Ava Carson
Ava Carson is the novel's protagonist, and the author depicts her as a loving and caring woman who ensures her son's safety. Ava has a ten-year-old son she is bringing up single-handedly after separating from her alcoholic husband. Despite being a loving and caring woman, Ava is a remorseful woman and blames her mother for her problems.
Ava is an easily swayed woman. When Ava meets her husband several years later, he convinces her that he is saved and reformed, and believes him. In addition, Ava meets Cass, an extremist preacher, and follows his teachings without knowing it is a cult.
Toussaint
Toussaint is a ten-year-old boy living with his mother in Philadelphia. Toussaint is a curious boy and wants to know everything that happens around him. For instance, Toussaint questions his mother why his father is always absent. When Toussaint's mother starts to follow Cass' preaching, Toussaint is unhappy because the teachings are a cult. To run away from the cult, Toussaint reunites with his grandmother.
Abemi Reed
Abemi Reed is Ava's husband and Toussaint's father. Abemi is an alcoholic, violent and irresponsible man. Abemi kicks Ava and her son out of the house, and they end up in the streets. After several years, Abemi meets Ava and convinces her that he is reformed and saved.
Dutchess
Dutchess is Ava's mother and Toussaint's grandmother. Dutchess is a hard-working person. Dutchess has thousands of acres, but grabbers have taken much of her land. Dutchess is now determined to protect her remaining 1000 acres from Progress Corp Company, which wants to take her land by force.
Cassius Wright
Cassius Wright is a preacher who claims he brings salvation to the lost. Abemi is one of the members of Wright's church, and he says he is reformed. Wright's teachings are extreme, and whoever listens to his preaching becomes a die-hard follower.
