The narrator of the poem is a mother offering life advice to her hypothetical future daughter. She is fiercely protective yet realistic, acknowledging her own past mistakes and her tendency to worry. She acts as a guiding force, preparing her daughter for a world that is tough but beautiful, while promising to be a constant source of support with rainboots and chocolate at the ready.

The hypothetical future child of the speaker. She is characterized as a girl with small hands and big eyes who continuously asks for more from the world. She represents the next generation, full of curiosity and tenacity, destined to face both the cruelties and beauties of life while retaining her capacity to shine.

The mother of the speaker, who passed down the practical wisdom that there will inevitably be hard days. She represents the generational transfer of knowledge and maternal guidance, serving as the model for how the speaker intends to raise her own daughter.

The hypothetical daughter's father, who is described by the speaker as a warrior. He stands in contrast to the speaker's self-described identity as a worrier, providing a sense of strength and balance in the family unit.