Future Home of the Living God Characters

The protagonist and first-person narrator of the story, Cedar at birth was given up by her Native American birth mother, Mary Potts the Almost Senior, and adopted by wealthy white liberals, Alan and Sera… read analysis of Cedar Hawk Songmaker

Cedar’s birth mother, Mary Potts Almost Senior, or “Sweetie,” as she is known to her family, is an indigenous woman reaching the late stages of her middle age. While she struggled with drug and… read analysis of Mary Potts Almost Senior (“Sweetie”)

Mary Potts Almost Senior’s daughter and Cedar’s younger sister. Although Mary Potts believes that her daughter doesn’t use drugs, as she herself used to, Little Mary’s drug use is clear to Cedar and… read analysis of Little Mary

Cedar and Little Mary’s grandmother and Mary Potts Almost Senior’s mother, who is over a hundred years old. She is the only member of Cedar’s birth family that Cedar initially warms to. With… read analysis of Mary Potts the Very Senior

Cedar’s adoptive father and Sera’s husband, who is also a wealthy white liberal. Alan’s politics, personality, and background are not notably distinguished from those of his wife. However, there is a notable moment… read analysis of Alan Songmaker

The nurse who takes care of Cedar during her ultrasound appointment and encourages her to talk to her birth mother about possible genetic conditions that run in the family. She looks amused when Cedar reveals… read analysis of The Nurse