Content Warning: This section makes references to sexual abuse, physical abuse, and addiction.

Christy Huddleston, the protagonist of the novel, is a 19-year-old mission volunteer from Asheville, North Carolina. Though not wealthy, she comes from a family of comfortable means, and her life in the city has been one of social privilege and plentiful resources. Having heard a presentation at a conference by Dr. Ferrand, who founded several missions throughout Appalachia, she commits herself to teaching at a mission school in Cutter Gap. Her parents, while supportive and proud of her initiative, also have some doubts about the wisdom of the plan and Christy’s readiness for the conditions she might face. Christy herself is aware of these doubts, and it compounds her resolution to prove herself capable, resilient, and prepared to handle whatever might come her way. She has an independent spirit and the initiative to cast big visions and do whatever it takes to bring them to reality. This is shown in her desire to expand the school into adult education, offer a boarding school option, undertake a letter-writing campaign, and seek the support of local civic groups in nearby cities.

The novel, written in the first person, does not offer many details about Christy’s physical appearance save that she looks remarkably like Doctor MacNeill’s late wife (who was also Miss Alice’s daughter): beautiful, with expressive blue eyes, and Christy’s hair just a shade darker than the other woman’s.