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Leni

This character is the novel's protagonist. When the narrative begins, she is a 13-year-old girl who accompanies her parents when they move to Alaska. Throughout the novel, she comes of age and faces many obstacles including the hostile environment and her father's volatile temper and abuse.

Cora

This character is the protagonist's mother. Raised by wealthy parents in Seattle, she ran away after becoming pregnant at 15. Her husband returned from the Vietnam War suffering from PTSD and alcoholism, which resulted in the volatile relationship that is central in the novel.

Ernt

This character is the protagonist's father. After having been taken as a POW during the Vietnam War, he became psychologically damaged and suffers from PTSD. His abuse of alcohol culminates repeatedly with physical abuse against his wife and eventually his daughter as well.

Matthew

When introduced, this character is a 13-year-old boy living on his family's homestead...

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