John Grady Cole The protagonist of the novel; the main character around whom most of the story revolves. He is a disenfranchised 16-year-old who cannot save his family ranch, which is his rightful legacy. In Mexico, when he finds another ranch and falls in love with the only child of that hacienda's owner, he works very hard to prove himself, in the hopes of perhaps making a future there, but his plan fails. John Grady is attractive (his friend calls him a "ladies man"), smart, and highly skilled with horses. He believes in right and wrong, and is passionate not only about horses and his beloved but also about his ideas.
Lacey Rawlins John Grady's best friend. He runs away from home with John Grady but worries about being followed and, eventually, wonders what his family and friends are doing back home (where he remains at the novel's end). More sentimental than John Grady, Rawlins is also more realistic. He believes that Blevins is trouble, and yet, when Blevins is tortured and shot, Rawlins is terribly affected; he is the one who can't believe places like the Saltillo prison exist. His friendship and affection for John Grady and for his horse last throughout the novel.
Blevins, the kid The 13-year-old (whose age is somewhat undetermined, because he lies so often) who sees John Grady and Rawlins in a town just north of the border and follows them. John Grady feels sorry for Blevins, and Blevins accompanies John Grady and Rawlins into Mexico. After landing in jail, he is tortured and shot.
Alejandra The beautiful, dark-haired, 17-year-old daughter of the hacienda owner in Mexico. She rides a stylish black Arab horse English-style and speaks schoolbook English. She splits her time between Mexico City, where her mother lives, and La Purisima, her father's ranch. Alejandra seduces John Grady, who can refuse her nothing. Her great aunt arranges for the release of John Grady and Rawlins from prison and makes Alejandra promise never to see John Grady again. Alejandra does see John Grady in Zacatecas but refuses to run away and marry him. She is more bound by convention than her rebellious ways would indicate.
Senor Rocha, also called Don Hector The 40-year-old owner of La Purisima hacienda. His family has owned the property for many years and he still lives on it, unlike many other rich landowners. He has an airplane, which he uses to fly to Mexico City where his wife resides. He loves horses and is fond of John Grady, recognizing John Grady's great skills.
