* Beatrice "Bea" Chambers: A young, ambitious black woman from Chicago who moves to a small, predominantly white town in Maine to take on a new job as a teacher.
* Henry "Hank" Morrison: A gruff, but ultimately kind-hearted lobsterman and local legend, who initially resents Bea's arrival but eventually becomes a close friend and mentor.
* Annabelle Morrison: Hank's wife, a warm and welcoming woman who becomes a confidante and friend to Bea.
* Peter Morrison: Hank and Annabelle's son, a troubled young man who struggles to find his place in the community.
* Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain: Bea's parents, who are worried about her decision to move to Maine and struggle to understand her experiences there.
These characters all play significant roles in the story, exploring themes of race, class, identity, and belonging in a small, tightly-knit community.