Stephen "Red" Ryder 19 (nightshift cook), a young James Dean wanna-be, with slicked back hair here in the late 60s, he is an unconscious parody of the mid-fifties. He is hell bent on "getting' the hell outa this place".
Angel 30, (dayshift cook), pretty but plain and a little overweight. Still believes her white uniform fits well, she desires a better life but knows she will probably live out her days in this dying little town.
Lyle Striker 62, (owner of filling station and motel), an imposingly nice guy, wears a brace on one leg (probably from a war wound), uses fore arm supported crutches, comfortable in his surroundings.
Tommy Clark 60, (manager of diner), fast talking cheapskate. Couldn't care less about his employees.
Richard Ethredge 40, (husband to Clarrise), well bred New Yorker, handsome, unpretentious and successful. Thinks he is a "regular guy".
Clarrise Ethredge 35, (concert violinist), pretty, sheltered, affluent and naοve. She has been protested all her life. Used to taking the safe route.
Teddy 32 (antagonist), Vietnam vet, pretty messed up. Although very charismatic and charming, he is mean and manipulative.
Cheryl 20, (Teddy's girlfriend), young innocent hippy chick. Just along for the ride but doesn't know what she's in for being with Teddy.