[1] It is a fictionalized account of the labor strife in the coalfields of southern West Virginia, United States during 1920 and 1921.

A leader of the union who is eventually elected mayor of Annadel.

Kerwin Lloyd - Rondal and Talcott's youngest brother, who dies in a mine explosion.

Dillon Lloyd Clabe's brother, who disappears when the coal operators begin to build the mines.

Miles Bishop - Carrie's elder brother, a coal operator.

Isom Justice - Their son, and one of Rondal Lloyd's closest friends.

Rosa Angelelli - One of the main narrators, and a housekeeper for one of the coal operators.

A hardshell baptist preacher and a pacifist who doesn't believe in Hell.