A Simple Plan characters

Appears from the start

An accountant in a small Ohio town who values his respectable job, his pregnant wife, and the ordinary security he has built. When he finds millions of dollars in a crashed plane, he initially argues for caution and legality. He nevertheless agrees to conceal the money and gradually becomes the group's planner, using his intelligence to contain each new threat created by the original decision.

Appears from the start

Hank's wife, pregnant with their first child when the money is discovered. Practical and perceptive, she quickly understands both the opportunities the cash could offer and the danger of leaving decisions to Hank's less disciplined companions. Hank confides in her despite the men's agreement to keep the discovery secret.

Appears from the start

Hank's older brother, an unemployed and socially isolated man who lives on the failing family farm. He lacks Hank's education and conventional success and is painfully aware of the comparison between them. His love for Hank is mixed with resentment, dependence, and a longing for the money to give him a different life.

Appears from the start

Jacob's friend, who accompanies the brothers when they discover the plane. Lou is impulsive, frequently drunk, short of money, and far less willing than Hank to wait before taking a share. His distrust of Hank and his need for cash make the fragile agreement among the three men increasingly difficult to preserve.

First appears in chapter 4

Lou's wife. She shares his financial insecurity and stands beside him as the dispute over the hidden money becomes openly hostile.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly local man who happens upon Hank and Jacob near the concealed crash site. His presence threatens to connect them to the plane before they can safely carry out their plan.

First appears in chapter 5

The local sheriff and an acquaintance of Hank. His routine investigation of reports about an aircraft places him close to the secret even though he initially has no reason to suspect Hank or Jacob.

First appears in chapter 8

A man presented to Hank as an FBI agent investigating the missing plane. His official manner and knowledge of the case force Hank and Jacob to return to the crash site under law-enforcement scrutiny.

First appears in chapter 6

Hank and Sarah's infant daughter, born while the consequences of the hidden money are overtaking the family. She represents the secure future they tell themselves the plan is meant to create.