Eileen Dunlop
Eileen Dunlop is the narrator and the protagonist of the story. In the beginning of the book, she is a 24-year-old woman who works at a male juvenile penitentiary. She lives with her abusive, alcoholic father in X-Ville, but dreams of escaping the city she lives in. She spends her free time fantasizing about Randy, her coworker. Eileen is obsessive and unhappy, but grows though the novel and becomes a strong character capable of making her own choices.
Rebecca Saint John
Rebecca Saint John is introduced into the book as the new director of education at Moorehead, the male juvenile penitentiary Eileen works at. She is described as tall and elegant, with long red hair. Eileen wishes to become like her and hopes that they might be good friends. However, Rebecca is hiding some secrets of her own, into which Eileen quickly gets drawn.
Leonard Polk
Leonard Polk is a boy who arrives at the juvenile penitentiary around the same time that Rebecca begins to work there. Leonard was convicted for murdering his police officer father. Rebecca spends a great amount of time working on his case.
Rita Polk
Mrs. Polk is Leonard Polk's mother. She was the wife of Mr. Polk, with whom she had a turbulent relationship. Mrs. Polk was aware of Mr. Polk's sexual abuse of Leonard, but chose not to tell anyone. We learn that this was both out of fear of her husband and a desire to please him.
Eileen's Father
Eileen's father is a retired policeman, an alcoholic, and an antagonist in the novel. He abuses Eileen, with whom he lives. He is mentally ill and suffers from paranoia.
