Duchess

Duchess, a prostitute, is one of the four individuals banished from Poker Flat when the townspeople decided to expel the "undesirables." As the outcasts journey toward Sandy Bar, her constant complaints force the group to stop short of their destination. When Piney Woods and Tom Simson join them and they become snowbound, Duchess adopts a more cheerful and nurturing demeanor towards Piney. When rescuers eventually reach the group, they find Duchess and Piney huddled together, deceased, making it impossible to distinguish "which was she that had sinned."

Innocent, The

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John Oakhurst

John Oakhurst is one of the four individuals expelled from Poker Flat when the townspeople decided to remove the "undesirables." Oakhurst is a professional gambler known for his "coolness, impassiveness, and presence of mind." When young Tom Simson and Piney Woods join the outcasts, it is revealed that Oakhurst had previously returned forty dollars to Simson, which he had won in a poker game, advising the youth to steer clear of cards. When the outcasts are trapped by a snowstorm, Oakhurst takes on the role of leader. He makes a pair of makeshift snowshoes and gives them to Simson, instructing him to return to Poker Flat for help. When the rescue party finally arrives, they find that Oakhurst has committed suicide, showing him to be "the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat."

Mother Shipton

Mother Shipton, presumably the madam of the prostitute Duchess, is one of the four individuals expelled from Poker Flat when the townspeople decided to clear out the "undesirables." Despite being accused of immorality, Mother Shipton reveals her true nature when the outcasts are snowbound. In an effort to save Piney Woods, Mother Shipton hoards her own share of the food, choosing not to eat it. Shortly before she dies of starvation, she instructs Oakhurst to give her rations to the bride-to-be, hoping to increase Piney's chances of survival.

Tom Simson

Tom Simson is a "guileless youth" traveling to Poker Flat with his bride-to-be, Piney Woods, when they encounter the outcasts. Remembering an earlier encounter with Oakhurst, Simson decides to assist the outcasts, treating them with respect and remaining unaware of their undesirable status. Simson is the sole survivor of the ordeal that follows.

Uncle Billy

Uncle Billy, a suspected thief and confirmed drunkard, is one of the "undesirables" banished from Poker Flat. Unlike the others, Uncle Billy mocks the innocence of Tom Simson and Piney Woods. During the night, he absconds with the group's horses and mules, leaving them stranded as it begins to snow.

Piney Woods

Piney Woods, described as "a stout, comely damsel of fifteen," is engaged to Tom Simson. Unaware of the outcasts' negative reputations, Piney treats them with kindness and respect. In return, they grow fond of her, especially as they witness her affection for Simson. Tragically, both she and Duchess succumb to the cold before rescuers arrive.