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Fern, played by Frances McDormand 

A sixty-something, van-dwelling widow and the film’s protagonist. She’s a free spirit who feels more at home on the road than within four walls of a house. Simultaneously, she favors control, carefully outfitting her van’s interior and fighting to keep the memory of her past life alive. Though she is presented with several opportunities to abandon life on the road, she remains a nomad. But by the film’s end, she learns to move forward with a renewed perspective of life as precious and transient. 

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Dave, played by David Strathairn 
 
Retirement-aged bachelor who falls for Fern. He has a big heart and continues to pursue Fern though she shows little romantic interest in him because she’s still committed to her late husband. Unlike Fern, Dave still has a family though the relationship is strained. Ultimately, he rebuilds the connection with his son and decides to leave life on the road to settle down permanently with his son’s growing family. 

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Bob Wells, played by Bob Wells 

Founder of the nomadic support group Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR). He creates RTR in the wake of his son’s death as an act of kindness for those who feel forgotten. Bob is pivotal to Fern’s character development, offering his support to her in the middle of her grief early in their friendship. He represents the good in humanity in the midst of difficult economic times and acts as a sage figure to Fern by the film’s end. He encourages Fern to see life differently and ultimately helps her begin to heal. 

Linda May, played by Linda May 

Fern’s best friend. There’s a tender sisterhood to their dynamic which contrasts with the strained relationship Fern has with her actual sister, Dolly. Linda May is an encourager and bridge-builder who introduces Fern to Bob Wells and his Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. Though often times light and playful, Linda May is transparent about her struggle with suicidal thoughts as a result of her difficult financial situation when she retired. She and Fern’s paths cross several times throughout the film, but eventually, Linda May leaves the road to build a sustainable home she can pass on to her grandchildren.  

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Swankie, played by Charlene Swankie 

Fern’s terminally ill friend and mentor. Swankie meets Fern at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, and the two quickly bond. Swankie has cancer, but in the face of imminent death, she decides to live the rest of her life on her own terms on the road rather than in a hospital. A more experienced nomad and even more stubborn than Fern, Swankie helps Fern in her grief process and offers a fresh perspective for making the most of life. She makes it her mission to return to Alaska one final time before her death, and manages to do so later in the film. In a poignant scene as the film nears its end, members of the Rendezvous gather to throw rocks into a campfire in Swankie’s honor following her death. 

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Dolly, played by Melissa Smith 

Fern’s sister. The two of them have a complicated relationship: Dolly still loves Fern but is hurt that Fern isn’t present in her life. When Fern’s van breaks down and she needs money for repairs, Fern pays Dolly a visit, and Dolly ultimately lends her the money. 

James, played by Tay Strathairn 

Dave’s son. Like Dolly is to Fern, James is estranged from his father but seeks him out on the road to convince him to settle down and be a grandfather. By the film’s end, James and Dave have mended their relationship and Dave decides to forgo being a nomad to live with James and his family. 

Derek, played by Derek Endres 

Young nomad who Fern encounters twice on the road.  

George, played by Warren Keith  
 
Dolly’s husband. 

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