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Lyman 

A young Chippewa man, and the story’s protagonist. Lyman is good at earning money and considers himself unusually lucky. He is close with his family, particularly his older brother, Henry Junior. He is devastated by the impact the Vietnam War has on Henry Junior.

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Henry Junior 

Lyman’s older brother. Henry Junior begins the story as a carefree young man but is changed after his experiences as a marine in the Vietnam War. His mental health deteriorates in the lead-up to his tragic death.

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Susy

A young hitchhiker from Alaska. Susy is cheerful and spontaneous. She keeps her nearly floor-length hair tied up in big buns around her ears. 

Mom

The mother of Lyman, Henry Junior, and Bonita. She is distraught over Henry Junior’s condition and feels powerless to help her struggling son.

Bonita 

The younger sister of Lyman and Henry Junior. Bonita likes to take photographs, but she only appears once in the story.

Moses Pillager

A white doctor who works near the reservation where Lyman and his family live. Moses has a romantic past with Lyman and Henry Junior’s mother, and she is distrustful of him and his jealousy.

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