The Milagro Beanfield War

A hard-working, resourceful resident who champions local labor and community needs. He seeks steady work in the construction project but faces rejection, fueling tension. His push to access water through the irrigation canal reveals his pragmatic, stubborn commitment to his family and town.

A wealthy real estate mogul pushing a grand development that threatens the beanfield and the town's way of life. He embodies aggressive ambition and a willingness to override local concerns for profit. His plans catalyze the central conflict between progress and tradition.

A savvy local business owner who acts as a conduit between the town and outside help. She mobilizes community members and seeks legal assistance to defend the town's rights. Her stance underscores the power and limits of grassroots activism.

A socially conscious lawyer and publisher who uses his platform to defend the town's voice. He faces arrest, highlighting tensions between law, media, and activism. His advocacy embodies the town's hope for reform and accountability.

A government envoy sent to quell the conflict, representing authority and the state's interest in controlling the dispute. His pursuit of Mondragon escalates the confrontation and tests the limits of power.

Lawful but pragmatic, he de-escalates violence and mediates between citizens and authorities. His restraint and willingness to negotiate prevent bloodshed at several critical moments.

The state leader who orders intervention to suppress dissent and protect the deal, yet eventually faces a broader reckoning that helps unify the town. His decisions drive the legal and political frame of the conflict.

A sociologist from the East who studies Milagro's customs and reactions. He becomes both an observer and a source of external perspective that challenges local norms. His presence creates a bridge between outsider analysis and town life.

The town's local administrator who embodies the community's political reality and sometimes distant leadership. His stance frames the town's negotiation with developers and authorities.

A local law officer who navigates tension between prosecution and restraint, maintaining order while avoiding escalation. His actions influence the town's ability to find a peaceful resolution.

A rough-edged, streetwise ally to Mondragon who offers shelter and practical help during the town's troubles. His presence adds grit and acts as a counterpoint to formal authority.