Grandpa Ponder
Grandpa Ponder is the grandfather of Edna Earle and the father of Daniel Ponder. He does not understand his son's giving nature. He tries to institutionalize his son to keep him from giving away his fortune. He loves his son and wants to protect him.
Edna Earle
Edna Earle is one of the view descendants left in the Ponder family. Her Uncle Daniel gave her the hotel that she manages. She loves working there and meeting the people who visit the town. Edna loves her Uncle Daniel and his innocence. She does whatever she can to protect him so he does not lose that innocence that makes him special.
Uncle Daniel Ponder
Daniel Ponder is a grown man who has maintained his childish innocence. He likes to make people happy and makes them happy by giving away his possessions to them. He lives his life in a type of bubble with people looking out for his best interest. He is accused of causing his young wife's death.
Ada
Ada is a cook who works for Edna Earle at the hotel.
Narciss
Narciss is an African-American who does the cooking and housekeeping for the Ponder family. She forms a close bond with Bonnie Dee.
Bonnie Dee Peacock
Bonnie Dee Peacock is a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes to the city from the country to find work. She marries Daniel Ponder on trial. She enjoys the Ponder lifestyle which is more decadent than her parents' home. Bonnie Dee dies suddenly and Daniel is accused of her death.
Judge Tip Clanahan
Judge Tip Clanahan is a friend of the Ponder family. He helps keep Daniel out of trouble with giving away his possessions.
DeYancey Clanahan
DeYancey Clanahan is related to Judge Clanahan. He is an attorney and represents Daniel Ponder at his trial. He wants to protect Daniel and his innocence from the accusations against him.
Dorris R. Gladney
Dorris R. Gladney is an attorney who convinces the Peacock family that Daniel Ponder is guilty of their daughter's death. He attempts to prove this during Daniel's trial.
