A passionate black resident of McIntosh County with aspirations for social justice, who becomes involved in local civil rights activism before experiencing personal and professional setbacks.

The supportive wife of Thurnell Alston, who must navigate their family's challenges largely on her own following Thurnell's imprisonment and personal tribulations.

A group of white residents in Darien who pride themselves on their colonial heritage, maintaining a strong presence in the local community narratives.

A respected black elder and former sharecropper in McIntosh County, who provides moral guidance to younger activists while navigating the complexities of race relations.

An elder deacon and community leader who takes up a political role at Sheriff Poppell's behest, yet often refrains from challenging the established racial status quo.

A black man involved in a violent confrontation with law enforcement, whose ordeal catalyzes protest and activism within his community.

A black woman whose domestic dispute leads to a controversial law enforcement incident, sparking activism in McIntosh County's black community.

An undercover agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation working on a drug sting operation, whose investigation leads to Thurnell Alston's arrest.

Thurnell Alston and Becca's youngest son, whose tragic death profoundly affects his family and contributes to their struggles.

A retired principal and the only black member of the city council, whose position complicates legal efforts to address voting discrimination.

A well-educated minister and activist who collaborates with Thurnell Alston and others to challenge racial inequalities in McIntosh County.

A former police officer turned local supporter of Thurnell Alston, who is involved in political activism but becomes skeptical of Thurnell’s capabilities.

The previous sheriff of McIntosh County and father to Tom Poppell, whose legacy is characterized by a different style of local governance.

A determined woman managing a large family, whose religious faith influences her life's challenges and serves as inspiration for the book’s title.

A former motel owner and city council clerk, who expresses discontent with legal challenges to the council’s decisions on voting rights.

A conciliatory lawyer for McIntosh County who navigates the county through voting rights controversies, balancing legal intricacies and local expectations.

The mayor of Darien, known for firing black city employees in retaliation for legal challenges, which prompts community backlash.

An attorney with the GLSP who assists McIntosh County residents with civil rights lawsuits and provides legal defense during Thurnell Alston's trial.

A revolutionary-minded lawyer from Atlanta involved in class action suits, whose presence in the South is sometimes seen as opportunistic.

A city attorney resistant to settling lawsuits related to racial discrimination, embodying some of the entrenched power structures in Darien.