Euphemia “Fame” : The narrator of the story who recalls her childhood memories after her father calls her to inform her of her mother’s death. Her recollection allows her to realize the dynamics within her family.

Marietta/Fame’s Mother: A very serious Anglican woman who prayed religiously. She had a deep hatred towards her father (Euphemia’s grandfather) who bore a strong resemblance to her. For that reason, she tried very hard to remove everything that could be tied to him. For example, she did not hinder the greying of her hair, as she shared the same hair colour as her father’s. She also burned the money she had inherited from her father. She is headstrong and determined.

Fame’s Father: An Anglican, an Orangeman and a Conservative. He waited for Marietta to finish school and pay her father back before marrying her at age 38. Although they were poor, he was a hard working farmer who provided for the family. He had joked about marrying somebody rich, but decided that it would not have been worth it. Although he is sociable and humourous, he is said to be very serious.

Marietta’s Mother: All that is known of Marietta’s mother is that she passed away when Marietta was fourteen. Marietta has said that she was heartbroken, and it is assumed that her husband had cheated on her, which could be one of the reasons why Marietta has a deep distaste of her own father.

Marietta’s Father: Little is known of the father, except that he looked much like Marietta, who had deep hatred towards him. He remarried after his first wife died, taking Beryl with him. He provided inheritance to both of his daughters after his death.

Beryl: Marietta’s younger sister. She grew up apart from Marietta, and shared no similarity with her. She enjoyed the luxuries of life, proven by her possessions of make-up and expensive clothes. She was fascinated by the country life, often comparing it to the life in the city.

Mr. Florence: He was described to be tall, thin and tanned with light-coloured eyes. He is Beryl’s lover. He put in an effort to trying to socialize with Euphemia’s family by pitching in jokes and paying for dinner. He seemed wealthy.

The Sutcliffes: They took Marietta in as their own daughter after Marietta’s father remarried and relocated to Minneapolis and later in Seattle. However, Marietta commented that she did not feel like their daughter even after their good treatment. Mrs. Sutcliffe was said to have discouraged Marietta’s mother’s suicide attempt.

Bob Marks: A friend of Fame’s who accompanied her in checking the farm’s house.

Dan Casey: Fame’s ex-husband.