Meridian Henry is a an African American man and a minister in a small town in the American South. He is also a civil rights activist who advocates for nonviolence in response to the violence and threats committed against black people. However, when his son is murdered, he begins to question pacifism and his faith in God.

Richard Henry is Meridian's son. He moved to New York to pursue a career in music only to be placed in prison after developing an addiction to heroin. He returns to his home town bitter about his experiences, the racial tensions, and the long-ago death of his mother.

Lyle Britten is a store owner who is suspected of killing Richard. An uneducated man, Lyle's only hope for success is building his business. Though racist, Lyle consistently engages in sex with black women.

Josephine Britten is Lyle's wife. Knowing he is unfaithful and has a history of violence, she defends her husband, even after he is suspected of killing Richard.

Parnell James is the editor of the town's newspaper and a self-professed liberal. Though he is a white man from a wealthy family, he advocates for equality. However, Parnell also enjoys the privileges he and other white people have.

Juanita is a student with aspirations to be a lawyer, using law to gain equality for African Americans. She has an affair with Richard, though she is desired by many men in the town. She and fellow student Arthur do not believe Richard's murderer will be brought to justice.

Joel Davis, or "Papa D," is a bar owner who is outcasted by the black community for being an "Uncle Tom." He makes a statement that implicates Lyle in Richard's murder.