This little book opens with an Israelite family living in Moab outside the borders of their own nation. Moab is southeast of Israel and across the Dead Sea. Though the story takes place during the period of the judges, there apparently was relative peace between Israel and Moab at this time.
Ruth is the primary character, with Naomi and Boaz playing large supporting roles. Ruth is a Moabite girl who has married into an Israelite family. Naomi is her mother-in-law, while Boaz is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. Naomi's husband, Elimelech, and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, are briefly mentioned in the opening verses. Orpah, Naomi's other daughter-in-law, chooses to remain behind in Moab and has no continuing role in the story. As the curtain closes, one last character is introduced: Obed, the newborn son of Ruth and Boaz, and the grandfather of King David.
