Samuel is a 12-year-old orphan trying to survive the harsh streets of London following the deaths of his parents. Deeply distrustful of men due to his abusive father, he operates on a strict philosophy of trusting no one and relying entirely on himself. He joins the Virginia Company expedition as a servant page to Captain John Smith, bringing his streetwise toughness and secret ability to read to the dangerous voyage.

Captain Smith is a commoner, an experienced soldier, and an explorer assigned to help lead the expedition to Virginia. His practical knowledge of survival and diplomacy sharply contrasts with the ignorance of the upper-class gentlemen passengers. He focuses intensely on necessary tasks like securing food and communicating with natives, refusing to cater to the demands of the wealthy investors.

Reverend Hunt is a kind, deeply religious man who joins the Virginia Company expedition to bring Christianity to the native population. He acts as a consistent voice of reason among the highly argumentative colonists. He advocates for compassion over violence, trying to steer both angry men and bitter boys toward forgiveness and cooperation.

Master Wingfield is a wealthy, status-conscious gentleman investing in the Virginia expedition. He prioritizes his personal comfort, insisting on maintaining his velvet clothing and demanding special treatment while commoners perform hard labor. He strongly looks down on those of lower birth and believes his wealth naturally entitles him to lead the settlement.

Chief Powhatan, also known as Wahunsonacock, is the powerful ruler of a vast, organized empire of native tribes in the Virginia region. He commands immense respect and views the arriving English settlers with a mix of curiosity and strategic caution, assessing how they might fit into his existing empire.

James is a nine-year-old orphan who comes from a gentleman's family but finds himself bound for the New World. He is terrified of the voyage and the unknown wilderness, relying heavily on Richard for comfort during the crossing.

Captain Newport is the one-armed commander of the three-ship fleet heading to Virginia. He is responsible for maintaining order during the voyage and ensuring the mission to find gold for the Virginia Company stays on track. He often finds himself caught between the demanding gentlemen and the practical commoners.

Captain Gosnold is one of the gentlemen commanding the expedition to the New World. He participates in the upper-class decision-making processes and commands respect among the crew.

Captain Ratcliffe is a gentleman on the expedition who easily angers when his comfort is challenged. He prioritizes easy paths and quick wealth over practical survival measures, demanding a large house be built for him in the woods.

Henry is a commoner and servant traveling to the New World. He is rough, intimidating, and deeply protective of his own interests, taking out his frustrations on the younger boys aboard the ship and securing hidden food for his master.

Abram is a commoner making the journey to Virginia. He partakes in bullying the younger boys alongside his servant Henry, using fear to amuse himself.

Master Archer is an influential gentleman who strongly opposes Captain Smith. He uses his status to manipulate situations to his advantage, caring little for the commoners' survival and focusing instead on punishing those who challenge him.

Pocahontas is the young daughter of Chief Powhatan. She is curious, bold, and playful, showing an immediate interest in the English boys and their strange settlement. She acts as a crucial bridge between her father's empire and the struggling colonists.

Namontack is a Powhatan youth and servant to Chief Powhatan who is sent to live among the English at James Town. He is observant and confident, proudly sharing his people's beliefs and customs while learning the ways of the English.

Ann is a young servant girl who arrives in James Town with her mistress. Uncomfortable being the center of attention in a settlement filled with unmarried men, she is overworked and anxious but slowly forms quiet friendships with the younger boys.

Mrs. Forrest is a gentlewoman who travels to James Town with her husband. She is demanding of her servant, using constant labor to keep the girl away from the eager men of the settlement.

John is a skilled carpenter in James Town who takes a gentle, respectful interest in the newly arrived servant girl. He uses his woodworking skills to court her quietly amid the chaos of the colony.

Kainta is the son of the Warraskoyack chief. He acts as a guide and teacher to the English, sharing his extensive knowledge of wilderness survival, hunting, and tool-making with those willing to learn.

Virginia is the infant daughter of Ann and John Laydon. As the first child born to English parents in the settlement, her fragile existence brings out fiercely protective instincts in the people around her.