Laura is a 12-year-old, free-spirited girl who loves adventure and the outdoors. She takes on increased responsibilities to help her parents, stepping up after her older sister's illness and her beloved dog's passing. She dislikes her mother's expectations for her to become a ladylike schoolteacher but remains fiercely devoted to her family's wellbeing.

Charles, known to his children as Pa, is Laura's optimistic and hardworking father. He possesses an infectious good humor and an adventurous spirit. He plays his fiddle to bring joy to his family and works tirelessly as a storekeeper and homesteader to secure a brighter future.

Caroline, known as Ma, is a cautious and deeply stoic pioneer woman who values tradition and civilization. She dislikes rough wilderness camps but follows her husband westward to keep the family together. She is protective of her daughters and hopes they will grow up to be well-mannered and educated.

Mary is Laura's 14-year-old sister. She is gentle and patient. Having recently survived scarlet fever, she adapts to her new blindness by refining her other senses and taking on responsibilities like sewing and storytelling. She remains a comforting presence for her younger siblings.

Carrie is one of Laura's younger sisters. She shares in Laura's chores and playtime, accompanying her on explorations of the prairie and gliding on the frozen lake. She looks up to her older sisters and slowly adjusts to the hardships of pioneer life.

Grace is the youngest member of the Ingalls family. At two years old, she spends most of her time listening to Mary's stories or being watched by her older sisters. Her toddler curiosity sometimes leads her to wander away into the vast prairie grass.

Big Jerry is a tall, bold man of Indigenous American and French ancestry. He possesses a striking appearance and a complex reputation as a gambler and possible horse thief. Despite this rough reputation, he acts as a compassionate protector toward the Ingalls and others in need.

Aunt Docia is Charles's relative who moves from Wisconsin to the Dakota Territory. She is hardworking and practical. She manages the cooking and washing for dozens of railroad workers at the camps alongside her daughter Lena.

Uncle Hi is Aunt Docia's husband and a worker at the railroad camps. He eventually leaves the company with loads of supplies, considering it fair compensation for the wages he feels he was cheated out of.

Lena is Laura's 13-year-old cousin. She is fiercely independent, deeply involved in the hard work of running the camp, and relishes the rare moments she can ride her ponies. She becomes an admired role model for Laura.

Jean is Laura's 11-year-old cousin. He lives at the railroad camp with his family and occasionally engages in childish mischief, such as trying to scare the older girls at night.

Jack is the Ingalls' loyal and beloved bulldog. He traveled with them from Wisconsin to Indian Territory and Minnesota. Now old and weary, he serves as a protective guardian during Laura's early years.

Mr. Boast is an energetic homesteader who becomes a close friend of the Ingalls family. He frequently shares in their musical evenings and braves the harsh winter to return to Silver Lake with his new wife to claim land.

Ellie Boast is the young, cheerful, and inquisitive new wife of Mr. Boast. She looks scarcely older than Mary and quickly becomes a joyful companion to the Ingalls, sharing recipes, reading stories aloud, and bringing extra warmth to their isolated winter.

Reverend Alden is a traveling minister who knows the Ingalls from their previous home in Plum Creek. He brings hopeful news about a college for the blind in Iowa, profoundly shaping Laura and Mary's plans for the future.

Mr. Edwards is an old friend of the Ingalls family. He steps in at a crucial moment to protect Charles from a hostile homesteader and ensures Charles can file his claim.

Almanzo is a homesteader who has claimed land north of town with his brother. He drives a striking pair of horses that capture Laura's admiration when she first spots them.

Royal is a homesteader who settles in the Dakota Territory. He claims land and travels alongside his brother Almanzo as the new town springs up.

Old Johnny is a frail, elderly man who carries water to the railroad workers. He receives protection and kindness from Big Jerry in the rough camp environment.