Turner's friend who is warm, lively, and confident, bringing humor to their interactions despite facing racial discrimination.

Turner's father, a pastor who initially opposes Turner's interactions with the Malaga Island residents and grapples with his own rigid views.

A powerful and greedy figure in Phippsburg who lacks empathy and prioritizes his own interests over the well-being of the community.

An initially stern and imposing woman in the community who holds high expectations for Turner but later becomes more understanding.

Initially antagonistic to Turner, he experiences personal changes that lead to a friendship with Turner by the novel's end.