JOSHUA FAIZAN— (18) Full of fire and bravado. Third generation Arab American. Very physical. Estranged from his father and his mother. Best friend to Cade. He says exactly what he thinks. He may be the only one in the Faizan family who truly understands his mother. EVA FAIZAN— (38) Joshua’s mother. A native Texan. Frail, thin, and worn. A highly devout follower of the Church of Christ. She quotes the bible as easily as she speaks. Probably abused by her husband, if not physically then verbally. She has taken a back seat in raising their children. She had a difficult childhood. She has lived in the same house since she was a child. DAMIEN FAIZAN— (41) Joshua’s father. A second generation Arab American. Like his son in many ways but somewhat faded. He shows signs of former physical glory. He lives in the past. Since the lynching of his father after he immigrated to America he has become a different person. He is a farmer. He oppresses his wife. He met his bride through her father. SARAH FAIZAN— (14) Joshua’s younger sister. Third generation Arab American. Smart way beyond her years. She is a writer. Curious. She sees everything. ELIZABETH FAIZAN— (20) Joshua’s older sister. Third generation Arab American. Growing up she completely bought into the small-town community. After her senior year she unexpectedly ran away to a large city. She, like her sister, speaks her mind. CADE MADDOX— (17) Joshua’s best friend. A typical, popular young man. The only child in the Maddox family. He plays baseball and is very good at it. He has had a strained relationship with his father since his mother passed away. Quiet in some ways, and mysterious. A non-believer. LES MADDOX— (40) Cade’s father. The sheriff. He has had a friendly relationship with Damien Cates, but they no longer have that that affinity. He has a tough job in a small town where everyone knows everyone. He is still grieving over the loss of his wife. He has high expectations for Cade.