Cole McCurtain
Cole is the main protagonist of the novel. He is a part Native American literature teacher at Santa Cruz university. Cole is plagued with nightmares and visions of past which are connected to guilt for staying alive while his brother died too soon.
Alex
Alex plays a character responsible for humorous breaks in the novel. He is a Native American teacher as well. He likes to cross dress occasionally, which serves to the ambiguity of his character which is a combination of opposing traits.
Abby
Abby is Cole's daughter who comes to help him cope with his nightmares and later gets involved in the mystery involving the murders of Santa Cruz.
Onatima
Onatima is a grandmother figure in the novel who uses her wisdom to help and guide Cole in his battle with past and his nightmares.
Hoey
Hoey is Cole's father. He is an older man even though his uncle Luther constantly refers to him as "boy".
Luther
Luther is Hoey's uncle. The two of them hit the road so that they can get to Cole in time to save him from the ghosts of past. Luther is an old Native American from Navajo tribe.
Robert
Robert is Cole's assistant teacher. He has a gloomy and mysterious aura surrounding him, but is generally likable. He gets involved in helping Cole as well and is responsible for the large plot twist at the end.
