Jack Ellyat

Jack Ellyat is a quintessential Northern soldier from Connecticut during the American Civil War. Raised in an abolitionist family, he is deeply troubled by the impending conflict. Ambitious and imaginative, Jack often dreams of himself as Phaeton, the mythological charioteer of the sun. He first enlists with the Connecticut volunteers and, after the Northern defeat at Bull Run, earns the derisive nickname "Bull Run Jack." Later, he joins the Illinois volunteers in Chicago. Captured after fleeing from the battle at Pittsburg Landing, Jack manages to escape and find sanctuary at John Vilas’ farm, where he falls in love with John’s daughter, Melora. Their relationship becomes more complex when Melora becomes pregnant. At the war’s end, Jack, who is wounded at Gettysburg, is reunited with Melora, demonstrating resilience in the face of fate’s unpredictability.

Clay Wingate

Clay Wingate embodies the Southern counterpart to Jack Ellyat. Born to a plantation owner, Clay resides in the grand Wingate Hall in Georgia. As the war looms, he matures rapidly, feeling a strong pull towards Sally Dupré. Clay joins the Black Horse Troop, participating in the battle of Bull Run. During a leave from service, he becomes romantically involved with Lucy Weatherby, a charming Virginian. However, by the war’s conclusion, he returns to a devastated Wingate Hall, discovering Sally Dupré faithfully awaiting him. Despite his upbringing amidst leisure and fox-hunting, Clay adapts to military life, transforming into a disciplined and formidable soldier.

Luke Breckinridge

Luke Breckinridge is a lanky mountain lad who enlists to fight the Yankees, spurred on by a familial rivalry with the Kelceys. In Richmond, he becomes enamored with Sophy, a chambermaid at Pollet’s Hotel. Luke finds satisfaction when his patrol apprehends Shippy, a Union spy disguised as a peddler who competes for Sophy's affections. The discovery of incriminating documents hidden in Shippy’s boots solidifies Luke's standing with Sophy, whom he later persuades to leave the war and return to his mountain home for a simpler life.

Melora Vilas

Melora Vilas is the woman who provides refuge to Jack Ellyat during his escape. Her earnest demeanor and striking brown eyes capture Jack’s heart. After bearing his child in Tennessee, Melora, alongside her father and son, embarks on a journey to find Jack. She encounters him again in Connecticut, where he waits beneath the elm trees, a veteran of Gettysburg. Her determination and loyalty are evident in the lengths she goes to reunite her family.

Lucy Weatherby

Lucy Weatherby is a captivating Virginian known for her capricious nature. Her primary focus remains on her romantic entanglements rather than the war’s outcome. Although she shares an intimate moment with Clay Wingate at Pollet’s Hotel, Lucy’s deepest affection seems reserved for herself, as she navigates her relationships with a self-centered allure.

Sally Dupré

Sally Dupré is the steadfast daughter of "French" Dupré, the dance instructor. Her unwavering devotion to Clay Wingate persists despite his temporary infatuation with Lucy Weatherby. Sally’s patience and fidelity are rewarded when she reunites with Clay after the war, standing by him as he returns to a ravaged Wingate Hall.

Spade

Spade, a slave on the Zachary plantation, takes the bold step to escape and seek freedom in the North. However, his liberation is short-lived as he is conscripted into a labor gang. He later enlists in the Union army and sustains injuries during the notorious crater battle at Petersburg. Post-war, Jake Diefer employs him as a field hand in Pennsylvania, offering a semblance of stability.

Sophy

Sophy, the chambermaid from Pollet’s Hotel, captures the interest of Luke Breckinridge. As the war takes its toll, she chooses to accompany...