Indigo
Indigo is the main character and protagonist of the novel. Growing up in the Sand Lizard Clan, a tribal clan in Arizona, she has a loving mother and a sister, Sister Salt. Indigo is in much danger because the people from the outside world do not like her clan, and would like to take all of the children in it. Eventually, Indigo is captured and brought to a boarding school.
For a time, Indigo remains in the boarding school, resilient to the hatred people thrust upon her because of her race and identity. One day, a man named Edward Palmer visits the school and finds her there, and is impressed by the amount of resilience she displays. He and his wife decide to adopt her, despite the fact that they are a white family.
Indigo spends the rest of the novel traveling with Edward and his wife as he works on anthropological findings.
Sister Salt
The sister of Indigo, Sister Salt represent the older sister figure that is supposed to be a guide in Indigo's life. However, there really isn't anything she can do about the hatred from the outside world. Eventually, Sister Salt is captured by the police, but is able to run away. Again, she is captured, and this time is sent to prison. There she is emotionally and physically abused because of her race and identity.
Edward
Edward is a white man working as an anthropologist. He is seen as a hero in the life of Indigo, as he comes to rescue her from the boarding home. Now that Indigo is free and living with a nice family, she is able to travel with Edward as he works. Edward is married to Hattie, who is unable to have children.
Hattie
Hattie is also seen as a hero in the life of Indigo. The wife of Edward and a strong advocate for women's rights, Hattie and Indigo become very close after she is adopted. Hattie was initially grief-stricken when she found out she could not have children, but she decides that Indigo is just like her daughter.
