Taylor Greer The feisty protagonist of the novel. Taylor's real name is Marietta (Missy) Greer. A strong-willed and unpredictable young woman, she leaves her Kentucky home to begin a new life for herself. After her car breaks down in Oklahoma, she finds herself with a little girl to care for. She and the little girl, Turtle, end up in Tucson, Arizona. Taylor blossoms and matures as she becomes a caring mother and friend, learns about human rights and social injustice, and risks her life for people in need.
Alice Jean Stamper Greer Taylor's mother, who supports herself and Taylor by working as a housekeeper for wealthy people. She maintains a positive attitude despite hard work and the responsibility of raising a child alone. Her love enables Taylor to become self-confident and independent.
Foster Greer Taylor's father, who left home as soon as he found out that his wife was pregnant.
Eddie Rickett Taylor's boss at her first "real" job in the lab at Pittman County Hospital.
Jolene Shanks A girl Taylor knew from high school who got pregnant, dropped out of school, and married Newt Hardbine. Taylor talks to Jolene in the Pittman County Hospital while Jolene waits to have an x-ray taken after she is shot by her father-in-law.
Turtle The three-year-old Cherokee child who is left on Taylor's car seat. After her mother's death, Turtle, whose real name is April, lived with her aunt and, during that time, apparently was physically and sexually abused by a male friend of her aunt. When she was left with Taylor, Turtle was catatonic: She blankly stared off into space, living in her own world and not speaking. Experiencing love from Taylor and others in the community, Turtle feels secure and safe enough to begin speaking. Her first words are the names of vegetables. Eventually, Turtle is adopted by Taylor.
