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Bill Furlong 

The protagonist, a hard-working father and husband who runs a coal business in New Ross, Ireland. Bill was raised by his mother, Sarah, who had him when she was 16, and he has never known the identity of his father. Bill is compassionate towards the girls at the convent, a quality that sets him apart from the majority of the community, and he cares deeply about doing the right thing. 

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Mother Superior 

The antagonist, a controlling and intimidating woman who serves as the head of the convent. She has significant influence in matters relating to the church, convent, and the school. She is cold-hearted and condescending, and when Furlong brings attention to Sarah Redmond’s abuse, she dismisses the idea that the convent might be involved.  

Eileen 

Furlong’s sharp-minded, intuitive wife, and the mother of their five daughters. Eileen is a hard-working stay-at-home mother who likes to gossip. She prioritizes difficult responsibilities, and she encourages Furlong not to overthink things and to focus on the good in his life. She is ignorant of the injustices happening at the convent, suspecting something wrong but never looking deeper, often emphasizing that it has nothing to do with their life. 

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Mrs. Wilson 

A wealthy, Protestant property-owner and guardian to Furlong. She took in Sarah when she was a teenager, and she helped Sarah raise Furlong from the day he was born. Supportive and kind, she taught Furlong to read and use vocabulary from the dictionary, and she encouraged him to enter a spelling competition.  

Sarah Furlong 

Furlong’s teenage mother who lived and worked on Mrs. Wilson’s property.  Sarah is compassionate, loving, and supportive. She died suddenly from a brain bleed when Furlong was twelve years old.  

Ned 

Mrs. Wilson’s hard-working farmhand and a compassionate guardian to Furlong. Furlong suspects Ned could be his father due to their resemblance and Ned’s care for him. Ned is a constant presence in Furlong’s life after Sarah’s death, offering steady guidance and support. In the present, he lives in an elderly home outside of town.  

Sarah Redmond 

A young, scared mother who has been admitted to the convent because she had a child out of wedlock. She endures cruel abuse in the coal shed from the nuns, and Furlong helps her escape.  

Mrs. Kehoe 

Proprietor of the pub where Furlong and his crew gather after work. She warns Furlong to stay quiet about what he’s seen at the convent, reminding him that the nuns hold significant influence in town.  

Kathleen 

Furlong’s eldest daughter, who attends St. Margaret’s secondary school and helps Furlong run the business when he is busy 

Joan 

Furlong’s second eldest daughter, who attends St. Margaret’s secondary school and participates in the choir. 

Sheila and Grace 

Furlong’s middle and second-youngest daughters, who take music lessons at the convent. 

Loretta 

Furlong’s youngest daughter, who Is shy, scared of Santa, and has trouble spelling. 

Sister Carmel 

A convent nun and the choir director. 

Mick Sinnott 

A drunk man in town who has little regard for his kids. Furlong sometimes encounters Mick’s son on the side of the road and offers him a ride or money.  

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