A hard-working and responsible 15-year-old girl living in the rural South during the 1960s, who is committed to caring for her family despite limited resources. Her dreams of a better life are shaped by her challenging circumstances.

An experienced and realistic social worker who hires Jane and epitomizes the professional status quo, maintaining detachment from her clients to ensure objective decision-making. She admires Jane but feels obligated to adhere to professional protocol.

Jane’s husband, a respected pediatrician who holds traditional beliefs about gender roles and is eager to maintain social acceptance within his community. His differing views with Jane cause tension in their marriage.

The owner of the farm where the Hart family lives, initially portrayed as benevolent and fair but later revealed to have a more complicated and self-serving nature. His role deeply impacts Jane's understanding of the social and economic issues faced by her clients.