Mary Ellen is a nine-year-old girl living in Arkansas. She is observant and adventurous, though she harbors deep fears about her family's upcoming journey on the Oregon Trail. She relies heavily on her grandmother's teachings and a special star quilt for comfort when facing the unknown wilderness.

Abbott is Mary Ellen's father and the steadfast patriarch of the family. He is a gentle, patient man who works as a potter and farmer in Arkansas. Driven by a desire to provide a safer and richer life for his loved ones, he makes the momentous decision to move the family west. He leads the wagon train with a quiet strength rooted in his Christian faith.

Angelina is Abbott's third wife and the stepmother to Mary Ellen and Louvina. She serves as a stringent maternal figure, often encouraging Mary Ellen to behave in a more demure fashion. Despite her strict exterior, she is deeply committed to her family's survival and displays moments of quiet vulnerability.

John is a fifteen-year-old boy who works on the Todd family farm. Coming from a crowded home life, he joins the Todds on their journey west to help Abbott with the livestock and heavy labor. He is hardworking and frequently teases Mary Ellen with a crooked grin.

Louvina is Mary Ellen's younger sister. Unlike her older sister, Louvina is compliant and perfectly happy to follow Angelina's rules about wearing bonnets and behaving properly. She enjoys playing with dolls inside the wagon rather than running outside.

Grandma is Abbott's mother and the beloved grandmother of the Todd girls. Having raised Mary Ellen and Louvina after their biological mother passed away, she provides immense comfort and stability. She remains in Arkansas due to her advanced age, gifting Mary Ellen a special star quilt to remember her by.

Cynthia is the youngest daughter in the Todd family at the start of the journey, born to Abbott and Angelina. She travels in the wagon with her family as a toddler.

Elijah is the youngest member of the Todd family. He represents the family's hope for the future and their ongoing desire to establish a prosperous new life.

Thomas is a pioneer the Todd family meets in Independence. He travels with his wife and son, forming an alliance with Abbott to cross the open prairies together.

Martha is Thomas's wife, an experienced traveler who mentions to Angelina that she dislikes settling in one place for too long. She bonds with the Todd family on the trail.

David is the son of Thomas and Martha Grant. He provides companionship for the youth in the wagon train and assists with daily tasks.

Sarah Jane is a young girl traveling west with her family, who previously owned a plantation in Kentucky. She and Mary Ellen form a friendship, walking alongside the wagons and sharing stories.

Mr. Tedrose is Sarah Jane's father, a former plantation owner from Kentucky making the journey west for his daughter's health. He holds political views that occasionally conflict with Abbott's beliefs.

Cousin Will is Abbott Todd's cousin who lives in Arkansas. He tries to warn Abbott about the lengthy and dangerous nature of the six-month journey out west.

George is a neighbor of the Todd family in Arkansas who participates in the early discussions regarding the myths and dangers of the Oregon Trail.

Lucinda is a sick girl in the Independence, Missouri camp. Angelina sends Mary Ellen to bring her custard, highlighting the community care among the pioneers.

Captain Clark is the patriarch of the Clark family, a group of pioneers who join the Todds' wagon train. He travels with his wife and two sons to brave the elements of the western landscape.

Mrs. Clark is Captain Clark's wife, traveling west with her husband and sons. She endures the harsh realities of pioneer life alongside the other women in the train.

Jesse is one of Captain Clark's sons, part of the traveling company on the difficult route to Oregon.

Willie is the son of Captain Clark and brother to Jesse, enduring the harsh conditions of the western trail alongside the rest of his family.

Mrs. McReynolds is a pioneer traveling with the Todds' wagon train alongside her children. She relies on the community of the train to safely navigate the mountains and rivers.

George is the son of Mrs. McReynolds, traveling along the trail. He experiences the physical demands of the high altitudes and harsh weather firsthand.

Rebecca is the daughter of Mrs. McReynolds, braving the hardships of the pioneer journey.

Mr. McCorkle is a settler whom the Todd family encounters upon reaching their destination. He represents the established community the Todds hope to join.