What role do the characters play in where the lilies bloom?

In "Where the Lilies Bloom," the characters are central to exploring themes of family, survival, and resilience. Mary Call, the determined protagonist, embodies strength and resourcefulness as she navigates the challenges of caring for her siblings after their father's death. The other characters, including her siblings and the outsider, represent different facets of loyalty, innocence, and the struggle against societal norms. Together, they illustrate the complexities of rural life and the bonds that hold them together in adversity.