Larry Sole
The novel’s narrator, Larry Sole is a teenage Dogrib: a member of the indigenous tribes populating the Northwest Territories in Canada. The consequences of an accident have left Larry with a rather unique problem with memories: tell him a story and the details remained burned in his mind for years afterward. Larry is deeply infatuated with Juliet.
Juliet Hope
Juliet is not a Dogrib; in fact, her face is “white and pure.” In contrast to her complexion, however, her reputation is a bit more blotchy. Nevertheless, Larry (and most other guys in the story) are drawn her to like moths to a flame. The only real question relative to Juliet is who will get burned.
Johnny Beck
Johnny is what the narrator describes as a Metis: a half-breed. Larry is drawn to Johnny for one specific reason: the look on his face that says he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. He is the guide who leads Larry into a darker world of sex, drugs and rock and roll where violence is always just one word away.
Jed
Jed is the boyfriend of Larry’s mom; whenever he is town. Jed leads a transitory life which has him dropping in and out of Larry’s life, but with every return he supplies Larry with great new stories. Larry thinks Jed is great, but about halfway through, he suddenly changes and everything about him seems different.
Danny McMannus
Darcy is the “whitest, meanest, toughest, rowdiest and most feared bully in town.” The object of his bullying was Larry, yet they don’t seem to have a normal bully/victim relationship. At times, they appear to be friends and at other times not so much. A strange lingering tension always seems to barely simmer between them.
Larry's Father
Larry’s father only appears in brief momentary flashbacks lacking in great detail and pushed out his mind as soon as possible. Eventually, these flashes of memory begin building a clearer portrait of the accident which has affected Larry’s memory.
