Alice’s Restaurant

A bohemian musician whose decision to avoid the draft temporarily redirects his path. He performs at local venues, travels with friends, and frequently challenges the expectations of his era with a free-spirited attitude. His perspective ties the group’s adventures together, from family visits to piggybacking on a community’s life.

Co-owner of the deconsecrated church in Great Barrington and the driving force behind her circle’s gatherings. She starts a restaurant in Stockbridge and has complex relationships within the group, including a romantic entanglement with Shelly. Her pragmatism often clashes with Ray’s laid-back approach.

Alice’s partner, emblematic of a relaxed, nonchalant counterculture lifestyle. He hosts friends and acts as a stabilizing, though indulgent, influence within the household. His decisions about the church’s future contribute to the eventual shifts in the group dynamics.

Arlo’s school friend who moves through the same bohemian circle. He participates in the group’s adventures, including helping with the plan to remove garbage and dealing with the consequences of their actions.

An ex-heroin addict connected to a motorcycle racing club who is part of the inner circle. He harbors heroin, which is exposed during one confrontation, and his presence culminates in a fatal motorcycle incident.

An Asian girl who becomes Arlo’s romantic interest at the church. Her presence adds a note of cross-cultural connection within the group’s evolving dynamic.

Arlo’s father, ailing and revered folk figure who receives a visit in New York City. His passing marks a poignant moment in the narrative, adding gravity to the bohemian lifestyle and the family’s history.

The local lawman who arrests Arlo and Roger for littering, contributes to the media scrutiny, and participates in the legal case surrounding the incident. His pursuit of order contrasts with the group’s free-wheeling ethos.

A stern draft-board figure who oversees the induction process and classifies Arlo as unfit for service. His interactions underscore the era’s bureaucratic rigidity and the tension between individual intent and institutional rules.

Appearing as himself, Seeger embodies the folk music movement and its political undercurrents, lending authenticity to the film’s musical backbone.

A church official involved in the deconsecration theme of the film, illustrating the setting’s religious backdrop and the conversion of sacred space into communal living space.

Another church official connected to the deconsecration subplot, reinforcing the transformation of sacred space within the community.

An official who appears during the funeral sequences, grounding the narrative’s moments of loss in real-life civic roles.

Woody Guthrie’s partner or acquaintance within the circle, contributing to the family and community dynamic present in the story.

A member of the surrounding social circle, adding to the tapestry of friends and family that populate the bohemian home.

A minor service role encountered during scenes in New York and surrounding locales, contributing to the film’s slice-of-life ambience.