payment page
Demon Copperhead (Damon Fields)
Protagonist and narrator. Born into poverty in rural Appalachia, Demon struggles with systemic neglect, addiction, and trauma while embodying resilience, creativity, and artistic talent.
Read an in-depth analysis of Demon Copperhead
“Mom” Fields
Demon’s mother, whose death from an overdose becomes a turning point in his life. She loves Demon but is unable to overcome her addiction.
Read an in-depth analysis of Mom Fields
Angus Winfield (Agnes)
Coach’s daughter and Demon’s closest friend. A witty, independent tomboy who stands by Demon during his struggles and eventually becomes his strongest ally and potential love interest.
Read an in-depth analysis of Angus Winfield
Maggot Peggot
Demon’s childhood best friend and Mrs. Peggot’s grandson. A Goth-leaning misfit, Maggot spirals into drug use and dangerous behavior while maintaining loyalty to Demon.
June Peggot
A nurse and Emmy’s guardian. A compassionate yet firm maternal figure for Demon, June fights tirelessly against the opioid epidemic in Appalachia.
Emmy Peggot
Maggot’s cousin and Demon’s childhood crush. Talented and spirited, Emmy faces her own battles with addiction and toxic relationships but eventually pursues recovery.
Dori
Demon’s first serious romantic partner and a fellow addict.
Fast Forward (Sterling Ford)
A manipulative, cruel figure in Demon’s life who contributes to the destruction of many lives, including Emmy’s.
Mrs. Peggot
Maggot’s grandmother and a comforting presence during Demon’s early years.
Mr. Peg
Maggot’s grandfather and a surrogate father figure to Demon during his childhood. A kind and steady presence, he teaches Demon practical skills, such as fishing.
Miss Barks
Demon’s kind, pretty social worker who provides some stability during his childhood.
Betsy Woodall
Demon’s paternal grandmother who raised and educated abandoned girls in Appalachia.
Mr. Dick
Demon’s paternal great-uncle, a wheelchair-bound man with a sharp intellect who offers insight into Demon’s family history.
Tommy
A foster brother from Demon’s time in the system. Later, he becomes a close friend and collaborator on the Red Neck comic strip.
Stoner (Murrell Stone)
Demon’s abusive stepfather, who isolates Polly and inflicts lasting harm on Demon through physical and emotional abuse.
Coach Winfield
A high school football coach who acts as a father figure to Demon, despite his own issues with alcohol addiction.
Ms. Annie Amato
Demon’s high school art teacher and mentor, who recognizes his talent and encourages his artistic growth.
Mr. Armstrong
A guidance counselor and teacher who mentors Demon.
Kent
A charismatic pharmaceutical representative and June's ex-boyfriend, Kent embodies the predatory nature of the opioid crisis.
Hammer Kelly
A gentle and loyal family friend of the Peggots.
Rose Dartell
A woman deeply scarred by her past with Fast Forward.
Mr. McCobb
A neglectful foster father who takes Demon in for financial reasons and expects him to pay his way.
Mrs. McCobb
A neglectful foster mother who forces Demon to go to pawn shops for her.
Haillie McCobb
Demon’s foster sister who tries to help him now and again while he’s living with the McCobbs.
Dr. Watts
Demon’s sports medicine doctor who first prescribes him Oxy.
Mouse
A small, sharp-tongued woman involved in the drug trade.
Viking
A friend Demon meets in rehab who lost his hearing due to Oxy addiction.
Gizmo
Another of Demon’s rehab friends, whose life was upended by a car accident that killed four people.
Chartrain
A friend from rehab who lost his legs in Afghanistan.
Baggy Eyes
Demon’s apathetic social worker after Miss Barks leaves.
Swap-Out (Wildman)
Demon’s former foster brother, who has fetal alcohol syndrome.
Creaky (Mr. Crickson)
A cruel foster parent who exploits Demon and others on his failing farm.
Mr. Golly
Owner of the gas-and-go where Demon works briefly.
Martha
Emmy and Maggot’s friend, who is deeply addicted to Oxy.
