• Regina Rae (Gina) Aldrich: Kacie Aldrich’s mother.
  • Kacie Aldrich: The book’s central character, she is a teen trying to figure out who her father is.
  • Laura Binkler: A girl who bullies Kacie.
  • Dot Fegmeister: Laura Binkler’s sidekick.
  • Calbert: Dot Fegmeister’s sometimes boyfriend.
  • Thea Delacroix: Owner of the restaurant Thea’s Place and the building it is in.
  • Pete Jamieson: In his 60s, he is owner of the Mainlander and runs tours on Lake Superior.
  • Veronica (Ronnie) Jamieson: Daughter of Pete Jamieson and an accomplished sailor who helps him run tours.
  • Vince Treiland: Ronnie Jamieson’s wealthy fiancé and owner of Freshlake Charters and the Redemption.
  • The Pirate: Kacie Aldrich’s imaginary companion.
  • Bernie Macklebury: Gina Aldrich’s fiancé.
  • Len Mitchell: Bayfield County Human Services worker.
  • Bill Durning: Bayfield County Human Services worker.
  • Matthew: Guest on True Wind, an architect used to sailing on Lake Minnetonka.
  • David: Guest on True Wind, a lawyer used to sailing on Lake Minnetonka.
  • Jack “Kinney” McKinney: Gina Aldrich’s long-ago boyfriend and sailor who returns to Bayfield.
  • Micah: A friend first of Laura Binkler, then of Kacie Aldrich.
  • Dr. Alder Sykes: Guest on the Redemption, married to Hattie Sykes.
  • Hattie Sykes: Guest on the Redemption.
  • Leo Wallace: Guest on the Redemption.
  • Petunia Wallace: Guest on the Redemption, married to Leo Wallace and sister of Hattie Sykes.