Ishmael Chambers The protagonist. Ishmael is the owner and sole, regular reporter for the island's only newspaper. A war veteran, Ishmael has a personal connection to the proceedings. He's never gotten over his relationship with Hatsue, nor has he ever forgiven her for breaking his heart. The war cost him his arm, his girlfriend, and his faith in God. Although not a member of the jury, he plays a major role in determining whether justice will be served.
Hatsue Miyamoto Kabuo's wife. Hatsue had a high school romance with Ishmael but broke up with him during the internment. Although intrigued by the romantic notion of love, Hatsue settles for the practical aspects of it. Throughout the novel she is torn between the American and Japanese cultures and struggles to find her own sense of identity, especially when her identity means being defined in terms of others.
Kabuo Miyamoto The accused. An American of Japanese descent who is determined to reclaim the seven acres of land that was essentially stolen from his father during World War II. He married Hatsue at the Manzanar Concentration Camp and then went off to war, fighting for the Allies. The prosecution proves that he's a liar, but being a liar doesn't automatically make him a murderer.
Zenhichi Miyamoto Kabuo's father. He makes a deal with Carl Heine, Sr., but is unable to make the final payments due to his wartime internment.
Fujiko Imada Hatsue's mother. She tries to make her daughter realize that she is different than the other islanders. Fujiko, brought to the United States under false pretenses, epitomizes the struggle of all Japanese women forced to live in a foreign culture.
Sumiko Imada Hatsue's sister. She finds a love letter from Ishmael and shows it to her mother while the family is at Manzanar.
Hisao Imada Hatsue's father.
Carl Heine, Jr. The victim. Growing up, Carl and Kabuo were friends; separated during the war, they drifted apart. While he was away fighting, Carl's father died, and his mother sold the family farm. Even though he didn't always agree with what his mother did, Carl wanted to remain loyal to her. Carl ended up buying back the land his father used to own, including the seven acres that Kabuo felt were rightfully his. Kabuo told Hatsue that Carl agreed to think about selling him the land, but nobody else knew of the agreement.
