Winter's Bone characters

Appears from the start

A sixteen-year-old in the Missouri Ozarks who runs the Dolly household while her father is absent and her mother is unable to care for the family. Ree cooks, cuts wood, teaches her younger brothers practical skills, and dreams of joining the Army. When the family home is put at risk, she sets out to find her father among relatives who expect silence from her.

Appears from the start

Ree's father, a methamphetamine cook who has disappeared after using the family house and timberland to secure his bail. His failure to appear in court threatens to leave his wife and children homeless.

Appears from the start

Ree's twelve-year-old brother. He and Harold depend on Ree for food and instruction while their mother remains withdrawn and their father is missing.

Appears from the start

Ree's eight-year-old brother, the younger of the two boys she is raising. Ree tries to prepare him for the hard, self-reliant life their circumstances demand.

Appears from the start

Ree's mother, who is physically present but mentally remote and largely unresponsive. Her condition has left Ree responsible for the home and the two boys.

First appears in chapter 2

Ree's closest friend, a young mother living with Floyd and caring for an infant. Although domestic obligations constrain her, Gail gives Ree companionship and practical help during the search for Jessup.

First appears in chapter 3

The law officer who tells Ree that Jessup secured his release with the Dolly property and has missed court. He warns her that the bond will be forfeited unless Jessup can be produced.

First appears in chapter 6

Jessup's volatile older brother and Ree's uncle, known for violence and drug use. He initially refuses to help Ree and warns her that asking about Jessup can bring dangerous attention.

First appears in chapter 6

Teardrop's partner. She receives Ree more gently than Teardrop does and quietly offers food, money, and concern while Ree pursues her search.

First appears in chapter 16

A Dolly relation connected to Jessup's last known movements. Ree seeks him out for information, but his loyalties and caution make him an uncertain source.

First appears in chapter 22

The feared head of a powerful local branch of the Milton family. Ree is repeatedly told that she cannot speak with him, making his household the most dangerous barrier in her search.

First appears in chapter 30

A senior woman in the Milton household who enforces its rules and speaks for the family when Ree returns demanding proof of her father's fate.