Josie Hogan: Josie is a big-boned, sharp-tongued 28 year-old who pretends loose morals and promiscuity but is secretly in love with Jim Tyrone. Of all the Hogan siblings, Josie is the only one tough enough to handle their father.
“Och, Father, don’t play the jackass with me. You know, and I know, I’m an ugly overgrown lump of a woman, and the men that want me are no better than stupid bulls.”
Phil Hogan: A hard-working, hard-drinking, forever scheming 50-something Irishman, Hogan lost his wife in childbirth and has gradually lost all of his children as well, except Josie.
“I only raised my hand to her once…The next moment I was on the floor thinking a mule had kicked me. Since you’ve grown up, I’ve had the same trouble. There’s no liberty in my own home.”
Mike Hogan: Mike is Phil Hogan’s youngest son. Immature, a little self-righteous and far too soft to hold his own with his father, Mike runs away with the help of his sister, Josie.
“That’s right! Make fun of me again, because I want to be decent.”
James Tyrone: An alcoholic actor from New York, Jim is the landlord of the Hogans’ farm. He is haunted by memories of his past and plagued by self-loathing.
“Thanks, Josie. I mean, for not believing I’m a rotten louse. Everyone else believes it – including myself – for a damned good reason.”
T. Stedman Harder: Harder, the wealthy neighbor of the Hogans, owns a large estate and hopes to expand his property by buying the farm on which the Hogans work.
“If you dare touch that fence again, I’ll put this matter in the hands of the police!”
