Frank is the domineering and abusive husband of Minnie, who is thirty-six years old. He has a mixed heritage; his mother was a slave owned by his father. Due to his fair complexion, he is frequently mistaken for a white man. Frank idealizes his parents' relationship, asserting they were in love and that his father wished to marry his mother, even though he never freed her. Frank and Minnie enjoy a luxurious life in London, funded by Frank's father. However, when his father passes away, his family disowns him, leaving him broke and desperate. This desperation leads him to attempt selling Minnie’s share of the homestead. His plans are uncovered by others, and he is ultimately killed.

Frank exhibits a superior attitude, looking down on Minnie’s family. He considers himself refined and elite and has little respect for the challenging life on the western plains. His deceitfulness is apparent as he speaks with insincere sweetness around Minnie’s family but abuses Minnie privately.

Miss Leah is a seventy-three-year-old woman who endured a lifetime in slavery. During those years, she gave birth to ten children, all of whom were taken from her through the slave trade. After gaining her freedom, she and her husband had five more children, but they all succumbed to illness. Upon her husband's death, she buried him and set off to the west, seeking a better future. When her newfound happiness is endangered by Frank, she bakes a poisoned apple pie for him and serves it without hesitation.

Now, Miss Leah resides with Sophie and Fannie. She is a spirited woman who commands respect, freely expresses her thoughts, and is a staunch advocate of oral storytelling. Although Fannie wishes to document Miss Leah’s tales in writing, Miss Leah insists that some stories should be passed down verbally. By the play’s conclusion, she continues this tradition by sharing stories with Minnie’s baby girl.

Sophie, a thirty-six-year-old woman born into slavery, is determined to seize her opportunity for freedom. She exhibits both physical and emotional strength and fulfills her duties without complaint. Sophie is also a visionary, with dreams of transforming Nicodemus into a thriving all-black town, complete with schools, churches, and libraries.

Sophie is not biologically related to Fannie and Minnie, but their bond has grown as if they were sisters. She initially became part of their family while supporting herself by doing laundry in Memphis, where she worked for Fannie and Minnie. Over time, she became like a sister to them. Sophie is supportive and protective of her loved ones and has a low tolerance for condescension.

Minnie, who turns twenty-one during the play, is married to Frank, who is fifteen years older than her. While she deeply loves her family, she lacks the strength to stand up to her abusive husband. Consequently, she rarely visits her family because she lives unhappily in London. Minnie initially left Memphis with Fannie and Sophie to claim free land in Kansas and start anew. She met Frank while attending a conservatory, where she was recognized for her beautiful voice.

Throughout the play, Minnie reveals her pregnancy and fears for her child when Frank beats her. After Frank's death, Minnie does not shed tears; instead, she simply retrieves the deed to her land from his pocket.

Fannie, who is thirty-two and unmarried, lives with Sophie and Miss Leah near the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Together, they manage a wheat farm and have achieved self-sufficiency.

Fannie has a passion for the outdoors and a particular fondness for flowers. Although she and Wil share a close relationship,...

Wil is a forty-year-old man who was born into slavery. He is a dependable and loyal friend to the women, sharing a special bond with Fannie. As the play concludes, they become engaged.

Wil is hardworking and protective in his relationships. When the women discuss Frank's troublesome behavior, he offers to "take care of" the situation. Enthusiastic about participating in their plan to lure Frank back to the cabin, Wil readily agrees to help. He treats all the women with respect, serving as a stark contrast to Frank.