Ruckus

A Vietnam War veteran scarred by his experiences, Kyle drifts through the town and relies on his special forces training to survive. His PTSD drives tense confrontations and impulsive, resourceful acts to evade capture. He longs for belonging while navigating a world that treats him as a threat.

A young mother whose husband is missing in action, leaving her to raise Bobby. She initially fears Kyle but grows sympathetic, offering shelter and help. Her evolving concern for Kyle tests her loyalties and protective instincts toward her family.

The town’s lawman who oversees the manhunt for Kyle, embodying the force of order in a volatile environment. His leadership is tempered by the fear and pressure of a mob mentality among locals. His choices reveal the complicated balance between justice and vengeance.

A volatile town official who helps drive the pursuit of Kyle, exemplifying the town's readiness to use force against an outsider. His aggressive stance fuels intimidation and clashes that threaten Kyle’s safety. He represents the darker side of local authority when driven by rumor and fear.

A local bully who provokes Kyle and becomes a central antagonist during carnival and farm-era conflicts. His hostility personifies the town’s rougher, aggressive impulses. He directly participates in the confrontation that escalates Kyle’s danger.

A local farmer who spots Kyle with Jenny and alerts Deputy Dave, helping to set the sequence of events toward capture. His actions reflect the town’s suspicion-driven complicity and the ease with which rumors trigger escalation. He remains part of the rural, wary community atmosphere.

Jenny’s father-in-law and the town’s wealthiest figure, his stance toward Kyle reveals the tension between mercy and power. He ultimately allows Kyle to stay on the river island, indicating a pragmatic, if guarded, mercy amidst conflict.

Jenny’s young son, whose safety and future are part of the emotional stakes of Kyle’s presence. His role highlights the vulnerability of innocent bystanders in a town-wide confrontation.