Gertie Nevels
The protagonist of the novel, Gertie is a strong working-class woman who peronifies the ideals of social realism that are manifest in the novel. She is a pious woman whose life revolves around her family. Gertie ultimately sacrifices her sculpture to help sustain her household.
Clovis
The husband of the protagonist, Clovis is naturally an important character in the novel. He is not drafted and moves to Detroit and helps the author depict a brutal aspect of the industrial life. Clovis is soon joined by his family; both he and the Gertie do their best to adapt to the hostile conditions in Detroit.
Cassie
Cassie is the affectionate and sensitive child of Clovis and Gertie. She is unable to adapt to the new conditions that she is forced to face and is ultimately killed in an accident.
