A determined and independent woman, Maud is the widow of author L. Frank Baum. In 1938, she acts as a protective consultant striving to preserve her husband's legacy on the MGM movie set. In the 1880s timeline, she is a young woman burdened by her mother's suffragist expectations. She fights to find her own path, weighing the merits of practical education against the pursuit of personal happiness.

A creative dreamer who believes deeply in the power of imagination. He works as an actor, playwright, and eventually an author, viewing the world with boundless optimism. He prioritizes life experiences over formal education, a philosophy that often puts him at odds with his grounded wife.

Maud and Julia's mother, a prominent and highly focused women's suffrage leader. She casts a formidable shadow over her daughters, intensely pushing them to pursue formal education. She believes a university diploma is the ultimate path to freedom for women, sometimes ignoring her children's personal desires.

A 16-year-old actress cast as Dorothy in the MGM adaptation of the Oz books. Despite intense pressure from studio executives to act older and maintain an impossibly slim figure, she retains a sense of childlike wonder. Her vulnerability and spirit endear her to Maud on the set.

The pragmatic head of MGM Studios. He oversees the production of the Oz movie and prioritizes the studio's financial investments over artistic integrity. He dismisses sentimentality and focuses purely on the bottom line.

Maud's sister, who also struggles under the immense pressure of their mother's legacy. Seeking an escape from her mother's expectations, she enters into a difficult relationship and moves to the Dakota territories. The harsh frontier life leaves her weary and worn down.

Julia's boyfriend and eventual husband. He moves Julia out to the Dakota territories, establishing a harsh frontier household. He is an abrasive and demanding partner who expects strict obedience from his wife.

Julia and James's young daughter and Maud's beloved niece. Raised in a difficult and tense household, she relies heavily on her imagination for comfort. She forms a tight bond with her Aunt Maud during family visits.

Maud's roommate at Cornell University. She is highly attuned to the gender expectations of the era. She frequently advises Maud on how to properly interact with gentlemen and conform to collegiate societal norms.

An assistant director on the MGM set. Though he initially appears sympathetic to the need to protect the story's young star, he soon reveals a predatory nature, using his position of power to take advantage of young actresses.

The actor portraying the Scarecrow in the 1939 film adaptation. He is insightful and kind, recognizing that formal education does not equate to true wisdom. He agrees to help Maud keep an eye on Judy Garland's safety.

Louis Mayer's executive secretary. She recognizes the harsh realities of how women are treated in Hollywood but operates strictly within the system. She advises Maud on the practical limitations of protecting young actresses in a male-dominated industry.

The actor portraying the Cowardly Lion in the MGM adaptation. He is a strong comedic presence on set whose humorous performance frequently causes Judy to break character during takes.