Almanzo is a nine-year-old boy growing up on a prosperous farm in New York state during the 1800s. As the youngest of four children, he is expected to complete a variety of daily chores, from milking cows to cleaning horse stalls. He is highly empathetic and patient, displaying a deep love for the farm animals. His ultimate goal is to prove his maturity to his parents so he can earn the right to train his own colt.

Father owns the most prosperous farm in the county and commands deep respect in the community. He is a tough, intelligent, and hardworking man who prioritizes his family's self-sufficiency above all else. He serves as Almanzo's primary role model, teaching his children the value of a dollar and the necessity of honest labor through strict but loving guidance.

Mother is the practical, no-nonsense caregiver who manages the domestic operations of the Wilder farm. She spends her days weaving wool on her loom, churning highly prized butter, cooking massive meals for the workers, and sewing clothes for the entire family. Her constant labor ensures the family survives the harsh winters comfortably.

Royal is Almanzo's older brother. Because of his age and size, he takes on the heavier farm chores, such as cutting ice blocks and pitching hay into the hayrack. Unlike his father and younger brother, Royal dreams of leaving agricultural life behind to become a shopkeeper in town.

Eliza Jane is Almanzo's eldest sister. She attends an academy for young ladies and takes her responsibilities very seriously. Almanzo often views her as bossy and overbearing, especially when she is left in charge of the house, but she proves to be deeply loyal to her family when mistakes are made.

Alice is Almanzo's older sister. She is a cheerful presence in the household who helps Mother with embroidery, cooking, and churning butter. She shares a close bond with Almanzo and often participates in the more tedious chores alongside him.

Mr. Corse is the kind, soft-spoken teacher at the local schoolhouse. Unlike previous educators, he does not beat students with a ruler for misspelling words. Because of his slight build, the younger students fear he will be badly hurt by the older, rowdy boys who have driven away previous teachers.

Bill Ritchie is one of the "big boys" at the schoolhouse. At seventeen years old, he is physically imposing and enjoys causing trouble, bullying younger students, and attempting to intimidate the teacher.

Frank is Almanzo's cousin who lives in town. He frequently shows off his store-bought clothes and spending money, teasing Almanzo for being a farm boy. His lack of respect for the farm animals eventually leads to a physical altercation between the two boys.

French Joe is a hired man who lives in a log cabin and sustains himself by trapping and fishing. He assists the Wilder family during periods of heavy seasonal labor, such as cutting ice blocks and shearing sheep, earning food in exchange for his work.

Lazy John is a hired hand who, despite his nickname, performs grueling physical labor alongside French Joe. He helps Father catch, wash, and shear the sheep, participating in the heavy lifting required to keep the farm running.

Louis is the son of one of the hired Frenchmen. He spends time on the farm playing with Almanzo and helps test the newly trained calves by riding on their sled.

Pierre is another son of the hired Frenchmen. He frequently tags along with Almanzo and Louis, assisting with farm tasks like laying out hay and gathering wood in the winter.

Nick Brown is a traveling tin-peddler who lives in his cart. He provides the rural farming families with a connection to the outside world, bringing news, songs, and tin household items to trade for homemade goods.

Mr. Thompson is a local man who distrusts banks and carries large amounts of cash. When he loses a pocketbook containing $1,500, he displays a stingy and suspicious nature, immediately doubting the honesty of the boy who returns it.

Mr. Paddock is the town's wagon-shop owner. He is a prosperous businessman with a strong sense of justice who recognizes Almanzo's character and advocates for him when a customer behaves poorly.

Star is a bright red calf with a white spot on his forehead. Almanzo spends his free time training Star to accept a wooden yoke, follow verbal commands, and pull sleds of wood.

Bright is a red calf chosen by Almanzo to be trained as an ox. Alongside Star, Bright learns the commands to move forward, turn, and stop, though he occasionally misbehaves and tips over Almanzo's bobsled.

Starlight is a gorgeous young colt with a white star on his head, born to the mare Beauty. Almanzo instantly falls in love with him, fiercely protecting him from anyone who might scare or mistreat him.

Lucy is a little female pig that Almanzo decides to raise. She follows Almanzo around like a pet, though her habit of eating whatever he feeds her leads to a dangerous incident involving homemade taffy.