Assistant safety director for a coal company, Foot is a pragmatic and unsentimental guide for Laskas during her exploration of coal mining, with whom she forms an easy friendship.

A sixty-two-year-old coal miner known for his stoicism, Pap works in the harsh job of roof bolting, displaying a strong work ethic rooted in his first-generation American background.

An optimistic coal miner in his thirties who uses his mining income to support his boxing career, Scott remains cheerful and unfazed even after setbacks.

A fourth-generation coal miner who returns to the mines to help finance his family farm, Billy is optimistic about life and aims to balance his family's concerns with the dangers of mining.

A forty-five-year-old Mexican man and father who works in the blueberry fields to support his family after facing financial difficulties, Urbano is pragmatic about his circumstances.

Urbano’s fourteen-year-old twin sons who assist their father in the blueberry fields, viewing the experience as an adventure while adjusting to life as migrant children.

An advocate for migrant farm workers in Maine, Perez-Fables works to improve conditions and raise awareness for the essential role of migrant labor.

A professional cheerleader studying nursing and working in construction, whose life experiences and achievements highlight societal attitudes towards appearance and gender.

Known among air traffic controllers, Cali embodies focus and dedication, managing the high-stakes responsibility with care and pride in his work.

An air traffic controller supervisor who previously worked within the union ranks, Brian is known for his fatherly earnestness and acts as a guide for Laskas during her exploration.

The owner of Sprague’s Sports and an advocate for responsible gun ownership, Richard invites Laskas to understand his views on the second amendment and firearms industry.

Head of a cattle ranch, Donnell is portrayed as a classic cowboy figure with a vision for cattle production aligned with traditional American values.

One of the cowboys, Jeff is drawn to the romantic notion of ranching, despite the challenges and realities of the role, often focusing on his dream of finding a partner.

The toolpusher on an Alaskan oil rig, TooDogs is a revered figure among the crew, known for his complex personality and respected for his empathy and leadership.

A black woman truck driver who strives to fit into the trucking world, Sputter reflects Laskas's own exploration of gender roles and her personal grief.

A landfill worker driving the BioMag, Mike is admired for his humble and unassuming nature, bridging divides among coworkers with his down-to-earth personality.

An innovative engineer who contributed to landfill gas projects, Joe symbolizes the optimistic potential of human ingenuity, leaving a hopeful impression on Laskas.