Annie is a bright, observant Antiguan girl growing up under English colonial rule in the 1950s. Initially experiencing an idyllic childhood centered entirely around her mother's affection, she struggles as she enters puberty and faces new expectations to become a proper young lady. She possesses a strong rebellious streak and develops a growing resentment toward the colonial systems and patriarchal norms that govern her island home.

Annie's mother is a deeply practical and protective woman who left her own home in Dominica at age sixteen. She initially provides her daughter with unconditional, all-encompassing love but abruptly shifts her parenting style when Annie reaches puberty. She is determined to teach her daughter how to be a respectable, successful woman in a society governed by strict morality, a shift that causes deep friction.

Alexander is a carpenter who is thirty-five years older than his wife. Having been left by his parents as a young boy, he is now the primary provider for his family. He largely adheres to English colonial customs, playing cricket and trusting English doctors, and leaves the child-rearing duties entirely to his wife.

Gwen is a student at Annie's new school who quickly becomes her inseparable companion. She represents the standard values and expectations of their community, readily accepting the path of becoming a proper young lady. Her adherence to these traditional norms eventually causes a rift between her and the increasingly rebellious Annie.

A local girl, recognizable by her penny-colored hair, who lives a life free from the strict grooming and behavioral standards of English colonial society. She bathes infrequently, climbs trees better than the boys, and is a master at playing marbles. She serves as a symbol of absolute freedom and nonconformity.

Ma Chess is Annie's maternal grandmother and a practitioner of traditional Antiguan folk healing. She permanently wears black after the death of her son, Johnnie, and maintains a strict silence toward her husband over the medical decisions that preceded the tragedy.

Miss Nelson is Annie's homeroom teacher at the English school. Unlike the other authority figures, she recognizes and praises Annie's intellectual and writing abilities, earning the young girl's admiration.

Miss Edward is an authoritarian history teacher who strongly enforces English colonial perspectives. She punishes students severely for perceived disrespect toward European history.

Mineu is a boy three years older than Annie with whom she used to play as a child. He regularly forced Annie into subservient roles during their games, reflecting the societal power dynamics between men and women.

Ruth is the white, blonde daughter of an English minister. Although Annie considers her a poor student, she pities Ruth, believing the girl must feel deep shame over her ancestors' history of colonizing and enslaving Antiguans.

Sonia is an older schoolmate whom Annie torments by pinching and pulling her hair. After Sonia's mother dies, she is abandoned by Annie, who views a motherless existence as a shameful condition.

Hilarene is the sexton's daughter and a fellow student whom Annie dislikes for being perfectly behaved and fully compliant with the school's strict colonial expectations.

Pa Chess is Annie's maternal grandfather. He insisted on using an English doctor instead of traditional healing for his son Johnnie, a decision that led to his wife refusing to speak to him ever again.

Johnnie is Annie's deceased uncle who died from an illness after his father insisted on English medical treatment over traditional Antiguan remedies.

Dr. Stephens is an English doctor consulted by Annie's parents. He is unable to find a clear medical cause for her condition, reflecting the limits of colonial medicine in the narrative.

Miss Moore is the English headmistress of Annie's school. Annie finds her unimpressive, associating her with an unpleasant smell and an overly critical demeanor.

Rowan is Gwen's brother. He is introduced as a matrimonial prospect by Gwen, a suggestion that further alienates Annie from her best friend.