Pattyn Von Stratten
The protagonist of the novel, Pattyn is a seventeen year old girl from a Mormon family in Nevada. However, she is rebellious and resents the Mormon rules and expectations of her. She is named after the famous general George Patton.
Stephen Von Stratten
Pattyn's father and a drunk. He frequently beats her mother up and enlists the aid of a corrupt deputy to hunt her down on multiple occasions.
Georgia, Roberta, Davie, Teddie, Ulyssa, and Jackie Von Stratten
Pattyn's six younger sisters who she is tasked with taking care of. Like Pattyn, they are also named after famous generals: George Patton, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Theodore Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and Jack Pershing respectively.
Derek
Pattyn's first boyfriend with whom she gets together just to experiment. Their relationship does not work out and he leaves her for another girl.
Aunt Jeanette
Also referred to as Aunt J by Pattyn, she is who Pattyn is sent to live with to punish her for her rebellious behavior.
Ethan
Pattyn's second boyfriend, with whom she finds genuine love. They have a child together, but he and their child are killed when the car he is driving crashes.
