Fools Crow is a member of the Pikuni Blackfoot tribe, and he is considered unlucky because he has not captured any horses or married any women. After failing his first vision quest, he seeks the help of Mik-api, a healer. Fools Crow works to distinguish himself within the horse-raiding and war party, where he grows from a self-conscious young man to a courageous warrior and leader of his tribe.

Rides-at-the-door is Fools Crow's father and advisor to the chief of the Lone Eaters tribe. He has three wives: Fools Crow's mother, her sister, and another young woman who is mistreated by the other wives. Rides-at-the-door is a wise, just, and compassionate man who is well-respected by the tribe.

Fast Horse is Fools Crow's friend who speaks of glory but is not very responsible or persistent. While on a horse raid with Fools Crow, Fast Horse has a dream in which the spirit called Cold Maker tells him their raid will be bountiful if they find and release a spring blocked by rocks. When Fast Horse and Fools Crow cannot find the spring, Fast Horse becomes angry and blames the spirit for his failure.

Yellow Kidney is the leader of the raiding party from whom Fools Crow learns much. Due to Fast Horse's boastful actions, Yellow Kidney is captured and tortured by a warring tribe. He survives, but his spirit never fully recovers.

Running Fisher is Fools Crow's brother whose bravery is rattled after he witnesses a solar eclipse. He has an affair with his father's youngest wife and is banished.

Feather Woman is a Pikuni legend. She is the wife of Morning Star, the mother of Scarface, the teacher of the Sun Dance, and Fools Crow's guide on his last vision quest.