies.
After the death of his mother, August is forced by circumstance to join archaic groups and wonders aimlessly in the city. One day, August steals a cop's horse and gets arrested and imprisoned. After several years, August is released from prison, and he returns to the Molotschna colony to plead for forgiveness. Young Peters admits August back to the colony on the condition that he behaves well. In the colony, August reunites with his childhood girlfriend, Ona. Ona plays a vital role in August's life because she helps him adapt to the transformed environment since he left.
Monica
Monica is August's mother. The narrator portrays Monica as a strong woman dedicated to facing uncertainties to ensure her son gets the best in life. After arriving in England, her husband leaves her for another woman. Monica struggles to raise her son alone, but unfortunately, she contracts a strange disease and dies.
Peters Senior
Peters Senior is the bishop in charge of the Molotschna colony. Peters Senior is a strict man who does not tolerate any form of misbehavior. When Peters Senior discovers that August's family is breaking the rules, he excommunicates them from the colony. August and his family seek refuge in England.
Ona Friesen
Ona is August's childhood girlfriend. Ona is an intelligent and lovely woman who is always ready to help. When August returns to the Molotschna colony from England, Ona welcomes him warmly. Ona helps August to be accepted back into the community. More importantly, Ona stops August from committing suicide. When Ona goes to the women's secret meeting, he invites August to take minutes during the meeting.
Younger Peters
Young Peters is the son of Peter Senior, and he takes over the Molotschna colony's leadership after his father's death. Young Peters admits August to the colony but commands him to obey all rules and respect community members.
Klaas
Klaas is Mariche's husband. Klaas is an inquisitive, strict, and curious man. When Klaas returns from the city to search for the stolen animals, he detects something suspicious about his wife and other women. When he asks what they are hiding, they tell him a series of lies. When Klaas returns to the city, the women execute their escape plan.
