Edward's middle-aged son who narrates the novel, recounting his father's extraordinary life stories and grappling with their relationship.

Edward's wife and William's mother, known for her beauty and thoughtful nature, who remains devoted to family life while Edward travels for work.

A woman with black hair and blue eyes who lives in a swamp outside of Specter; she and Edward fall in love after meeting, and she later becomes secluded.

The longtime physician of the Bloom family, who has cared for Edward since William's birth and attends to Edward's final days.

A college student in Auburn, Alabama, and Sandra's suitor before Edward, who unsuccessfully proposes to her and later gets into a fight with Edward.

The vice president of Bloom Inc. and a sharp-dressed man, who takes over the business after Edward's retirement and shares stories of Edward's business successes.