The Longest Ride: Booktrack Edition characters

Appears from the start

A ninety-one-year-old widower trapped after his car leaves an icy North Carolina road. Injured and growing colder, he draws strength from vivid conversations with his late wife and the history they shared.

Appears from the start

Ira's late wife, who appears to him as a lifelike companion after the crash. In his memories she is a spirited teacher whose enthusiasm for modern art transformed their home and their marriage.

First appears in chapter 2

A Wake Forest senior trying to move beyond an unfaithful former boyfriend. A visit to a rodeo introduces her to Luke and to a rural life far removed from her plans for work in the art world.

First appears in chapter 3

A professional bull rider and rancher whose reserved manner conceals intense pressure to keep his family's property solvent. He is courteous to Sophia at the rodeo and begins to show her the world he is fighting to preserve.

First appears in chapter 2

Sophia's sorority friend, protective and outgoing. She persuades Sophia to attend the rodeo and helps interrupt the isolation that followed Sophia's breakup.

First appears in chapter 2

Sophia's former boyfriend. His infidelity ended their relationship, but he remains possessive and confrontational when he sees her at the rodeo.

First appears in chapter 4

Luke's widowed mother and his partner in operating the family ranch. She welcomes Sophia while worrying about the physical and financial risks her son has taken on.

First appears in chapter 19

A talented boy Ruth teaches and encourages. His portrait of her becomes an unusually personal part of the Levinsons' growing art collection.