Much-Afraid is an orphaned young woman living in the Valley of Humiliation. Afflicted with physical disabilities that cause her to limp and disfigure her speech, she is constantly mocked by her Fearing relatives. She deeply desires to escape her fearful nature and journey to the High Places with the Shepherd, hoping to gain "hinds' feet" to traverse the mountains.

The Chief Shepherd leads his flock in the Valley of Humiliation and frequently meets with Much-Afraid on the outskirts of the village. He acts as a guide and protector, encouraging his followers to begin the difficult journey to the High Places. He plants the seed of True Love in Much-Afraid's heart to prepare her for the arduous ascent.

Sorrow is one of the twin sisters appointed by the Shepherd to accompany Much-Afraid on her journey. Tall, veiled, and physically strong, she speaks the language of the mountains. Though her presence initially terrifies Much-Afraid, her firm grip provides necessary strength for the difficult climb.

Suffering is the twin sister of Sorrow, assigned to guide Much-Afraid through the dangerous terrain leading to the High Places. She remains silent at first, hiding behind her veil, but proves essential when the path becomes steep or blocked by adversaries.

Craven Fear is Much-Afraid’s cousin and unwanted suitor. He actively harasses and bullies her, popping up at inopportune moments to terrorize her. He is determined to drag her back to the Valley of Humiliation and force her into marriage.

Pride is a handsome and charismatic distant relative of the Fearings. Dispatched by the family after Much-Afraid's escape, he attempts to convince her that the Shepherd will eventually abandon her to lasting shame in the mountains.

Mrs. Dismal Forebodings is Much-Afraid’s aunt and guardian. She makes her niece's life miserable by scheming to keep her tied to the Fearing family. She plots to force Much-Afraid into an unwanted marriage to ensure she never leaves the Valley.

Gloomy is one of Much-Afraid's cousins from the Fearing family. She actively participates in the family's attempts to overwhelm and trap Much-Afraid in the Valley of Humiliation.

Spiteful is another of Much-Afraid's cousins. She aligns with the rest of the Fearing family in despising the Shepherd and trying to force Much-Afraid to remain in her miserable circumstances.

Old Lord Fearing is the patriarch of the Fearing family. When Much-Afraid rejects Craven Fear's advances, he gathers the relatives together and offers his mansion as the location to hold her captive during their kidnapping plot.

Coward is the son of Lord Fearing and the husband of Gloomy. During the family's home invasion, he takes physical action to silence Much-Afraid when the Shepherd passes by her window, demonstrating his willingness to use force against the vulnerable.

Timid Skulking is a member of the Fearing family by marriage. He aligns with the clan's overall efforts to thwart the Shepherd's followers and keep Much-Afraid contained in the Valley.

Resentment is a distant relation sent as reinforcement to assist Pride. He torments Much-Afraid during her difficult detours, trying to convince her that her journey is useless and her treatment unfair.

Bitterness is another distant relation deployed by the Fearings to break Much-Afraid's resolve. He continuously points out the hardships of her path, attempting to poison her trust in the Shepherd's promises.

Self-Pity is a distant relation of the Fearings who joins the coordinated assault on Much-Afraid's psyche. He attempts to make her focus on her own sorrow and physical disabilities to stall her progress up the mountain.

Mrs. Valiant is Much-Afraid's next-door neighbor in the Valley of Humiliation. She possesses a motherly heart and acts quickly to protect Much-Afraid, threatening the Fearings with the Shepherd's wrath to drive them out of the cottage.