A seven-year-old pupil newly arrived from India to attend Miss Minchin's Select Seminary. She possesses unusual intelligence and an active imagination, using vivid storytelling to process her surroundings. She holds deep empathy for others, subscribing to a personal philosophy that she must behave with the nobility and generosity of a princess regardless of her circumstances. Her extensive French wardrobe and sophisticated manners immediately set her apart from the other children.

A light-hearted, wealthy British military officer stationed in Bombay. As a widower, he pours all his affection and disposable income into his only child. He admits to lacking business sense, preferring instead to purchase extravagant items like custom-designed Parisian doll wardrobes to ensure his daughter has everything she desires.

The tall, cold-eyed proprietor of the Select Seminary for Young Ladies. She operates her establishment with a focus on profit and outward respectability, showing extreme deference to families with large fortunes. She lacks genuine affection for children, demanding strict obedience and harboring a private grudge against pupils who display intellectual superiority.

A nearly thirteen-year-old student at the seminary who was the school's undisputed leader and best-dressed pupil prior to Sara's arrival. She maintains her status by dominating the other girls. She feels immediately threatened by Sara's wealth and natural leadership, frequently mocking Sara's vivid imagination and storytelling.

The younger sister of Miss Minchin. She is described as fat, dumpy, and somewhat weak-willed. While she occasionally disagrees with her older sister's cruel methods and possesses a slightly better nature, she is far too timid to voice her objections and continually submits to Miss Minchin's dominance.

A slightly overweight, good-natured student at the seminary. She struggles intensely with her academic lessons and frequently faces mockery from the other pupils. Burdened by the expectations of her highly educated father, she finds relief in Sara's patience and imaginative explanations.

The youngest pupil at the seminary at just four years old. Having lost her mother as a baby, she is highly spoiled and accustomed to wailing to get her way. She responds unexpectedly well to Sara's motherly intervention and vividly imagined stories about heaven.

A fourteen-year-old scullery maid whose physical growth is severely stunted by constant physical labor and a lack of proper food. She manages the heaviest, dirtiest jobs at the seminary, from scrubbing floors to carrying coal. Despite her exhaustion, she maintains a sense of wonder and finds solace in listening to the pupils' storytelling.

An Englishman who previously lived in India, currently suffering from severe health issues. He spends his days confined to his home, appearing skeletal and deeply unhappy. His presence next door creates a point of fascination for his neighbors, as he requires constant medical attention and relies heavily on his household staff.

A soft-footed, white-turbaned servant working in the household of the newly arrived neighbor. He moves with quiet agility and demonstrates a highly observant nature. He maintains a polite, respectful demeanor and possesses a deep affinity for animals.

A prosperous lawyer and the patriarch of the busy household next door. He maintains a warm, affectionate presence in his home, surrounded by his many children. He manages legal affairs for his neighbor and travels extensively for his client's business interests.

The maternal figure of the comfortable family living near the seminary. She provides a warm, loving home environment for her children, representing the sort of maternal comfort that an orphaned child might deeply long to experience.

An enthusiastic five-year-old boy living in a large, comfortable house near the school. He possesses a kind heart and a desire to help those less fortunate. His childish innocence sometimes causes him to misread social cues when interacting with strangers on the street.

One of the older sisters in the bustling household near the seminary. She is observant and quick to notice good manners and unique bearing when her younger brother attempts to offer charity to a stranger.

Another sister in the cheerful family living next door. Along with Janet, she watches the street closely and helps establish private family nicknames for interesting passersby.

A destitute, starving child who wanders the streets of London begging for sustenance. She wears ragged clothing and goes entire days without eating. Her desperate situation serves as a harsh reality check outside the walls of the seminary.

The French maid specifically hired to attend to the school's wealthiest pupil upon her arrival. She is immediately fond of the young girl, appreciating her polite manners and fluent command of the French language.

The French instructor who visits the school to teach the pupils. He is thoroughly delighted by his new student's effortless fluency in his native language, inadvertently causing great embarrassment for the school's headmistress.

A student at the seminary and a close companion to the school's primary bully. While she generally follows her friend's lead, she occasionally speaks up to defend unique physical features and captivating personalities when she observes them.

A business-minded lawyer representing a wealthy client stationed in India. He handles financial transactions, pays school bills, and monitors his client's investments. He delivers difficult news with pragmatic detachment, prioritizing legal facts over emotional comfort.

A beautiful doll purchased to keep her owner company during her time at the boarding school. She features realistic details and possesses a highly expensive wardrobe. She functions as a silent listener for her owner's private thoughts and stories.

A gray-whiskered rat residing in the walls of the seminary. Initially timid and cautious, he emerges from his hole to investigate his surroundings. He quickly learns to respond to gentle noises and scattered breadcrumbs.

An acquaintance who provides advice on English educational establishments. Her recommendation leads to the selection of the Select Seminary for Young Ladies, significantly impacting the course of a young child's life.