Linda's great-uncle and close confidant, Harper is a kind-hearted librarian in Boiling Springs, known for his melodic voice that comforts Linda and for being an outsider in his community.

Linda's lifelong best friend, Kelly is a smart and determined woman whose friendship with Linda is characterized by long-standing written correspondence.

Linda's adoptive father, Thomas is a rational and routine-oriented lawyer from an old Southern family, known for his unconventional decision to adopt Linda.

Linda's adoptive mother, DeAnne has a strained relationship with Linda, which undergoes significant changes as they reconnect later in the novel.

The matriarch of Linda's adoptive family, Iris is a truth-teller with strong traditional values who plays a complex role in Linda's upbringing.

Linda's first boyfriend and childhood neighbor, Wade shares a secret relationship with Linda and later becomes involved with her best friend, Kelly.

Linda's boyfriend in adulthood, Leo is a medical student from a Northern WASP family with whom Linda shares a partnership marked by practicality and compromise.

A minor yet pivotal character, Bobby's actions during Linda's childhood have a significant and lasting impact on her life and psyche.