* Louisa "Lou" Grant: A young, determined woman who finds herself in a dangerous and unpredictable situation as the Civil War ends. She is fiercely independent and protective of her family.
* Catherine "Cat" Grant: Lou's younger sister, who is innocent and naive but quickly learns to be resourceful and strong.
* Augustus "Gus" Grant: The eldest Grant sibling, who is a sensitive and compassionate young man, but often struggles with his own sense of responsibility and justice.
* Henry "Hank" Lawson: A ruthless and brutal Confederate soldier who represents the brutality of the war and the dangers the Grant sisters face.
* Jesse Lawson: Hank's younger brother, who initially seems cruel but displays moments of humanity and even helps the Grant sisters.